Summer is fast approaching. But summer is not like that. In recent years, everyone, including us, has suffered during these hot months. But we must not forget about our canine friends. I’m sure you’ll be very warm whether you’re wearing two coats or a coat.
I know how good it makes the owner. We all know that bathing your dog regularly is not a good idea. If only there was another way to cool off. Wait…how about shaving your coat? Is this a problem? Can I shave my dogs regardless of their breed?
It’s not really a yes or no question. To answer this question, we need to do a few things. Because in most cases it is wrong to slaughter a dog. But sometimes it’s totally okay. Let’s endure the summer together!
When can I shave my dog?
Woman cutting a small dog with scissors in a hair salon
Technically, there are several dog breeds that are approved for shaving during the summer months. However, experience has shown that other hairstyles are more comfortable and suitable for summer than shaving.
If really necessary, dogs like Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkies and Lhasa Apsos can be neutered. What sets this breed apart from other breeds is that they have fur instead of fur like most dogs.
Yes, they are all hypoallergenic!
Poodles are often seen lightly shaved. This is a beautiful head made by professionals. Yorkies also fall into this category!
If your area is very hot and you don’t plan on spending a lot of time in the hot sun, you can shave your dog. Most double-coated dogs can also be shaved, but groomers recommend choosing a summer cut with a shorter coat, usually about an inch, rather than a full-shaven style.
In the following section, we’ll discuss shaving further, why it’s not okay, and how to deal with summer heat.
Why Is It Not Okay To Shave A Dog’s Coat?
Dogs don’t sweat like hoomans do. We have sweat glands all over our body, but dogs sweat through other parts of their body.
No, it’s not their tongue. It’s completely wrong to assume that dogs sweat through their tongue. In fact, it’s their paw pads and nose that sweat a lot.As you can see, shaving your dog to reduce sweating really has no point. No breed would sweat through its back or belly. A shave is a haircut just to make them feel lighter and agile during hot months.The whole point of a dog’s coat is to protect it from outside factors like cold and heat. To be precise, during summer months, the coat works as an isolator against solar heating.Once you shave your dog’s coat, you’re leaving his skin exposed, and the extreme UV factors could do so much damage to it, including forming cancerous cells. Your dog could easily suffer from a sunburn or, God forbid, melanoma skin cancer.On top of everything, a lot of dog breeds could end up with a damaged coat. When you shave the coat, you damage hair follicles, and they could grow out weaker; thus, making your dog’s entire coat look scruffy.
How To Deal With Heat In The Summer
First and foremost, do you really have to go outside when it’s too hot? It’s equally hot for your dog, too, so why should you leave at noon to go to the park? Pick mornings and evenings instead, when the heat wears down.
There are several ways to ease your dog’s summer issues:
- Provide enough waterPlay fun games in the pool or with sprinklersApply sunscreen meant for dogsExercise lessSnooze inside on wet towelsOr, simply read our Guide On Making Summer Easy for dogs. To Sum Up…
The bottom line is, if you really don’t need to shave your dog for the summer, just don’t. The one-inch haircut is a much happier choice for your dog and you’ll be grateful, too, because grooming is almost non-existent.Shaved dogs are at high risk of getting sunburned, developing skin cancer, overheating, and ending up with a poor-quality coat when it grows out. So, don’t think your dog will be any cooler when you shave him. That’s not how things work with dogs. It’s hydration, shady places, and refreshments that help them feel refreshed during hot months.
