Should my dog be clipped short this summer?
The short answer is: no
Human hair and dog hair work very differently, if you are considering shaving your dog for summer, please keep reading.
More hair doesn’t = more heat for a dog. In fact, a double coat helps the dog regulate their temperature (in hot and cold climates). It also acts as a natural sunscreen and helps protect your dog against skin cancer.
But you might be asking, ‘how do I know if my dog has a double coat?’
The most commonly owned breeds with double coats are:
- Pomeranians
- Golden Retrievers
- Border Collies
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Labradors
- German Shepherds
- Huskies
- Pugs
- Chows
- Samoyeds
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you are still not sure whether your dog has a double coat then speak with your vet for further advice.
Alternatively you could ask a professional groomer such as Pulse Dog Washing & Grooming and they can point you in the right direction for pet grooming care.
If you have identified your dog’s breed on the above list then here are a few simple rules to follow:
- Never clip or shave your dog, no matter how hot the temperature is
- Grab a ‘Furminator’ brush and use that when they start shedding
- Your dog’s undercoat will shed typically twice a year
- Brushing away excess shedding will help keep them cool
- Wash your dog or have them groomed every 1-2 months
- It’s also a good idea to have your dog deshedded professionally during that time
- Don’t walk your dog in the heat of the day
- They can overheat this way and their paws will burn on the pavement
- Ensure that your dog has a cool place to lie during the day
- It is imperative that your dog has access to plenty of water, inside and outside the house
If you follow these tips, your pooch will be a very comfortable and cool dog indeed. And with the right grooming, their fur will be thick and luscious too. Give the team at Pulse Dog Washing & Grooming a call on 1300 697 857 today.
