The removal of a dog's entire coat to a very short length (typically a #10 blade, approximately 1.5mm) as a result of severe, irreversible matting or at an owner's request for extreme low-maintenance. A shave-down is considered a last resort when mats are too close to the skin to safely remove by any other method.
While sometimes necessary, shave-downs should not be taken lightly, especially on double-coated breeds. Removing all coat exposes the skin to UV radiation, temperature extremes, and insect bites. Post-shave, the coat may take 6-12 months to fully regrow, and in some cases the regrowth texture may differ from the original coat.
After a shave-down, apply a pet-safe sunscreen to exposed skin, especially on dogs with pink or light-colored skin. Schedule a follow-up groom in 4-6 weeks to check for any skin issues that may have been hidden under the mats.