As temperatures rise, you may be wondering whether shaving your furry friend could help them stay cool. Although it may feel intuitive to shave your dog’s coat, research says otherwise. Follow along to learn about the purpose of your pup’s coat and how you can help them stay cool in the coming months.

Understanding Your Dog’s Coat

Over thousands of years, dogs’ coats have evolved into sophisticated cooling systems. A dog’s coat is not just for warmth; it’s for cooling, too! Depending on the breed, however, the coat type differs. Single-coated breeds, such as Poodles, Malteses, and Shih Tzus, have hair that grows continuously. Similar to human hair, single-coated pups need the occasional trim to keep their hair healthy.

Double-coated breeds, such as Labradors, Huskies, and German Shepherds, have two layers to their coats: a soft, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. The hair on the outer coat repels water and protects these furry friends from the sun. The undercoat is responsible for temperature regulation in both cold and hot climates. Identifying whether your pup has a single or double coat is essential to deciding whether to give them a summer cut.

Should I Shave My Dog’s Coat?

Short answer: no. It is ill-advised to ever fully shave your canine’s coat, regardless of the outdoor climate. A dog’s coat protects them from the sun and water and, beyond those benefits, serves as a biological climate control. However, if you have a single-coated furry friend, it is advisable to schedule regular haircuts to keep their coat under control, including in the summer. Nevertheless, double-coated dogs should never have their coats cut unless for medical reasons. Double-coated breeds shed naturally, doing the cutting for you!

Alternatives to Shaving

Luckily, there are other ways to keep your furry friend cool during the summer months. Here are some of the best alternatives to shaving:

• Regular brushing: Brushing is one of the most effective ways to keep your pup cool. By brushing your canine, you remove loose hairs from the undercoat and improve air circulation through the fur.
• Hydration: Drinking water regularly is a good practice year-round, and in the heat, it is essential. Make sure your furry friend has access to a full water bowl throughout the day.
• Indoor time vs. outdoor time: Spending time outdoors with your canine is fun! However, during the hotter months, it is important to limit your time outdoors to the morning or evening to avoid midday heat.
• Cooling products: Cooling mats and vests are great ways to keep your pup cool when they’re in a hot climate. These products are designed to improve blood circulation and help regulate your furry friend’s temperature.

Signs of Overheating

Dogs can overheat quickly. Signs of heatstroke include, but are not limited to, drooling, excessive panting, restless exhaustion, and disorientation. If you’re concerned that your dog has heatstroke, try to give them a little water and take them to the vet immediately. From there, the vet can treat them and prevent any adverse health effects.

Although you want to keep your dog cool during the hotter months, shaving their coat is not the answer. Try alternatives, such as brushing frequently and strategically timing your canine companion’s outdoor time. As pet parents, we need to work with our pet’s biology, not against it!