Should I shave my dog when it's hot?
Alden Leffler
2025-08-30 17:17:28
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Generally, most experts recommend against shaving most pets, though there are exceptions. Your pet's coat is designed by nature to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter. By shaving your pet you usually interfere with this built-in temperature regulation. If you have a dog with a very thick coat who seems to suffer from the heat, some veterinarians suggest shaving them when the mercury rises. Resist shaving shorter-haired breeds because not only do they get no benefit from it, but they also run the risk of sunburn once shaved. Actually, any dog can suffer sunburn, so if you do shave your thick-coated dog, be sure to leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet from the sun's rays. You may also want to shave a dog that stays outside all the time, has a matted coat, and is likely to be wet often. If your dog is prone to hot spots, a summer shave may be helpful, but discuss this with your vet first. Leave at least one inch of hair when shaving your pet. This gives your pet enough coat to protect from sunburn and chilly summer nights.
Olaf Hartmann
2025-08-25 09:37:02
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You may worry that all that fur will overheat your pet — especially if you have a double-coated or long-haired cat or dog — but in actuality, the coat acts as insulation to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says, When a dog is hot, it not only pants to regulate its body temperature (since dogs don't sweat through their skin like humans) but their coat traps the air in closest to the skin and keeps it the same temperature as their ideal body temperature. You might think shaving your dog or cat is a kind approach to keeping them cool, but it isn't recommended. When you remove your pet's coat, you're also removing their ability to cool themselves off. The AKC reports, If you shave a dog down to the skin you not only increase the risk of heatstroke but [of sunburn as well]. Shaving isn't a good idea if you want to keep your pets cool on hot days. For the best way to keep pets cool on hot days, make sure they have access to water to stay hydrated, shade and other cool environments, and it's best to leave their fur alone unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
Lenny Ondricka
2025-08-21 11:21:12
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Hold those clippers. While you or I would hate to sport multiple layers in 100-degree weather, your pets’ fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief. Acting like insulation, a dog’s coat keeps him from getting too cold in the winter, but also keeps him from overheating in the summer. Our pets’ coats have several layers that are essential to their comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog or cat of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort, overheating and other serious dangers like sunburn or skin cancer. It is ok to give your long-haired dog or cat a summer cut—trimming their long hair may make it more manageable. However, it is best to allow a professional groomer to perform the haircutting, and never shave down to the skin or try to cut the hair yourself with scissors. Dogs with thick coats naturally shed, so they have lighter coats in the summer. Remember to regularly brush your dog’s fur and bathe them frequently, as clean, brushed fur allows for better air circulation.
Lori Spinka
2025-08-08 15:19:14
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A summer haircut may help you feel more comfortable during hot, humid summer weather, but it won’t have the same effect on your pet. In fact, cutting or shaving your pet’s fur can actually compromise your furry friend’s ability to remain cool. Cutting Your Pet’s Hair Isn’t the Best Choice. Cutting or shaving your pet’s hair interferes with your dog or cat’s ability to stay cool. Although you may have the best intentions when you turn on the clippers, your pet may have more trouble regulating heat after a shave or haircut. Shaving can even affect your pet for years to come if hair doesn’t grow back again after a shave or grows in an abnormal pattern. Sunburn isn’t normally a concern when you have a furry pet – unless you shave or cut their hair. Brushing removes loose hairs and allows air to circulate freely through your pet’s coat. Allowing your pet’s natural cooling system to do its job is the best way to keep your furry friend cool this summer.
Jaime Howell
2025-07-31 19:04:33
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: 24
It may seem counterintuitive, but clipping pets’ fur can actually make them hotter instead of cooler. During hot weather, pets’ fur holds a layer of cool air next to their body to stop them from overheating. Whilst a trim of a long or unruly coat might be helpful, pet parents should never shave pets down to the skin. Huskies have what is known as a double coat, which means that the underlayer is a layer of fine soft hair close to the skin, and this is what keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Clipping or shaving a pet’s fur means they get more direct sunlight on their skin, which can lead to an increased risk of overheating, heat stroke and sunburn.
So, don’t shave your pets even if they appear hot and uncomfortable during the heatwave. Brushing their fur regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting helps to allow better air circulation near the skin. If your pet’s fur is badly matted or too long, take them to a professional groomer who can help them feel better. Making sure they have access to cool water and shade is essential to keeping pets comfortable during the heatwave.
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