Should I Shave My Dog For Summer?
As temperatures continue to rise in Orange County there is one question that we constantly hear at our grooming salon. Everyone wants to know if they should shave their dog for summer. While some people shave their dog every year, the answer isn’t as clear cut as you might believe. Many breeds actually need their coat in the summer to stay cool.
Double-Coated Breeds
It’s not a good idea to shave double-coated breeds including Samoyeds, Huskies, Malamutes, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Shelties, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs and many more.
Double-coated breeds have two layers of fur to protect them. The long guard hairs protect them against snow, ice and water. The soft undercoat keeps them warm and dry.
During the winter, the undercoat might be so thick that you cannot find your dog’s skin. In the summer, double-coated breeds shed their undercoat, leaving only the guard hairs. These guard hairs protect your dog from sunburn and insulate them against the heat.
When NOT to Shave
Unlike single-coated breeds whose coats continue to grow, double-coats only grow to a certain length. After it reaches this length, it just stops growing. When you shave a single-coated breed the hair grows back unaffected. Shaving a double-coat can ruin it forever.
Shaving short-haired breeds during the summer can cause problems as well. A dog’s coat protects it from the sun. Once removed, your dog will be more prone to sunburn and skin cancer.
Keeping Dogs Cool
It’s important to remember that dogs cool down differently than humans. Dogs cool down by panting. Their coat also plays an important role in keeping them cool. It’s hard for us to understand because we think of their coat as extra clothing. When we are hot, stripping off clothing can help. It’s not the same for our pets.
If you decide to shave your pet this summer, you will need to protect them from the sun. Keep them indoors and always provide fresh water. If you’re undecided, a belly shave can be an excellent choice. Shaving the hair on the belly allows dogs to cool off by laying on cool surfaces.
Please contact us with your summer grooming questions. Our full service salon is located in Fountain Valley, CA and our phone number is 714-962-1005.