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Should I Shave My Dog In The Summer

↯ Key takeaway points

  • Shaving your dog in summer is not always the best option for keeping them cool
  • Differences between single coat and double coat dogs and why shaving a double coat can lead to negative consequences such as sunburn, pain, and damage to the coat
  • Wetting your dog can cool them down and cutting their hair too short can cause skin problems and damage to the coat. Alternatives to shaving include a trim and other methods to keep your dog cool.
  • Tips on how to care for your dogs in summer including providing water, avoiding over-bathing, avoiding high heats, and visiting professionals
Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Zoo and wildlife doctor in veterinary medicine passionate about animal welfare and preventive medicine.
Published on
Thursday 15 April 2021
Last updated on
Friday 2 June 2023
dogs during summer
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With the hot temperatures summer has to offer, you may be wondering should you shave your dog in summer? Often dog owners believe that if their dog has a thick coat that removing it will allow them to be cool. However, shaving your dog is not always the best option to keep them cool. Every dog’s coat is different, with some having single coats and some double. This means that the way the coat grows back after being shaved can be different and actually lead to negative consequences.

So if you are considering shaving your dog during summer, we would recommend holding off and reading this article first. It is not just a quick solution to the problem of overheating. But it can create other issues for your dog that will then require treatment. So let us explore this issue in more depth, look at the pros and cons, and whether it is still worth doing.

Single Coat vs Double Coat Dogs

Many dog owners are not aware of the differences between single and double coats. However, knowing these differences is important for taking care of your dog. Simply put, a single coat is one layer of fur. While a double coat has two layers: a topcoat and an undercoat, which is shorter and denser.

Dogs with double coats tend to feel warmer in the summer and require more grooming. They also shed more than single-coated breeds. Twice a year, dogs with double coats undergo a process called “blowing” where they shed their entire coat due to seasonal changes, adapting to either warmer or colder weather. This is why their shedding is much more noticeable than in single-coated breeds.

In summary, knowing your dog’s coat type is essential for providing proper grooming and care. While double-coated dogs require more maintenance, they are better equipped for colder temperatures and seasonal changes.

Dangers of Shaving Dogs During Summertime

The main concern about shaving your dog for summer is the risk of sunburn. When you shave your dog’s coat, its skin becomes exposed and is more prone to sunburn, especially during the warmer months.

Additionally, shaving a double-coated dog can lead to pain and difficulties in regrowing their coat. Shaving can cause the outer coat to grow back coarser and differently, which can lead to matting, hot spots, and even ingrown hairs, depending on the closeness of the shave.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving your dog’s fur will not help them sweat more openly and cool off quickly. Dogs do not sweat like humans do; their sweat glands are located in their paws. A dog’s undercoat provides thermal insulation, and shaving its full coat won’t make them cooler

How to Care for your Dogs in the Summer

If you are worried about your dog overheating and how you can help, here are some tips concerning their coat and general health. This way you can make them feel cool without having to worry if their shaved coat is going to lead to more problems.

Always Have Water Available

Providing your dog with water at all times is very important to make sure they do not suffer from dehydration. They can lose a lot of water in the heat, especially from breeds who drool and pant a lot. You can also offer your dog ice to chew or place it in their water bowls. Be sure the ice is not a choking hazard, especially to smaller dog breeds though. Furthermore, you can bring a travel water bowl so you can provide your dog with water wherever you go. Dehydration can be a serious threat to your dog’s health and can lead to death.

Don’t Over-Bathe Them

Another assumed theory is that bathing your dog often can cool down their skin and help them to feel better. However, over-bathing can be damaging to your dog’s coat and skin. The natural oils that your dog’s skin produce help to maintain the health of your skin by ensuring they do not get too dry. This could lead to dandruff and other skin problems. Furthermore, these oils keep their fur and hair healthy to try to prevent a dry coat and keep it smooth. There are specific oils and conditioners you can buy if you require to bathe your dog multiple times in a small period, such as if they roll in things a lot while out.

Avoid Exposing Them to High Heats

High temperature can lead to deadly situations, such as your dog getting heatstroke. By offering cool areas or places away from heat your dog can avoid overheating. Some solutions include offering your dog a cooling bed, areas of shade, and making sure there is a fan inside to keep the house cool alongside AC. We also recommend to avoid walking your dog if it is too hot outside as this can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and burns on their paws. If you cant hold your hand on the ground for five seconds without needing to pull away, your dog should not be walked outside.

Visit the Professionals

A groomer and vet can offer some of the best advice for keeping your dog cool, happy, and healthy. Firstly a groomer will be able to remove the correct amount of fur to ensure your dog is as cool as possible without any negative side effects. They can also advise you on coat-specific care for your dog. A vet can then evaluate your dog to tell you if anything needs changing and if they are overheating day to day. Regular checkups will allow your vet to advise you on any care you need to change and can give you tailored advice for any concerns you have. So if you are ever worried, always ask the professionals.

caring for dogs in summer
Exercise during the summer is both enjoyable and beneficial for your dog’s health!

Shaving Dogs in the Summer: FAQ

Do you have more questions or specific worries? We have some more answers concerning shaving your dog below.

What breeds should not be shaved?

The base answer to that question is to avoid shaving dogs with double coats. Some double-coated dogs include the Husky, Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Setter, and Collies. This is because their outer coat will not grow back the same and it may cause problems when it does grow back. Many single-coated dogs do not need to be shaved as their fur is already short enough.

How do you shave your dog in the summer?

This depends on the coat your dog has if you are determined to shave their hair. A single-coated dog does not need their hair shaving as it is already short enough. However, in double-coated dogs you can shorten the coat. You need to leave at least an inch of hair so that the coat may grow back properly.

Can I groom my dog by myself?

Many owners groom their dogs at home. You just need to make sure you have done the research required for your dog’s breed and have the required equipment. For some dogs this may just be a clipper, others may want to go all out and buy a grooming table. You may want to consider doing a small training course or looking up videos on Youtube to find out everything your dog needs.

Does wetting a dog cool it down?

Wetting a dog can cool them down. We recommend making a towel cool, not cold, and draping it over the body of your pup. This allows them to cool gently and not suddenly, which can be quite unpleasant for your pup. Sprinklers can also be preferred for play as your dog can willingly run through them and leave when they are done.

What happens if you cut your dog’s hair too short?

If you cut your dog’s hair too short they can suffer from skin problems as well as coat damage. Doubled-coated dog’s coats will never grow back the same. This means they will be more dense, knot more easily, and generally grow back slightly damaged. As for skin problems, the most obvious include clipper injuries. However, they can also suffer from dandruff more readily and hot spots on their skin.

Although shaving your dog can prevent an immediate problem, it can cause issues later on down the line. There are over solutions to your dog overheating that you can consider. A trim can make a world of a difference for a double-coated dog as opposed to a full shave. By knowing your dog’s breed and their coat, you can make the best decision for them to stay cool in summer. Remember that there are many alternatives to consider that can provide your dog with a cooler temperature that doesn’t result in negative consequences.

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