When summer heat comes blasting in, many people wonder if they should have their pets shaved during the hot weather. It’s a reasonable question to ask, especially for owners of dogs with very thick coats like Old English Sheepdogs. Anyone involved with Pet Grooming in Olathe KS has met pet owners with very firm opinions on both sides of the question.
Should Dogs be Shaved?
There can be exceptions, but most vets don’t recommend shaving dogs in the summer.
• A dog’s coat is designed to help keep the dog cool in summer and warm in winter. Shaving interferes with the dog’s ability to regulate their own temperature.
• Dog’s can get sunburned, just as humans do. The fur acts as a natural sunscreen protecting the dog from UV rays and skin cancer. In fact, shaved or very short-haired dogs should be given a dog-safe sunscreen (one without zinc or PABA). Discuss it with your vet.
• If it decided to shave a dog for the summer, leave 1″ of fur to help prevent sunburn.
• Fur is a natural barrier protecting the dog from allergens such as pollen, grasses and dust mites.
• After being shaved, the fur could grow back in unevenly or not at all. This rarely happens, however.
Shaving can be useful in some circumstances.
• Shaving a dog with a severe flea allergy can make it easier to see the fleas and for a topical flea medication to reach the skin to do its job.
• Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and wet can become very matted.
• A dog prone to hot spots might benefit from shaving, but consult your vet.
Tips on Keeping Your Dog Cool
• Brush dog regularly and use a de-shedding tool to thin undercoat.
• Have a groomer shave only the belly, so that the dog can rest on a cool surface like tile and cool off.
Should Cats be Shaved?
Cats do not benefit from summer shaving. They are excellent at regulating their temperature and move to a cooler spot if necessary.
Falcon Valley Animal Hospital offers full service Pet Grooming in Olathe KS in addition to a wide range of veterinarian services and boarding. Each grooming includes the nails trimmed and anal glands checked. Annie Gregory, their experienced groomer, offers customized trims and breed-specific cuts. Complete files are kept for each client so that your pet is always trimmed as you wish.
