One dilemma that pet parents often face during summers is about shaving their dogs’ hair to keep them cool. In this composition, we have provided some facts to address this confusion and have an insight into shaving their dog’s coat.
We all have seen our pets trying to adjust to the scorching heat of the summers by constant panting. As pet parents, you might feel that shaving your dog’s hair may relieve them from the heat. However, before taking any such step, you should be aware of how safe or unsafe shaving is for your dog. The following facts will guide you about the same and enable you to decide whether or not to shave your dog’s coat next summer.
Type of Dog Coat
Now that you are apprised of the advantages and disadvantages of shaving your dog’s hair, you should know another key factor while deciding on this action. Your dog’s species and coat type are essential factors to consider in this regard.
· Dogs with Double Coat – Dogs that have a double coat shed their inner coat in a warm climate, while their outer hairs, called guard hairs, stay intact to keep them safe from insect bites and the adverse effects of sunlight. Therefore, if you clip the inner coat of your double-coated dog, you are diminishing the natural capability of the fur to regulate body temperature.
Some species of dogs having double coats are German Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, Shiba Inu, Scottish Terrier, Pomeranian, Beagle, Keeshond, and Chow Chow.
· Dogs with Single Coat – Dogs with a single coat have no fluffy inner layer like the ones mentioned above. Single-coated dogs have only one layer of uniform hair, which can be curly or smooth in appearance. You can proceed with the shaving of your dog’s hair belonging to this category. The only thing to keep in mind is leaving at least an inch of hair on the skin to safeguard them from insect bites and sunburn. The minimal hair layer keeps them warm and protected.
Some examples of single-coated dog species include Dalmatian, Maltese, Poodle, Greyhound, Boxer, Afghan Hound, and Dachshund.
Pros of Shaving your Dog
· Shaving fur of the dogs who stay in air-conditioned homes regulate their temperature, as constant exposure to cooler surfaces slows down the dog’s natural ability to cool down.
· Shaving your dog’s hair helps them get rid of parasites that anchor on their bodies in warm climatic conditions.
· Your dog may turn out to be more active after shedding some extra weight of fur.
Cons of Shaving your Dog
· Shaving your dog too close to the skin may expose it to the harmful UV radiation from sunlight and its cancerous effects.
· If you shave the inner layer of fur, which acts as a natural insulator, your dog is more prone to heatstroke.
· Improper shaving or clipping can cause damage to your dog’s hair follicles, resulting in patchy or no regrowth of fur.
How to Shave your Dog at Home?
If your dog is single-coated, you can opt for shaving the coat. However, it is the best option to take your dog to a professional dog groomer to avoid any accident while shaving their fur. Moreover, experts will make your dogs look smart and neat, which you might not accomplish yourself.
Nonetheless, if you are confident about your focus and equipment, you may go ahead with shaving your dogs’ hair at home. Here are some necessary steps that you must follow to perform the subject task.
· Use sterilised and new equipment.
· Use clippers of professional rating with sharp blades.
· Be very careful not to shave too close to your dog’s skin.
· Apply lubrication to the blades, if required.
· Keep checking the blade’s temperature while shaving. If it gets hot, make sure to remove it.
Is There Any Alternative to Shaving?
Shaving your dog’s hair does not result in cooling of their bodies as much you expect it to be. Instead, the below activities can go a long way in helping your dogs beat the heat.
· Give your dogs cool baths periodically.
· Brush your dog’s fur to activate air circulation.
· Keep your dogs well hydrated and always under shady areas.
The Final Thoughts
The facts mentioned in this post must have given you an idea about shaving your dog’s hair. If you own a double-coated dog, it is better not to clip their inner coat. However, if you still feel that your dog is having problems regulating its temperature and is panting more than normal in the summers, you should consult a paediatrician. If you are a pet parent of a single-coated dog, you can clip their fur following the instructions that we mentioned in this write-up.