Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Dog in the Summer

It’s summer, and it’s hot (big shocker), you’re sweating and miserable and then look at your dog with their luscious mane and think “they would be so much more comfortable if I shaved their coat this summer.” Before you make any immediate decisions, stop, and read why you might not want to shave Fido’s coat.

There’s a Reason Your Dog Has a Double Coat

Some breeds have a double-coat that give them two layers to fight frigid temperatures. The topcoat is long and guards them against snow, ice and even water slide off of it. The undercoat is soft and close to the skin to keep your pup warm and dry. In the winter, their undercoat can become so thick you may not even be able to find their skin underneath.

But, during the summer this hair thins and your canine companion will shed their topcoat. Their remaining undercoat will now work to protect them from sunburn and insulate their body temperature against the heat.

If you shave a dog with a double coat, you’re causing them harm instead of help, and can even ruin the way their hair grows. Single-coated breeds can have their fur cut down or even shaved and will most likely have a minimal change to the way their hair grows.

You’ll Change the Whole Texture of Their Natural Coat

If your dog has a double-coat and you shave them, you’ll most likely start to see new hair growing back quickly. Their undercoat will grow the fastest, with their topcoat will slowly grow in after. If you feel your pup’s skin during this time, you’ll notice the texture is almost velcro-like. It’ll attract and start to attach to seeds, grass, twigs, and whatever else they may come across outside.

So in the long run, this will cause your dog to be even hotter since the undercoat stops the air from getting to their skin and cooling them off. And then in the winter, their fur will turn into a sort of mat, making them irritated and giving them hot spots.

So long story short, double coat dogs should never be shaved.

If You’re Trying to Keep Fido Cool, This is NOT the Answer

Your dog has a natural cycle that will help them stay cool. In the summer their topcoat sheds and all that’s left is their guard hairs. And their guard hairs help them stay cool by allowing air to circulate as well as protecting them from sunburns. Meaning, once again, if your dog has a double coat, do not shave it.

What You Should Do Instead

For those with double-coated dogs, your best option to keep Fido cool during these scorching days is to take them to the groomer. There your dog can be bathed and have their undercoat blow-dried as it’s raked through with a comb. This will help pick up any loose hair that’s been building up in your dog’s coat. This is also something you can easily DIY.

But if you do decide to go to a groomer, make sure they’re experienced and are knowledgable about double-coat breeds. Also, don’t forget to be clear about how you want your dog groomed or else they may take the easy way out.

Also, don’t forget the basics: have your pup drink plenty of water, monitor their behavior if they like water let them take a dip or spray them with a sprinkler, and make sure your AC is at an adequate temperature and if needed you have fans going where your furry-friend can access their cool breeze.