Should I Shave My Dog in the Summer

It can be tempting to shave your dog during these hot summer months. But dog groomers say shaving your furry friend can do more harm than good. Keep reading to find out why, and learn how vital our dog’s coats are. 

Drawbacks of Shaving Your Dog 

While you might think shaving Fido will keep him nice and cool, it will actually have the opposite effect. Many pups have something called an undercoat. An undercoat is a second layer of fur that protects pooches from overheating. If your furry friend loses their undercoat due to shaving, they will lose their built-in cooling system and become more susceptible to overheating. Shaving a pup with an undercoat can also change the texture and even color of its fur and can cause it to look patchy. Shaving leaves your pup’s sensitive skin unprotected and can lead to skin problems such as sunburns, dryness, and ingrown hair. 

When to Shave Your Dog 

While shaving your dog can be harmful, it’s often used as a last resort when a pooch’s coat becomes unbearable. Matting and widespread tangles can be very painful for Fido, and sometimes shaving is the only way to relieve them of that pain. Older pooches are also shaved more often than other dogs, as they can be harder to groom as they get older, and shaving can provide them some comfort.

Dog Breeds and Shaving 

Some dogs should not be shaved. Pooches with an undercoat should never be shaved, for the reasons stated above. If your double-coated pup does end up getting shaved, don’t panic. Your pooch’s coat will eventually grow back, as canine fur grows much faster than humans. However, some dogs can be shaved, such as curly, wiry, and long-haired breeds. 

Best Grooming Practices 

To ensure Fido doesn’t need an emergency visit to the groomer, it’s important to groom your pooch correctly. Try to brush your pup often, as built-up tangles can lead to painful mats. Try to brush long-haired breeds at least once a week, to prevent tangles and mats. 

While keeping your dog cool during the summer can be difficult, you are now aware of the risks of shaving Fido!