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It’s getting hot outside, and your dog is showing signs of being affected by the heat. They are panting excessively and are shedding more often. You want to do something to cool off your dog while reducing that shed hair in your home. Would shaving your dog help them cool down? The short answer is no, it wouldn’t help and it’s not a good idea to shave your dog. Keep reading to learn more.
Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Dog’s Coat
Dogs can have double coats or single coats, but either way, a dog’s coat should never be shaved. It works to regulate the dog’s body temperature in both cold and hot weather. Without their coat, a dog could freeze or overheat, depending on the time of year. For double-coated dogs, their inner hair sheds while their outer hair creates air between the two layers, which is what cools them off.
For both double- and single-coated dogs, their coats function as an insulator. Some single-coated dogs, like Poodles, can benefit from a cut or even a shave. But there should still be at least 1 inch of hair left afterward. This will help ensure that they can regulate their body temperature during extreme weather.
Ways to Reduce Shedding Without Shaving Your Dog
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce your dog’s shedding without shaving their coat. First, focus on combing or brushing them. Try to groom your dog’s coat two or three times a day during the shedding season. If you can, do it outside, so the shed hair can fly away. Also, consider investing in a de-shedding tool that connects to your vacuum and sucks away fur as it combs the coat.
- Give your dog a bath at least once a week to get rid of extra fur and dander.
- If your dog has a single coat, consider taking them to the groomer for a trim.
- Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian to ensure that no health problems are contributing to excessive shedding.
- Give your dog a quick rubdown with your hands every time you enter your home together.
Ways to Cool Your Dog Off Without Shaving Them
Keeping your dog cool during the summer months can be tricky, but it’s far from impossible. First, bring them inside where the air conditioner is running. If you’re not at home, find a tree to hang out under and give them water to drink. You can even splash water on their coat for a temporary cooling effect.
- Fill a small kiddie pool with cool water so your dog can splash around in it.
- Trim your dog’s paws and ears to get rid of excess hair.
- Take frequent breaks during long walks and while at the dog park.
- Head outside for exercise during the early morning or evening hours, whenever it’s the coolest outside.
- Put a few ice cubes in your dog’s water dish.
In Conclusion
It’s never a good idea to shave your dog’s coat to try to reduce shedding or to keep them cool when it’s hot outside. Instead, utilize the techniques and tactics outlined here to address these problems. It’s important to remember that you can’t completely eliminate shedding, so don’t get frustrated with your dog when it happens.
- You might also want to check out:Â Do Dogs Shed More When in Heat? Vet-Approved Possible Reasons & Tips
Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock
