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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Comments

Clipping

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 21:10 — Priscilla Evans (Visitor)

I really think these doctors don't know what they are talking about. I had a Collie that I had shaved every summer. He was a lot happier, after he went thru his embarrassment stage, and I felt he was better off. I have a Golden Retreiver that will be getting shave down to about 2 inches this weekend.

I have 3 very different dog and all of them live inside

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 22:16 — Lyn (Visitor)

One of my dogs is a black Standard Poodle. You can be sure that she gets her hair clipped every couple of months, no matter the season. We share our home with a BullMastiff as well. No shaving or clipping for him, unless you include claws. Our third dog is a Peruvian Hairless dog. He has hair only on the tips of his tail and his toes, and he sports a natural mohawk. His skin is warm to the touch. He can sunburn. He wears a sweater in the winter. Stays in during intense sunlight. He has no protection from cuts and scrapes or mosquito bites (except for his preventative). He is very allergic to environmental things like grass and bugs. He sometimes gets skin infections. His doctor tells us that dogs with fur would have some of the same skin flaws under their fur, but who would ever know? Anyway, nothing about a dog without fur is easy, excepts baths. Baths are a total breeze. We once had a little dog that was a terrier mix who resembled a Pomeranian. She tangled with a skunk and large burrs. Our veterinarian suggested shaving herd Her coat was never the same again. To shave, or not to shave should be up to the pet parent and the "experts". (Just be careful to whom you grant the title.) It's hot out there during the summer!

Sorry, but I hate typos

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 22:20 — Lyn (Visitor)

Correction 5 sentences from the end: Our veterinarian suggested shaving her (not herd).

Poodles are shaved

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 00:17 — Poodlebreeder (Visitor)

Many, many Poodles are routinely shaved on different parts of their bodies (face, feet, tail.... and on show dogs.. full legs). I've never had the problems you mention. I think there is a big difference between the hairless dog like the Xolo or Chinese Cresteds and dogs that are shaved for summer. Dogs that are shaved are usually clipped with something like a #4. The shortest I've ever seen a body trim is a #10 and that still leaves a covering of hair.

pro-trimming

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 22:40 — staci (Visitor)

I live in Alabama and trim my rottie and japanese chin down to 1/4" every summer(japanese chin stays trimmed due to skin problems, she wears coats in the winter). After being trimmed, they both prance. My rottie acts like a puppy again; bouncing off the walls and wagging his nub so much that his whole body wiggles. The only problem that I ever have with trimming them is when you go over certain spots, their legs start kicking and you have to wait until their legs stop before making a complete pass. I guess it depends on your dog.

I forgot to add...I save the

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 00:16 — staci (Visitor)

I forgot to add...I save the hair and put them by my plants to keep deer away and the birds use it to make nests also.

I had my collie shaved every

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 23:35 — Colleen (Visitor)

I had my collie shaved every summer. She never had a problem with her hair growing back just as lovely as ever over 13 years.

Golden is miserable without being shaved

Fri, 07/20/2012 - 23:54 — OkieDi (Visitor)

My son & I adopted our Golden Boy right before Christmas 2 years ago. I've always had spaniels or dobies before him. My son watched Homeward Bound and had his heart set on a Golden. He was fine during the winter and part of the spring. However, as summer approached and the temperatures rose, he couldn't stop panting. Last summer, I gave him a good trim--especially his belly. He was finally able to rest without the constant panting. I partially trimmed him up again this year, but alas, I have only a regular set of human clippers. I can't wait to get the professional ones I've ordered online so he can be comfortable again. Today, the temperature here in Oklahoma City reached 107 and we won't be below triple digits until perhaps the end of next week. As I type this message, it is still 92 degrees and it is just before 11pm. As for those of you subscribing to the Global Warming drama...It is actually "Global Change". While I understand the wish to keep the thread limited to pets, this is a possible venue to reach someone and perhaps help them to consider steps they can take to improve the state of the environment. There are many scientific, unbiased sites you can visit to get your info. I strongly suggest avoiding any of the news sites or news papers because the information there will be biased. I recommend peer-reviewed journals to get your information. As for my belief, as an environmental scientist by trade who is engaged with a wide variety of scientists from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, you would be hard pressed to find ones who no longer believe that humans are not affecting environmental change. Will you find some who do? Of course you will. However, the majority realize through experimentation, data, and modelling that it is real. As we have played a part in the cause, we can also be a part of the solution by making concious changes in our lifestyles that are easy to make. Recycle and keep what you discard out of the waste stream. Repurpose items you no longer need by donation or changing them into something you can use. Make a compost pile and let worms eatyour vegetative waste to create an awesome soil amendment for your garden. Brush your pet's hair and put the hair out in your yard for birds to use in their nests. There is so much we can do. Every small action added together can have an enormous affect on our world.

Clinical studies or just opinion?

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 00:11 — Poodlebreeder (Visitor)

I wonder if Dr. Louise Murray can actually quote any studies that have compared heat tolerance in shaved vs. unshaved dogs. I doubt it. This is the kind of urban ledgend that gets passed around, even by vets. Anyone who actually works with dogs (show, Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Hunt etc) will tell you that less hair = a more comfortable dog in the heat. Would I shave an Aussie or a Golden.... probably not because I think it ruins the look of the dog. However, I've personally seen the difference over the years between a Poodle in full show coat and a Poodle clipped down in a short trim. There is NO comparison... the Poodle in long coat is just plain hot!

Humans DO Wear MORE Clothes To Keep COOL!

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 04:25 — Anonymous (Visitor)

1.) The idea that humans don't wear many layers of clothes to keep COOL is FALSE! Humans living in the desert in Asia wear MANY layers of clothing, and DON'T sweat! The key is DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE SUN is HOTTER than being veiled/clothed in loose fitting garments! I KNOW! I used to wear SHORTS all the time in the hot seasons, and now I prefer pants and LONG skirts, because direct sunlight is WAY HARSH on UNCOVERED skin! PLUS, I SUNBURN LIKE IT WAS MY JOB! 2.) A dog is NOT a human! STOP PROJECTING YOUR DISCOMFORT on your dog! Talk about a COMMON MISCONCEPTION! The ASPCA is RIGHT in this case, and that that I am AGAINST other policies of animal health of theirs. 3.) COMMON SENSE IS KEY! 4.) I FIRMLY BELIEVE in ALL aspects of NATURAL MEDICINE and ORGANIC FOODS! It is a COMMON MISONCEPTION that a dog gets bugs JUST because they are outside and/or have long coats! Feed your DOG BETTER FOOD, NATURAL AND ORGANIC, and I guarentee with a LEGITIMATELY HEALTHY NATURAL DIET, you won't need to shave anything in any weather! The dog will be HOLISITCALLY BETTER! The so-called "comfort" they experience after such NONSENSE is TEMPORARY. And, like MOST Western medicine, ONLY CURES THE SYMPTOMS! The LONG TERM EFFECTS ARE MUCH WORSE! And, lastly... Pick the DOG FOR THE CLIMATE WHERE YOU LIVE!... IE: If you live in Texas, DON'T OWN A SIBERIAN HUSKY!... It's YOUR FAULT YOU HAVE THE WRONG DOG IN THE WRONG CLIMATE!... Don't BLAME THE DOG for your POOR JUDGEMENT on pets!... Don't shave, it's CRUELTY TO ANIMALS!... Which the ASPCA IS AGAINST!... Oh, and my point is REALLY... JUST BECAUSE WESTERN MEDICINE (ie: These so-called "animal doctors" w/ pase 1950's medical ideas!) think it works, DOESNT MEAN ANYTHING!... Look to Eastern Medicine philosophies, or JUST BE NATURAL (which means LEAVE YOUR DOGS HAIR ALONE, except for BRUSHING!)... for REAL, LOGICAL, and HEALTHY answers! Thanks!!!! - A REAL DOG LISTENER! (Now, hopefully I'll be able to sleep toight!)

What about poodles?

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 09:53 — mike (Visitor)

They have hair, not fur, and it grows like human hair.

Poodle hair/fur

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 11:03 — Poodlebreeder (Visitor)

People are always saying that Poodles have hair vs fur. This distinction is a red herring. All dogs have "coat" with hairs. Depending on the breed, those hairs have been selectively bred to be curly, wavy, straight, soft or coarse and to grow to a certain length. On a Dalmation, the hairs are genetically short and they fall out after a short life cycle. On a Poodle or a Bearded Collie or a Yorkie, the hairs are genetically programed to grow LONG before they eventually fall out. If coat keeps a dog cool, then by all rights an Aussie in full show coat would be cooler out in the heat than a Vizsla. Anyone with any experience with multiple breeds would tell you that this is simply NOT TRUE.

paralysis post grooming

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 09:57 — Myra Clements (Visitor)

I have a mixed breed terrier who gets groomed about every 3 months. I have noticed that after grooming, she has difficulty walking for 3-4 days after her grooming. This time has been the worst. She is on prednisone for a couple of days to see if this helps ( it seems to). She has cerebellar abiotrophy and normally has difficulty walking but after grooming, it seems that her back legs don't want to get her standing up and moving. On Wed. when I had her groomed, she could do nothing for herself. Now on Saturday, she is a little better. Since I just had back surgery 3 weeks ago, I am not supposed to lift more than 10 lbs. and trying to take her out for potty has been a real problem. Has anyone else ever had a problem like this? If so, what was your solution. Someone has suggested that the harness used to hold her upright during grooming is possibly the problem. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

paralysis post grooming

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 11:08 — Poodlebreeder (Visitor)

When dogs are groomed, they have to stand still in one position for a length of time. The bigger the dog... the longer it stands. Also, if dogs are not a good citizens on the table, then many groomers will string them up tight so that they don't move. It sound like grooming is physically taxing on your dog. I think your groomer should try experimenting with having the dog sit, stand and lie in different positions during grooming. If your dog is not trained to stand, sit, and lie quietly on the grooming table, then you have some homework to do.

I totally disagree with this

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 10:23 — Amy (Visitor)

I totally disagree with this article. Each dog owner knows what is best for his or her animal. I work for a vet and have been shaving my 2 mastiffs during the summer every year for 11 years. They both love it. I have had no regrowth problems or skin problems. As for the insulation in your house reference- go spend some time up in your attic in the middle of summer and see how cool you are!

Shih Tzu Trimming in Summer:

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 10:41 — Misty (Visitor)

I am surprised not to see one Shih Tzu on here :) I have my shih Tuzs trimmed VERY short, but never shaved. You can't see their skin, they are just too darn cute when their hair is that short! I love it when they are fluffy too, but when it is hot, they pant so hard, and one it soooo fat her belly nearly drags the ground (so unhealthy I know :( ) But when I get their hair trimmed that short they are able to enjoy being outside longer without having to lay down and pant relentlessly. We live surrounded by woods and fields with lots of acreage so they have lots of room to explore and play, and it is wonderful to see them do that in the summer! Although, at night they DO like to sleep under the covers with us since they get chilly LOL another benefit to trimming hair!!! Thank you for all of the advice here, it is wonderful to know where to find great tips on our babies!!!

Nature doesn't, only irresponisble humans.

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 12:35 — earthocean (Visitor)

I've worked with dogs for a lifetime, am a firm believer in natural/holistic health and healing, and although there are very specific instances where a dog MUST be shaved (medical procedures, bad skin conditions, etc.), there is no basis AT ALL for shaving a dog. Trimming is one thing, SHAVING is another, (yes, there is a very distinct difference), and that is what we are discussing here. Granted, trimming/shaving wouldn't happen at all in nature, and only irresponsibility on the owners part will contribute to a need for drastic hair reduction/removal. We brush our own hair on a daily basis, and as a pet owner, we have the same responsibility for our pets hair, as they are our dependents and cannot care for themselves. Most domestic dogs are kept indoors, therefore, for better or worse, they are constantly acclimated. No domestic dog should be left completely exposed to the elements, and should always have somewhere to escape the heat/cold. We humans constantly think WE know what's best for an animal w/o properly educating ourselves first, & often make decisions which, whether to our knowledge or not, contribute negatively to our animals health/comfort, often over the long term. Just because an action makes our lives more simple, or cut's corners on our responsibility as pet owners, does not make it right, nor does it make it a healthy decision for our pets.

Sheltie haircut

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 13:20 — Mimi (Visitor)

I have a rescued puppy mill Sheltie and she has many allergies, including very sensitive skin reacting to any kind of bite. I've had her clipped down (puppy trim) the past 2 summers, and it has made it so much easier to apply the cream to stop her itching. Her hair grows back every fall. If she did not have a medical condition I would not have had her clipped. She is my 4th sheltie and I'd never had any of the others trimmed.

worm medication

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 13:46 — Twiller Collick (Visitor)

I just gave my dog worming medication when should i give him more. His stools are loose

worm medication

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 13:46 — Twiller Collick (Visitor)

I just gave my dog worming medication when should i give him more. His stools are loose

Dog Shots

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 13:49 — Twiller Collick (Visitor)

Is ther any place that gives shots free

Insulation

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 16:12 — ShadowDog (Visitor)

I agree that some long-haired dogs should definitely not be shaved. However, this example does not really fit - “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.” I don't know about you, but my house, although insulated, gets pretty darn cold in the winter without extra heating and pretty darn hot in the summer without some kind of cooling system. The insulation alone is not enough. I think it's the same with dogs. Some of them need a little extra help in keeping cool, but instead of being shaved, that might mean being in an air-conditioned house or being hosed down with cool water, maybe providing a child's swimming pool for them, and keeping lots of cool water available.

clipping your dogs fur in summer

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 16:24 — Carm (Visitor)

Had a beautiful Newfoundland told the groomer not to shave her down, she was messy as we got her from the rescue and had tangles asked them to do the best they could no shaving as it is not good for them they have blue skin and could kill them well she was shaved down when I picked her up and I lost her 2 weeks later from a heart attack caused by overheating in air conditioning. Leave their coats alone, trim if you must! The groomer we have listens and knew about Newfs!Thank heavens!

Shaving a dog

Sun, 07/22/2012 - 01:45 — Kate (Visitor)

I have three dogs, a peke-a-poo, pekingnese and a teenie weenie chihuahua. The pekes both get puppy cuts all the time and they are cleaner, more comfortable and happy about it. They swim in the pool in summer and wear sweaters and coats and such (what wardrobes!) all winter. My chihuahua wears sweaters when it's cool and heavy wear when it's cold. She does not get groomed, but for shampoos and minor trunmming of her ears (BIG ears!!!) and tail, as she's long-haired (two pounds of cuteness.) I never had an issue with their haircuts, but they are not shaved to skin. Although, I did have a Sheltie and when he got old I goit him shaved...and it wasn't a good thing. :-( But he was messing himself and it seemed a good idea at the time.

Shaving Double coated dogs

Sun, 07/22/2012 - 10:54 — Linda (Visitor)

I am also a groomer & have the struggle with this topic as well with clients. I have yet to find any actual research that has been done to test dogs core temp when shaved or not I would love to see an actual controlled study on this topic. I know myself with long hair that there is a HUGE difference with my hair down over my back vs in a pony tail. I don't beleive the dogs coat "cools" them but it does act as a sunscreen & shed water. I do beleive the double coated breeds can be comfortable w/proper grooming at intervals of no more than 8wks. There are a lot of "guessing" as to how the dog is affected by clipping. I totally agree w/sun exposure issues & that there are risks for post clip alpecia when someone calls me & wants to shave their double coated dog the first thing I ask is has it been shaved before? this will tell me that regardless of whether I'll do it or not or if I explain the potential problems they WILL find someone to do it if they've always had it done, so in these cases I usually will clip the pet per owners request & still explain about the risk of alpecia. Most times when an owner has one of these breeds that hasn't been clipped & I explain how the natural coat will be affected by the clipping they opt to a maintenance schedule to keep the dog in good shape (usually a 6-8wk. interval between grooms). I don't have a blanket policy on clipping these breeds I have to consider the dogs individual circumstances, lifestyle, health etc.. for some dogs owners report that the dog is so much more comfortable if the dog is healthy & happy & the owner is happy that's the best outcome. What I don't like to see is double coats pelted full of gross filth/ticks/wounds etc. never been touched for a yr. or more living outdoors! This is extremely disturbing to me & concerns me much more when being asked to clip them down. For the pet that lives mostly indoors & people insist on clipping for shed control or that their pet is cooler happier short I don't have a big issue. Again I wish someone would do ACTUAL core temp tests or direct me to research data I don't like "hear say" or "guessing" the only actual data I've seen is the particular breeds that genetically or ones w/specific diseases are more apt to present w/alpecia & we know when clipping the double coated that the guard coat will take a very long time to grow back in up to 3yrs. Beyond that there is no facts one way or the other only observance data. I know of some cases where a dog had hot spots often or particular allergies & when clipped never had them again so obviously for some "individuals" there is benefits. I've owned nothing but double coated dogs though mine are indoor pets so they spend some time outdoors but alot of time in AC when its hot I've never clipped them short I've shortened furnishings only. People have to remember that when you take a nordic breed then make it live in Louisianna or something its no wonder they'd be uncomfortable! I will try to never clip a dog shorter than a 5F-1/2" or 7F-1/4" at least at the minimum a 1/4" of coat is left. I do often suggest to owners of the goldens, newfs, collies, aussies & the like that I can do a snap on attachment & ONLY clip from below the back down to remove some lenght but not damage the coat, so the back of the dog is NEVER clipped then I just blend w/thinners & they look gorgeous but all furnishings & lower body is only approx. 1.5-2" long. Well My $.02

summer clipping

Sun, 07/22/2012 - 15:15 — carol magid (Visitor)

I understand insulation - especially in sheep - we sheared once a year cause they LOOKED hot and then had to watch for sunburn. Now I have a 75 pd border collie-chow - very hairy. Late spring always clumps of black hair all over house and I know time to shave him. That works - he looks better, house cleaner without hair clumps on floor, and I think he feels better. It's only hair, grows back quickly so shaving works well to stop shedding.

We need to keep a copy of

Sun, 07/22/2012 - 21:23 — Patricia (Visitor)

We need to keep a copy of this article in my salon. If I had a dollar for every golden retriever or shepherd mix I have talked out of a shave in the last week I'd be loaded.

Shaving

Sun, 07/22/2012 - 22:16 — Diana (Visitor)

As an informed animal lover and dog groomer I am aware that the coat actually provides protection and have told people so. BUT people will believe and do as they think best. And I must admit that some animals do seem to feel better after being shaved. But as previously stated, there is a big difference between say a Shitzu and a Pom as far as hair texture. Trying to "trim" a spitz type coat is a PITA. It's like trying to trim cotton balls. And yes, frequently the hair never grows right again. So I do shave a lot of Poms down over and over again because that's what the owner wants. I also have a lot of large farm dogs that get shaved once a year because they are so horribly matted and have probably never been brushed in their lives. I warn the owners about sun burn, but I doubt they listen and those dogs are the ones who suffer. As also stated, dogs like Cockers and Shitzus are suppose to be groomed. How long depends on how much time you have for upkeep. My Shitzu has a Teddy Bear look because I keep him brushed. If you don't have that time, get a cute, short puppy cut. My biggest gripe though is when people bring me dogs so matted with sores and fecal matter I throw up (and I have a very strong stomach). They all blame the economy. I know times are hard, they are for most people. But don't blame money for not keeping your dog brushed! Brushing your dog regularly has numerous benefits including stretching the time between grooms if money is tight.

Shaving Coats

Sun, 07/22/2012 - 23:45 — Shirlene (Visitor)

I have had German Shepherds all my life. 90% of the time they were in the house. One of my Shepherds had some skin problems, so the groomer clipped his hair about 1-1/2 inches long. It made it much easier to apply his skin medicine. He liked it - I imagine he also liked the relief the medicine gave him. After his hair grew out longer, he pranced even more. Felt more like himself, I'm sure. I've never done anything other than comb, comb, comb my Shepherds hair. Bathe them occasionally. They've all been beautiful and very happy. I currently have a white German Shepherd who is blowing his coat - so I'm combing even more right now so the snow storm in the house is less. smile.

Shaving long haired chawawa's(lol, sory 4 the spelling)

Mon, 07/23/2012 - 01:53 — Rena (Visitor)

hubby had 2 long hair chawawa's when we first gotmarry. I ended up being their care giver. I noticed that in the summer they only wanted to lay around n do nothing. They were constantly panting n drooling. I decided it was time to buy sheers. I shaved them close but left enough to cover their skin so it wasnt exposed to the sun. After the firsttime, the dogs were happy little boys, running around and jumping and plYing again. Panting was limited n drooling gone. Would let it grown in for winter since we live in Pennsylvania. We average 2 major storms a yr. Their coats grew in much softer & I made my Peanut Butter & Jelly very happy dogs.

Saving a dogs coat

Mon, 07/23/2012 - 10:03 — Kathryn A Duck (Visitor)

We shaved our Border collie because she was constantly in and out of the pond. She absolutely loved it!! For the first time she could get rubbed and scratched and petted without it pulling her long fur. Living in Florida we kept her shaved 9mo out of the year. Her coat always grew back a shiny and beautiful during the winter months. But she was always excited to get back to the groomer. Perhaps she was the rare exception. I would not hesitate to try shaving depending on the type of dog.

i cannot thank Dr.Murray

Mon, 07/23/2012 - 20:04 — trudy (Visitor)

i cannot thank Dr.Murray enough for writing this article. i own a Bergamasco & am constantly trying to explain the "coat insulation" theory to all. I am printing this article up in multiples & will be handing it out on the streets of NY. Thankyou for publishing this common sense article about dogs coats .

Shaving Dogs

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 14:05 — Joyce (Visitor)

I think shaving your dog is a personal decision. I have shaved my Australian Shepherd for the last 10 years and his coat is beautiful in the winter months. I show in conformation and you would never know in the winter months that he was shaved in the summer. Personally, without his coat he is more active, not panting 24/7 and loves showing off he has a new hair cut. My dogs are inside dogs and have limited time outdoors. Everyone should do what they think is best for their own fur child. To me I don't want to wear my winter coat in the summer. Aren't sheep sheared in the summer to keep them cool ... why can't dogs be too? JMO

I have a very large very

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 15:16 — Henry Katz (Visitor)

I have a very large very furry very cranky Maine Coon cat. He gets very bads matts and goes ballistic if I try to use the furminator or any type of comb/brush. My vet shaved him himself with the lion cut last year to get rid of the matting issue and he seemed more content. This year he was very lethargic with the heat waves and just laid in front of the fan or ac. Had him shaved but not as close as last year. Much to my surprise, he is actually affectionate and playful.

Shaving your pet?

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 22:27 — KrazyKatMan (Visitor)

The article focused on dogs. Does the same apply to long "haired" cats?

Grooming

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 03:15 — fran (Visitor)

I have 3 dogs and a cat. I don't belive in shaving them down to the skin, but I do give them short haircuts. I bath them 2 times a month and have been doing this for years. The dogs love being bathe, 2 bichons and a poodle. The are always clean and become very energetic after their baths. Curley hair dogs in my oponion need that extra groom, they get mattered easy. Their private part especially need to be clean. My cat gets shaved two times a year and gets a bath. Keeping her clean stops the hair getting in her throat and vomiting. It also keeps the danfrift to a minamal. I think you know what is best for your animals. Common sense. Shaving your dogs and then leting them sit in the heat is plane stupidity. A good grooming is healthy for your animals, shaving down to the skin is not a good idea.

Grooming

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 03:15 — fran (Visitor)

I rescued a bearded collie

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 10:18 — Miranda (Visitor)

I rescued a bearded collie about a year and a half ago and she was full of mats and had to be clipped down. Ever since then her hair has grown twice as thick as before so in the summer I shave her down quite a few times (#5 blade, usually) because she is miserable with that thick coat. She's always so happy with her hair shorter (especially when I train her in agility for an hour a week and she's cooler for her daily walk).. Her hair always grows back out just fine for the winter.

clipping in the summer

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 19:45 — connie (Visitor)

As a groomer of over 40yrs I have shaved many a dog in 90 degree weather.Their coat is NOT an insulation. Once you get that hair off you can feel the heat on their bodies under that fur.It is a myth that it is no good for them to be shaved or that it will ruin their coats.

trimming a persian cat's coat

Thu, 07/26/2012 - 05:06 — sadiesmom88 (Visitor)

I recently got a Himalayan Persian cat from a friend who is in the hospital.. I don't know much about the breed but the long hair is not something i've had to deal with before so i decided to get it trimmed (not shaved) to help with mats and keep it easier for him to groom himself... i didnt really do it because of the heat... should i have him trimmed in the future? the article says no but pet owners say its fine for dogs. He's so much cuter with short hair (and less shedding!) but if its somehow not good for him - i want whats best for him. He doesn't go out in the sun much - hes an inside cat and although i try to do some brushing i admit i'm not very diligent about it (he hates it). We live in California - its very mild temperature wise... what should i do in the future???

Summer Clips for Dogs

Fri, 07/27/2012 - 10:56 — Madeline (Visitor)

Been a groomer for 35 years. Yes, chows, poms, shelties, malamutes, german shepherds, and generally dogs that have "fur" should not be shaved. Day to day grooming, brushing/combing is the answer. Or just regular trips to the groom shop. Groomers would rather give you a discount for a frequent pet, rather than charge for a pet that is long overdue. The regular routine of going to the groomer is easily accepted by the pet and less stressful for everybody. The will allow the pet loose all the hair he doesn't need in order to maintain correct body temp. If that still doesn't work then consider the "summer cut". I cringed every time somebody asked me to shave any of those breeds. I personally shaved my chow, and wherever the blade clipped the hair ...never grew back correctly. Pets that have "hair" (where the hair grows like human hair) these dogs need the "clipping" and styling to keep them from becoming over grown and a matted mess. Cockers, poodles, schnauzers, shi tzu's, llasas, bichons, etc. are the most common. However, these guys need to be combed and brushed as well to keep them from becoming tangled and knotted up. There comes a point of no return from a dog that is "matted", consequently, they haved to be cut down and start all over. Cats are a whole 'nother story. But again, the brush and comb if you have a long hair. Good food, and coat care is the answer. Regular handling and routine grooming and trips to the groom shop/vets office when they're just kittens is the answer. Mostly for social conditioning so the cat isn't overwhelmed and becomes hysterical. Use the professionals....they have the training and experience. Remember the bottom line is that they are doing this kind of work because we truly love the pets and the work. The bad apples eventually just don't stick around.

shaving/clipping

Fri, 07/27/2012 - 12:24 — Denise LeMay (Visitor)

I have an older Chihuahua/Pekingese who has certain skin maladies. I shave her on average of every 45 days and she fares MUCH better than if I leave her coat lengthy. Her long blonde hair is lovely, but in an effort to relieve her discomfort, I opt to closely clip her, which she loves. Also, to the touch, she is the hottest dog I've EVER encountered. This could be another reason that she loves to be clipped. It provides coolness to her skin as well as relief from the skin condition, and it makes the task of bathing her (with medicated shampoo) and applying her medication much easier, allowing more surface contact with her skin.

hair care

Sat, 07/28/2012 - 22:54 — Vicky (Visitor)

Any suggestions on grooming a shepherd? I am a new owner of a rescue shepherd. He is shedding horribly. I brush and comb daily. Is there a way to get more hair out with brushing so it doesn't fall out so excessively?

Pom- with thyroidism

Wed, 08/01/2012 - 08:17 — Darla Larance (Visitor)

What do I do to protect my Pom when due to her illness all her hair fell out. How can I protect her fro the heat & the cold when I have to put her outside to go to the restroom? I put tshirts on her in the heat and sweaters on her in the cold and do not put her out but for short periods of time. Do u have anymore suggestions?

Pom with thyroidism

Wed, 08/01/2012 - 08:33 — Darla Larance (Visitor)

what do I do to protect my Pom when due to her illness all her hair fell out. How can I protect her from the heat and the cold when I have to put her outside to go to the bathroom. I put t-shirts on her in the heat and sweaters on her in the cold and do not put her out but for short periods of time. Do u have anymore suggestions that might keep her from harm? Thank u, Darla Larance

Does anyone else think that

Wed, 08/01/2012 - 22:41 — Fran (Visitor)

Does anyone else think that the idea of a coat providing insulation from outside heat is counterintuitive? A dog's normal body temp is 101.5, much hotter than most places get in the summer. Insulation stops the flow of heat, meaning that it would stop the heat from leaving a dog, and not vice versa. I find that most dogs act MUCH more comfortable in summer when their coats are cut short. Put a winter coat on yourself in the middle of a hot, humid day and see if it "insulates" you by "keeping the heat out".

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