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We think our pets' thick coats make them uncomfortable in the hot weather, but will shaving your dog for summer be effective in cooling them down?
The truth is, shaving certain dog breeds in the summer can actually make them hotter, rather than cooler.
In this article, we'll discuss the idea of shaving your dog for summer, including when to do it and when not to, as well as alternative options to help them cope with the heat.
RELATED: How to Prepare Your Dog for Summer
Shaving Your Dog For Summer? Read This First!
A dog's coat is very different from our hair.
We can shave our hair, and it will grow back exactly as it was before. After a bit of time passes, you'll never be able to notice that your head was shaved.
It doesn't work like that with animals. Their hair does not grow in the same way that ours does.
Shaving their coat could do permanent damage.
In general, most pet care professionals do not recommend shaving a dog, but there are exceptions and considerations, mainly with the type of coat your dog has.
Double-Coated vs. Single-Coated Breeds
It's fairly straightforward: dogs with single coats have only one layer of fur, while dogs with double coats have two layers of fur on their bodies.
The fur in single-coated dogs is also referred to as “hair,” as they have a more pronounced growth cycle and their fur becomes longer.
Breeds with a single coat include Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises.
RELATED: How To Groom A Shih Tzu At Home: Shih Tzu Grooming Guide
Double-coated dogs, on the other hand, have an undercoat and a topcoat that act as protection from harsh elements and provide natural insulation against different weather conditions and temperatures.
Examples of dogs with double coats are Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Dogs with single coats can be shaved, but it's still recommended to leave at least one inch of hair on their bodies.
They are also susceptible to sunburn, especially those with light-colored skin, so providing them with protection is essential to shield them from the harmful sun rays.
The fur of dogs with double coats, on the other hand, has a mechanism to cool down their bodies naturally, which we'll talk about next.
RELATED: Double-Coated Dogs and How to Groom Them
Thermoregulation: How Dogs Naturally Stay Cool
Think of your dog's coat the same way you think of your home's insulation.
Insulation is necessary to keep your home warm in the winter, but did you know that it also helps keep your house cool in the summer?
Your dog's thick coat works in the same way.
In the summer, dogs primarily cool themselves through panting and sweating from their paw pads.
They don't sweat through their skin like we do, but their fur helps them regulate their body temperature, and removing it can disrupt that ability.
For this reason, shaving your dog for summer could cause him to overheat more quickly. Heatstroke is a serious and potentially deadly condition among canines, especially those left inside a car in the summer.
Your dog's coat also keeps him from getting sunburned. Too much sun exposure isn't usually something that dog owners think about, but when you shave your dog's coat, his skin becomes exposed to the sun.
If you decide that shaving your dog for summer is something you want to do, your pet may be paying for that poor decision for the rest of his life.
Other Reasons NOT to Shave Your Dog's Coat
Your dog's fur protects his skin from debris, dirt, and allergens.
Dust mites, pollen, and other irritants won't bother your dog's skin as long as he has a protective layer of fur.
Shaving your dog for the summer removes that barrier, and your dog may develop skin allergies due to the new exposure.
Not to mention that it can also permanently damage your dog's coat.
Some coat types will grow back as if they had never been shaved, but others will grow in much differently.
In extreme cases, some coats don't grow back at all, or they regrow very patchily.
When Is It OK to Shave Your Dog in Summer?
In some cases, shaving a dog might be necessary, especially when recommended by a veterinarian or a professional groomer.
A dog with severe matting and obvious neglect, or one with skin conditions that require shaved areas, may benefit from shaving.
Dogs with single coats may also be shaved, as they will not suffer any long-term damage to their coats, thanks to their hair-like features.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian or a professional, experienced groomer before deciding to shave your dog.
RELATED: How To Groom A Dog at Home by Yourself: Introduction to DIY Dog Grooming
What to Do Instead of Shaving Your Dog in Summer
Most groomers and veterinarians recommend a trim for the summer months, especially if your pet has a long, thick coat.
It's not hard to perform these trims at home, but it may make you feel more comfortable to use a professional grooming service, at least for the first few cuts.
You also need to remember that dogs with thick coats will shed a lot in the weeks leading up to summer. It's their body's natural way of preparing for the heat.
You should brush your dog daily all year round, but it's especially important during this high-shedding season.
Assisting in brushing out the loose hair will help to keep your pet cool.
Shaving your dog's belly may also help keep him cool when the mercury rises.
A professional groomer should do this, and you should certainly ask for a groomer you trust if a belly shave is beneficial for your pet.
The fur on your dog's neck, back, sides, and legs will protect him from the sun. His belly won't see a lot of UV exposure, so it should be safe to shave the area.
This will also allow your dog to cool off more easily by finding a cold tile or a basement floor to lie on. If the coolness doesn't have to penetrate his coat, it will be a much quicker process.
FAQs
How do I know if my dog has a double coat?
You can ask your vet or groomer, or look up breed-specific coat types online, especially if your dog is a purebred.
If they shed seasonally, they most likely have an undercoat, similar to that of Husky dogs.
If your dog is a mixed-breed, try running your hand through his back, where the fur is typically thicker and more concentrated.
If you feel and see smooth and flat fur, they're most likely single-coated.
But if they look fluffier and the fur stands up more prominently, they might be a double-coated dog. You'll also feel the much softer and denser undercoat underneath the rougher and longer topcoat.
How often should I groom my dog in the summer?
In summer, it’s best to groom your dog at least once a week, though some breeds may require more frequent grooming, especially heavy shedders.
Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and undercoat, improves air circulation to the skin, and reduces the risk of overheating and matting.
Bathing every 4–6 weeks can also help keep your dog’s coat clean and cool, but be sure not to over-bathe as it may dry out their skin.
RELATED: Dog Grooming Schedule: How Often Should You Groom Your Dog
What if my dog is overheating even with a full coat?
If your dog seems to be overheating despite not being shaved, focus on cooling strategies rather than removing their coat.
Keep them indoors during peak heat, ensure they have plenty of fresh water, use fans or air conditioning, and provide cooling mats or damp towels.
Walk them early in the morning or late at night, after sunset.
If your dog is exhibiting signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, or weakness, contact your veterinarian immediately, as this is a medical emergency.
Before You Go…
There are many ways you can help your pet cool off, other than shaving them for summer.
It's best to leave your pet indoors with an air conditioner or fan; however, if you can't, ensure that they have adequate shelter, shade, and water outside.
Keep your dog's outside activities limited to the cooler hours of the day.
It is hottest in the middle of the day, so it's best to walk and exercise your pet in the morning and evening.
Hot pavement can also be an issue when the sun is out, so be mindful of that if you walk on roads, paved trails, or sidewalks.
And lastly, NEVER leave your dog in a hot vehicle.
We've all heard the horror stories, and we're all aware of how quickly a car can heat up when the sun is shining.
Just because the temperature outside is 70 degrees doesn't mean your car will stay that temperature.
It's best to leave your pets at home while running errands in the summer.
Related Articles
- Summer and Dogs: Tips, Risks, and How To Keep Them Safe
- Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer?
- 10 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool Outside In Summer
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