Can You Shave a Golden Retriever? Risks & Care Tips
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View 2 More +Even the most luscious coat is susceptible to heat and humidity, leaving dog owners with a dilemma: Should they shave their Golden Retriever? Some owners will shave their Goldie in the summer because they think that they'll suffer less from the heat, among other reasons.
But before you go ahead and get rid of that gorgeous coat, read this article, as there are several good reasons why you should not shave your Golden Retriever.
Why You Shouldn't Shave Your Golden Retriever
When you shave your dog's coat, you strip them of their natural protection against the sun and the elements. Indeed, a Goldie’s long, thick coat is a protective barrier against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. If you shave your dog in the summer, they'll be more susceptible to sunburn, skin cancer, and even parasites like fleas and ticks.
Fur also acts as an insulator against both heat and cold. This means dogs with double coats like Goldens can stay cool during the scorching days of summer. Shaving their coat will actually make them more susceptible to heatstroke.
Better Ways to Manage Your Golden Retriever’s Coat
If your dog’s hair just seems too long, you can keep it trimmed. Indeed, long-haired breeds shed hair more frequently than short-haired dogs and can leave clumps of fur all over the house. Trimming your dog’s coat will help prevent this problem.
However, if you decide to have your Golden Retriever's fur trimmed, be sure to keep it at least 1 inch long. The best way to get them trimmed is to go to a dog groomer about once a month. These professionals have the proper tools and methods to keep your Golden's coat looking its best.
Bathing your Golden from time to time can also help control shedding, reduce odor, and keep their skin and coat healthy.
How to Keep Your Golden Retriever Cool
Although keeping your dog's coat intact in the summer will help them avoid heatstroke, there are other ways to cool them down even more.
- Provide Your Dog with Unlimited Access to Fresh Water: All year round and especially in the summer, it is important to ensure that your dog gets enough hydration. To do this, renew their water several times a day so it’s always clean and cooler than the ambient temperature.
- Increase Grooming Sessions: Brushing your Golden Retriever daily will remove dead hair and dirt, prevent tangles, and improve air circulation in their coat. It also stimulates blood flow and can help keep your dog’s fur shiny and healthy.
- Install a Dog Pool: If you have a fenced-in backyard, you can purchase a small pool that your furry friend will love to dive into. Otherwise, a simple water game with a garden hose will be enough to make your pooch as happy as a clam.
- Use Damp Cloths: Golden Retrievers are known for their love of water, so you can take your dog for a short swim in a lake or at the beach. But if you don’t live near such areas, you can still cool your pet with wet towels. Be sure to get the areas devoid of hair, particularly the belly, the interior of the thighs, and the paw pads.
- Exercise in the Early Morning or at the End of the Day: Don’t deprive your energetic Golden of exercise in the summer, but try to avoid going out at times when the sun is strongest. Take morning and evening walks during the coolest hours of the day. Plan short hikes, preferably in the forest or in a shady park.
Key Takeaways on Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Golden Retriever
Final Thoughts
Although there are a few good reasons that you might want to shave your Golden Retriever, this practice should be avoided. Indeed, the dog’s double coat provides much-needed protection against the sun, the elements, parasites, and insect bites, as well as the harmful effects of heat and cold.
Therefore, shaving your dog is likely to do more harm than good. If they need a trim, it’s best to hire the services of a dog groomer to keep their hair clean, odor-free, and healthy.
If you do decide to shave your Golden, keep in mind that not all dogs respond well to the process. It's best to consult your veterinarian before getting out the scissors.
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Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock
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A biologist and science writer, Genevieve has a special fondness for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos, which has inspired her to volunteer and work at wildlife rehabilitation centers in countries like Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. Now living as a Canadian expat in Argentina, she enjoys the sight of horses and cows outside her home office window every morning. Genevieve is the proud owner of three rescue dogs—Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi—and a lively kitten named Furiosa. She finds happiness and fulfillment in sharing her passion and extensive knowledge of animals with others.
