Heat Wave! Should You Shave Your Pet?

Thursday, July 19, 2012 - 11:45am

Nearly everywhere in America, this summer is a scorcher, and we know that as a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your best four-legged friends cool. So when you look at your Pomeranian, Golden Retriever or long-haired cat wearing a thick, fluffy coat, you might feel tempted to break out your grooming tools and give him a serious hair cut.

But hold those clippers! While you or I would hate to sport a fur coat in 100-degree weather, your pets’ fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief.

“A dog’s coat is kind of like insulation for your house,” explains Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Hospital. “Insulation stops your home from getting too cold in winter, but it also keeps it from overheating in summer—and your dog’s coat does the same thing.”

Dogs’ coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog’s comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating. And keeping your dog cool isn’t the only reason to leave his coat intact, Dr. Murray warns. Your dog’s coat prevents your pup from getting sunburn and helps protect her from skin cancer.

So what can you do? “It’s OK to trim your long-haired dog’s long hair, such as any hair that hangs down on his legs,” Dr. Murray says. Just never attempt to clip mats off your pet’s coat with scissors, Dr. Murray adds. And if you’ve got a long-haired kitty, leave her coat intact. Instead, brush her a little more frequently during the hot summer months.

To protect your pet from sunburn and skin cancer, save longer walks for evenings, and consider applying pet-specific sun block to thinly covered areas like the bridge of your dog’s nose, the tips of his ears and his belly, Dr. Murray suggests, noting that pets with thin coats, as well as those with white or light-colored coats, are especially at risk for sun damage.

Of course, pet parents should remember to keep pets inside with plenty of water during hot days—hydration is key! For more important information on summer pet care, visit our Hot-Weather Tips.

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Pet Care

Comments

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 12:32 — l (Visitor)
thanx for the info on clippers. I'll try it that way. I dont 'trim' often, but I'd rather do it right. I have been cautious w the scissors but it does feel dangerous... one wrong move... I am happy w my groomer, meanwhile. Pricey but I trust her, so we're lucky.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:35 — Alicia H (Visitor)
What the Vet meant regarding trimming out matts is that you should NEVER trim them out with scissors, always with clippers. Matts pull on your dogs skin and cause it to "tent" and not lay flat, so using scissors to trim them off is very risky and could/does frequently result in slicing the skin open. It is much safer to use clippers with a #10 blade, which gets under most matts without pulling on the skin. I'm a groomer and have seen/ heard so many horror stories. A couple months ago, I had a customer come in that had tried scissoring matts out on his own dog and had sliced her open down to the muscle in 2 places. Of course, I sent him to the vet immediately and the dog required several stitches. This kind of thing can scar your dog for life and make him/her terrified of grooming, so removing matts is best left to professionals. If you really can't avoid doing it yourself at home, you should at least talk to your groomer and ask for some tips on the best way to do it safely

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 11:45 — Judith Macomber (Visitor)
Really a question: I have a (now lumpy) cat whose fur I havnt been able to de-mat. I don't want to get het "lion-clipped" because I don't think it's good for het (as in the comments about sun burn, etc. I've been using a furmulator, but can't get the mats out. I'd like to know how to clip her with the vet clippers to get the mats, or how to give her a short "furcut". Where can I get info? Thanks, Judithm

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 12:34 — l (Visitor)
thanx for the info. I'll check out these clippers. Would rather be safe! (posted other thank u note as well)

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:51 — Patrice Taylor (Visitor)
I have a little dog who looks like Toto, but he LOVES to go to the beach!! We have to keep him shaved down in the summer, or he turns into a giant sand ball!! He loves to swim out into the small waves, and tear it up with the big dogs.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:52 — Lorraine (Visitor)
I inherited a kitty when my sister passed away (I already have a Greyhound) Kitty was leaving tufts of hair every where (she hadnt been properly cared for after my sister became ill) I took her to groomer & had her shaved because she is a long hair but in her case she is strictly indoor never out She seems comfy now and not throwing up hair balls

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 11:09 — Melissa (Visitor)
I've heard of this issue regarding the trimming of pets. However, my long-haired cat threw up furballs DAILY throughout the summer. Frequent brushing proved to be of little help and she was always hiding in bathroom, the coolest place in the apartment. She seemed almost lethargic between early morning and late evening. The furball issue was a huge problem and the frequency was dangerous, so I began shaving, (more accurately, a "buzz cut," leaving her hair about 1/2" long,) her every summer. She's been a content kitty ever since! Please note, she is not a dog, (who may have different needs,) and she does not go outside.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:52 — Vicki (Visitor)
We had a beagle mix, Angel. The fur around her neck was very thick. I decided one summer several years ago to shave her neck. Mind you I did not leave her with no fur on her neck, just thinned it out a lot. Let me tell you, the old girl was happier, ran around like a much younger dog. Even our neighbor commented on it. I would have never thought giving a dog a haircut would have made such a difference. She acted liked a much younger girl. And even started the squirrels in the yard more. I have never had a problem when I shaved my dogs hair. I can also see how it helps insulate some too.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:54 — Elizabeth (Visitor)
I get my Shorkie cut just a little shorter in the summer months than the winter. He always feels so much better! We live where it's over 100 degrees and 100% humidity. He doesn't go outside for walks until the sun goes down.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:26 — stefanie baron (Visitor)
I have lived in an area where the humidity is 100% every day, the temp is approx 100 each day, and it can go for a couple of months without raining. I have never had a long or thick coat animal in this area because of the weather and heat patterns, it is too niserable for them. I feel bad for dogs like husky and others that are fine in much cooler temps, but being here they are miserable. To see when horses stop perspiring and sre having a hard time breathing is an emergency and desperate situation, and to see a dog with extreme thick hair and no shade, what can one do ? Have tried informing animal shelter, but they claim they cannot force owner to do anything. How can I help this dog ? I have to give it water and food half of the time because they do not. Any sugesstions ? One other thing, animal shelter does not even require a rabies vacc if dog is kept in yard. Thanks.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:26 — stefanie baron (Visitor)
I have lived in an area where the humidity is 100% every day, the temp is approx 100 each day, and it can go for a couple of months without raining. I have never had a long or thick coat animal in this area because of the weather and heat patterns, it is too niserable for them. I feel bad for dogs like husky and others that are fine in much cooler temps, but being here they are miserable. To see when horses stop perspiring and sre having a hard time breathing is an emergency and desperate situation, and to see a dog with extreme thick hair and no shade, what can one do ? Have tried informing animal shelter, but they claim they cannot force owner to do anything. How can I help this dog ? I have to give it water and food half of the time because they do not. Any sugesstions ? One other thing, animal shelter does not even require a rabies vacc if dog is kept in yard. Thanks.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:56 — Sue (Visitor)
Great topic! I have seen other dogs getting seasonally shaved and wondered if my german shep./gold. ret. mix should also get shaved. We handle summer heat by walking when it is cooler--which means before 8AM and then again after 7PM. He rotates amongs his beds, carpet, and tile, during the day. Thanks for sparing him the loss of his beautiful coat!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:56 — Rebecca Conner (Visitor)
Some dogs need to be shaved for other reasons then the heat. For example, I have a German Shepherd / Wolf mix that has skin allergies, but if we keep him shaved year around it isn't as bad. The vet thinks it's because yeast grows in his thick undercoat and his sensitive to it. I think he's happier shaved then not too.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 09:57 — S. Faerber (Visitor)
We shaved out Siberian Husky/Golden Retriever this summer because of the extreme temperatures and he IS the happiest dog in the world.Why would the ASPCA advise against this ? I don't understand.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:02 — Father Daniel (Visitor)
The advice on not using scissors to cut away mats on a long-haired dog's coat is a lesson I learned the hard way and that needs expansion. An effort to demat my Newfoundland before taking her to the groomer last week resulted in a laceration that required surgery to fix. Thankfully, I have ASPCA-endorsed pet insurance to help cover the cost. The poor dog did not bleed or cry out. She seemed fine until a groomer at PetSmart discovered the serious wound. A nearby veterinary hospital determined the rather long laceration needed stitches and did so on under a general anaesthetic.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 21:52 — Lyn (Visitor)
Are you absolutely certain that YOU injured your dog trying to demat her coat? My Standard Poodle has lost ear leather and bits of her nostrils when clipped at the groomers. I didn't take her to the same groomer or the same salon, but both of them were in PetSmart Stores. For over 5 years, she grew excited about being groomed. But that was her past. Now she trembles and tucks her tail. We need a new grooming salon. I'm glad your dog is okay.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:03 — Miranda (Visitor)
I have to totally disagree with this article. I have a cocker spaniel and we shave her down about 2 or 3 times a year. Let me tell you after we do this she is one of the happiest dogs in the world. In the summer if she is not shaved I have to deal with her itching and getting multiple burrs in her fur due to her being an adventurous dog. I will continue to shave her for her own comfort. Maybe if your dog is older and use to not getting shaved you shouldn't start but as for me and my dog I will be shaving her!!!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:04 — Debbie (Visitor)
The pets that need to be clipped short for summer, are the ones whose owners never brush them. With all that undercoat on they truly suffer in the hot weather. I am constantly amazed by the number of people who don't brush. :(

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 11:23 — jill (Visitor)
I am sorry,but this is a blanket statement! Not everyone that gets their dogs shaved/clipped,fail to brush their dogs! I have a very thick furred golden retriever and I am constantly brushing her with a regular brish and an undercoat rake. I get her clipped,not because iam too lazy to brush her,but for her own comfort. Do not make assumptions about other people!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:05 — Elizabeth Bram (Visitor)
Hi, you mentioned pet-specific sunblock. I have 1 13-14yr rescue poodle who has thinning tan hair and I worry about the sun with him. I have looked and haven't been able to find a pet-specific sunblock. Can you name some and where they can be purchased? thanks

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:22 — Abigail (Visitor)
Hi Elizabeth - I've had great luck with this one: http://www.petedge.com/product/Top-Performance-Sun-Block-Spray-for-Dogs/55494.uts My chocolate lab puppy has a thin coat from life on his own prior to me adopting him, including naked spots on both his ears, and this has kept him safe while at the beach so far this summer! (I also have the Ikaria coat mists on the same website, which offer sun protection too, but I've only used them to deodorize between baths - they do a great job there.)

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:07 — Amy (Visitor)
I saw someone posted about shaving their cat, but can an ASPCA please comment? I have two short hair cats that are shedding like crazy and laying sprawled out like starfish on the floor trying to keep cool. They are indoor only, and we have been trying to keep them in the basement but I would like to hear your thoughts on shaving them. Thanks!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:07 — Christine (Visitor)
I am surprised to see so many people say that their dogs "feel so much better". How do you know? Did your dog tell you that? If so, you have a lot more issues than possible heat stroke/cancer for your dog. Take the advice of professionals. They have no reason to lie to us about our animals!!!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:15 — phyllis (Visitor)
Professionals don't always have the right answers either nor do they all agree. Also in time it is often found they were wrong. Same with people doctors. My golden is 8--4 of which he was dragging in summer with hot spots. The last 4 he's had his hair cut and he's like a pup again with no hot spots. He is very healthy and comfortable.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:07 — Michelle Benoit (Visitor)
this advice is like an old wives tale... there are plenty of well respected veterinarians that dispute this long held theory. i was tormented when my chow mix puppy's entire demeanor changed with the heat and humidity...i did a great deal of research and against even the groomers advice had him shaved. he was immediately back to his happy smiling playful self and no longer looking like roadkill on my floor under the air conditioner. I get him shaved 3 to 4 times a summer....he just loves it and his hair grows back beautifully in the fall, no bald spots or bizarre happenings that i was warned off...the nasty inexplicable hot spots also disappear!! so glad i read Cesar Millans website..regarding this subject!! I also had an elderly Golden Retriever shaved 25 years ago... it was one of the best things i had ever done for him...he acted like a pup again... the last year of his life was a good one for him, he was completely rejuvenated! if you love your dog don't listen to these old tales!! its simply not true.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:09 — Jessica Butts (Visitor)
Thank you! I had asked people on-line about this and no one mentioned that it could be harmful. I don't distrust evolution but with animals bred to have features that are loved by humans but are not at all helpful to the animal (eg our fluffy gal has a smooshy little face and is prone to having respiratory problems because "this nose was made for beauty") I've worried about the same thing in regards to her heavy coat. It is not something she can manage on her own (when The Animal Refuge League found her, she was covered in filthy matted knots and had a terrible respiratory infection) She also does things that are so dangerous, eating string because it reminds kitties of eating guts. Ten cents of dental floss led to over $3,000 in medical bills. So I'm torn. Animals certainly have instincts and natural attributes that we will never fully understand and we should never assume that because a human likes something,an animal will as well but humans have intruded by changing the habitat as well as creating hybrid pets. I will be leaving Suki WITH her coat of wild white hair. Thank you for telling me what Suki cannot and the next time I have a query, I'll make sure to call her doctor, just like I would for my child. Thank you for all that you do! Much Love, Suki & Company

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:11 — Pit mom (Visitor)
I am a groomer and agree 100%. It will also ruin there coat if they are a breed that is not meant to be shaved.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:58 — Linda (Visitor)
What a load of nonsense. I've been a groomer for 30 years -- Master Groomer for 15. You will NOT ruin a coat if you clip it down. I'm not talking shaving to the skin, which in most groomers' hands would be very dangerous because of uneducated "groomers" with a #10 blade and hot clippers... hello.. razor burn, which I deal with frequently. Taking a huge, heavy coat down with a MAXIMUM of a #7 blade won't hurt a thing. Done safely, responsibly and carefully, the dog won't be harmed in the least. It's the idiots out there than do it themselves with a #10 blade, or the uneducated "groomers" employed by Petco, PetSmart and the like that are the problem. Unfortunately, ASPCA frequently ALSO doesn't know what they are talking about or don't bother editing the articles without checking with an expert.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:11 — phyllis (Visitor)
My golden retriever is very sensitive to heat. For several years he couldn't stand to be outside in summer---pant, pant, pant. He also got hot spots which he was continually picking at. Our vet finally recommended the "yellow retriever" hair cut. He gets this from spring through August and is now very comfortable. He also gets no more hot spots. A hair cut has given him a vastly improved quality of life. I feel so sorry for those I see out with their masters and they are dragging along and panting so uncomfortably.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:12 — Crested mom (Visitor)
Say this to my two hairless Chinese cresteds.. they don't really have the option its Naked dog year round hahaha.. they do use baby sun screen when outdoors and maybe even a light tshirt if they're going to be out long to avboid sun burns.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:12 — Janet Diehl (Visitor)
I have an old Chow-mix with a very thick double coat. Chows evolived in Artic-Siberia area. While I found her in Florida; now we live in SW Wisconsin, but we've been having 80+ temperaters - not Artic weather!! I've tried shaving, but she still panted a lot. This year I had her washed, & her belly, ruff & rump hair cliped way back but not shaved. Likewise the groomer cliped any extra leg & foot hair, and the her ear hair. The later was a shock to see, as she looked so very different. In the Winter I let her hair totally grow out. If she gets mats, I cut them out - using blunt tiped bandage shears & my fingers next to her body; then I gently pick apart the very last part of the mat.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:16 — Sally (Visitor)
Shaving your dog completely bald, and trimming your dog's coat down to 1 inch are two very different things. All this blog post is saying is that you shouldn't shave your dog down to its skin...which should never be done unless the dog is severely matted. Don't agree with it, then shave your dog. I'm sure the ASPCA won't try to stop you. End of story.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:46 — Kayakers (Visitor)
Thank you for clarifying. This conflict appears to stem from miscommunication re: the use of grooming terms. We have had auusies (with double coats) for 14 years. One had major issues with overheating, so we asked our dogs' groomer about the pro's and con's of clipping him this spring. He carries a heavy coat. We tried clipping. He came home a different dog, a happier dog, a cooler dog. We were then able to sleep with the windows closed and no fans blowing on him all night long. Our other aussie had thyroid issues, so we would never have clipped her fur, as it might take forever to grow back. Different strokes for different folks. Discuss the issue with both your groomer and your vet. Our dog now has enough fur to protect him from the sun (which he is in occasionally) yet it is short enough for his belly to feel cool on our stone and tile floors.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:18 — Dawn (Visitor)
Every summer I shave down my sheltie mix's hair, but partly due to the fact that I would be able to see if she had any ticks on her. I don't do it for coolness as I heard the hair actually helps keep them cool. She seems to love it though!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:19 — Jimmie (Visitor)
Our Dog was miserable until we shaved him, and don't mean he was panting a lot, he was miserable. He is a German Shepherd/Collie mix, so his hair gets pretty long. We give him a summer cut every year and he is the happiest dog in the world! And it is usually the groomer at our local vets office who does the cut, and they have never once advised against it? I'm not disputing this article, just relaying my personal experience.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:19 — barbara (Visitor)
I have 11 rescues (3 are persians) I have to vacuum daily and most of them do not want to be brushed. How about some advice on shaving cats - including which shavers are best/quiet etc.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:36 — Betsy Brower (Visitor)
I used to have a cat who got heavy when she was old (lived to 21) and seriously, I used to vacuum her. She loved it! Would come running when she heard me turn it on. Go figure...

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:21 — Amy (Visitor)
I agree with Tara! I'm a groomer as well, and one thing a lot of people forget about is the difference between a dogs undercoat and guard coat. The guard coat works sorta like a t-shirt while the undercoat is more like a sweater, when you shave off the guard coat, it's like you're leaving the sweater and cutting off the T. When this is done, the undercoat outgrown the guard coat and actually becomes thicker and denser, plus, that beautiful slick, soft guard coat could be ruined and never grow back again properly. I see it all the time and many people refuse to accept its because they shave their dog. If its done for medical reasons/matts, that's a completely different story obviously.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:23 — Amy (Visitor)
THAT'S why a de-shedding treatment is so key!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:22 — Ann Longmore (Visitor)
I have a Chow-Chow, Golden mix and the for the last 3 summers have gotten him shaved in the early Spring and again in late Summer -- and he is ecstatic when groomed! I watch him carefully when out during the day to see how he is dealing with the heat and check his skin. But he has never gotten sun burn or suffered any adverse reaction to the grooming. Quite the reverse. I am just sorry that I listened to the standard advice for so many year.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:22 — John R (Visitor)
I tried cutting my Shetland Collie's fur when I noticed he couldn't keep up with me on normal walks. It proved to be very INeffective so I never tried it again.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:23 — Peaceful touch ... (Visitor)
i do agree that you should not shave the double coated breeds, but as a pet groomer of 30 years, i see the most uncomfortable pets, please talk to your groomer,, if your pet has matts wether it is a cat, or a poodle mix, you must give your pet relief, when the matting is tight to the skin, it should be removed, to not only help with the heat, but to let the skin breath, not to mention the skin problems that can happen, some simple tips....brush your pet once a week, always brush before bathing or swimming, the key is to brush so that it feels more like a massage, rather than a tugging session, and have treats in hand, your pet will not only be cooler, but also cleaner, as you brush all the debree out of there coat.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:24 — Tracey (Visitor)
While I have the greatest respect for the ASPCA and their advice usually, I have to disagree on this point. I have a long-haird Chihuahua, a Siberian Husky and a Border Collie, all of whom get shaved as short as possible for summer. Granted, the are only outdoors in the sun when I am out with them, so the chances of sunburn are slight and we have a shaded patio and yard for their comfort, but they are so much cooler and less restless when their coats are shaved. I see people walking in 100-degree heat with Chow and husky dogs that can hardly breathe, they are so hot, and it's because of advice like this that they are suffering. My dogs lie comfortably in their dog beds, free of all the heat and panting, and the humans are better off for having less hair in the environment as well.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:27 — Zena (Visitor)
HELLO people. Eggs are bad for you, wait years later they are OK. Flouride is good for you, OH wait no its not. Remember as kids schools made u eat that red junk that showed plaque.....NOW THEY DONT. Bottom line these carpet baggers just want headlines. I shave my dog and she loves it. Hello if your dog lays upside down to cool off and then you shave them they dont do it anymore......They are telling you thank you for shaving me. If a dogs coat and layers are supposed to be there for insulation or a natural cooling system etc, well then why dont all dogs have the same length hair. Is this person saying naturally short haired dogs are screwed and long hair dogs are the norm. Wait, let me think about this. Long hair on my head sure I get hot. Shaving my head or having short hair I feel better. When I have my dogs shaved and she give me a kiss, it is money well spent and SHE LOVES IT. I wonder why a cursury look I dont see the authors name of this article just the doctor interviewed. I wonder if they even own pets or are just rampling like me. Would the authors like to put on a hairy gorilla suit and go outside and see if they feel better. Im sure when they are done sweating, they would be like wow less hair makes it easier to cool off. As far as insulation in the house. Well lets look at this yes more insulation helps the inside stay cool...it keeps the cool in. Lets say you have a temperature of 70 degrees and your girlfriend burns dinner and left the oven on. Well first off the stink stays inside the house, the temperature rises and what do you do as instinct. You open the windows and doors to do what........LET THE STINK OUT AND HEAT OUT. ENUFF SAID. Years ago when I was a kid dogs poop turned white after it sits outside. When is the last time you see white dog poop after it sat. Times are a changing and this sound like an old wives tail. I say shave your dog if you want. Dont comment on my spelling in chat ebonics here.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:49 — M (Visitor)
Different breeds of dog are bred for different climates, hence different coat lengths.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 13:30 — amazing (Visitor)
Omg you solved the case. Everyone wants to kill your dogs. Aren't you a smart little cookie. The scientific evidence is all fake and you've saved.the world by shining your little flashlight on it because of white poo. You go girl!

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:28 — Jamie (Visitor)
I have a sheltie, my best friend in the whole world. I clipped him a few months ago and he definitely feels a difference lying in front of the air conditioner or fan. My advice to all of you is to take your own advice. You know your breed better than this post from the ASPCA so do what you think is best. Unless you think it's okay to take advice from someone else on how to raise your own child.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:30 — Marsha McDonald (Visitor)
Seems to me that people should just use common sense here. First of all, some of you seem SO angry over the article! Have an ax to grind with ASPCA? My experience with shaving is that it can alter a dogs coat, or, in many cases it doesn't even grow back. I've seen this happen, and many groomers will advise people about this before they shave a dog. However, I DO CLIP one of my dogs - just not extremely short. I've only noticed that the hair growing back is a bit coarser than it once was. I have a pasture that she runs and plays in and she's continually picking up tons of stickers. That is the reason I do it. I only do it twice during the summer. And by the way, I do brush her coat frequently. But I can see where some breeds might be best left with their long hair. Bottom line is try to do what works best for your dog.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:38 — Melissa S Fuda (Visitor)
I've been a groomer for six years and I would never advise anyone to shave their double coated dog (huskys,shepherds,collies,pomeranians,Spitz's,etc) down in the summer. While it is well known that the thick coat keeps dogs warm in the winter it also acts as insulation from the heat and helps your dog to keep his or her body temperature regulated. There is a good chance too, that by shaving your double coated dog that the hair will change in texture or not grow back correctly, sometimes it doesn't grow back at all. Of course some of you will say that I'm lying because you shave your dog and it does grow back. It all comes down to the individual animal. Sometimes it only takes one shave to wreck a dogs coat and other times it happens suddenly after years of shaving. As a groomer and a pet owner myself I would like to say that all groomers, vets and the like want what's best for your pet but if no one has advised you of the risks of shaving your pet then they obviously only care about the large bill you pay them for their services. Aside from the heat of summer many people believe that shaving their dog helps them to shed less. WRONG. All shaving does is shortens the length of the hair that's shed making it more likely to cause hair splinters in you and your pet. If a shedding pet is your concern ask your groomer about a Furminator Shed-less treatment.

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:39 — Rita MacCallon (Visitor)
It is very important to keep your pet groomed and clean. However, good judgement must be used when it comes to shaving a dog's coat. I have grooming salon and customers come in regularly complaining about how hot their dog is and they want them shaved for summer. I counsel with them and give them my best advice. First of all, my shop will NEVER shave a dog to the skin (say #10 blade). We refuse to do it. We will recommend a longer shave, maybe a #5. This works well for retrievers, labs, short coat dogs. When you talk about Siberians, Pyrenees, dogs with double coats, you would never shave them - this calls for a Furminator Shed Less treatment and a nice trim. The dogs look fabulous afterward. Smaller dogs like Maltese, Shih Tzus, etc. should get a regular grooming as they would any other time of the year, maybe just a little shorter. PLEASE consider your pets feelings first before yours when making a decision about their summer cut. Happy Tails, Ranger Rita

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