Why you shouldn't shave your dog's coat in summer

Topic: Dog care

CHARACTERISTICS OF DOG HAIR

Approximate reading time: 9 minutes

There are many occasions when, always motivated by our best intentions, we draw the wrong parallels between our pet's body and needs, and our own. Many people take advantage of the arrival of high temperatures to get a haircut and feel cooler. Believing that their dogs will also benefit from this change of look, they decide to shave their hair so that they are not so hot. However, you should know that dogs' coats play a very important role in their health, so we should never remove it completely. Moreover, unlike our skin, which is better able to withstand external agents such as the sun or rain, your pet's skin is much more sensitive, which is why they need the protection of their coat 365 days a year.

To defend themself from the environment, in some breeds the coat is made up of two parts, one deeper and with finer hairs that protects them from the cold (and which is what they shed depending on the season), and another more superficial part made up of thicker hairs that fights solar radiation, rain and other external agents. By shaving a dog's coat, we are eliminating their protective barrier and leaving their skin completely exposed. Other breeds such as the Australian Cobberdog do not moult or have an undercoat, but their coat is also their protection against the cold in winter and against burning from solar radiation in summer, so we should not shave them, but brush them daily so that their skin breathes and they do not feel hotter in summer.

1- Functions of your dog's coat and why you shouldn't shave it

Regulates your dog's temperature
It is a barrier against parasites
Protects against UV rays from the sun
Alopecia can develop
To prevent wounds
For aesthetics

2- How can I help my dog fight the heat?

Functions of your dog's coat and why you shouldn't shave it

Shaving a dog's coat is strongly discouraged for several reasons. Removing your pet's natural protection exposes them to the elements and other dangers we'll discuss below. Although you may think you are doing your dog a favour, especially if they have long hair and you think it will make them too hot, the truth is that you are only harming them as you will cause them to be unable to regulate their temperature, among other risks. Here are the reasons why you shouldn't shave your dog's coat, especially in summer.

1. Regulates your dog's temperature

It is somewhat more complicated for dogs than for humans to regulate their body temperature. One of the mechanisms they have for this, in addition to panting, is their coat. Your pet's coat is able to regulate both cold and heat through an air chamber that is generated inside it. If you shave your dog's coat in summer, their body temperature will rise higher and faster, as the sun's rays will hit their skin directly. This will make your dog feel more overheated, lethargic and they may even suffer from heat stroke.

Dog regulating its body temperature in the pool

2. It is a barrier against parasites

You've probably seen ticks or bugs attached to your pet's coat, because one of the functions of a dog's coat is to fight insects and parasites such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. With the coat completely shaved, these bugs will come into direct contact with the skin, a fine organ and, as we said, more vulnerable in the case of dogs. It will be much easier for these external agents to penetrate the body and they can transmit very serious diseases such as leishmaniasis to your dog.

Dog in the mountains protected by its fur

3. Protects against UV rays from the sun

Your dog's fur has the function of protecting them from the sun's rays, which not only helps them not to feel so hot, but also prevents sunburn. If your pet's skin lacks protective fur, they could suffer from abrasions, rashes and, in the long term, serious diseases such as skin cancer. In addition, your dog's coat also protects them from other inclement weather, such as cold or rain.

4. Alopecia can develop

Regularly shaving your dog's coat in the summer can end up weakening their hair fibres. When you cut your dog's coat to nothing, the undercoat begins to grow faster than the top coat, smothering those fatter surface hairs that protect your dog from heat and parasites. As a result, bald patches and welts can develop, which in the long term may lead to more generalised alopecia. In addition, the coat may tangle more easily, causing knots, which also makes it easier for the coat to fall out and worsens its quality.

5. To prevent wounds

Without the protective layer of fur, your pet's skin will be much more vulnerable to all kinds of injuries, such as rubbing from the leash, accidental play injuries, bumps, etc. Your dog's coat helps to protect their skin and keep it in good condition.

4. For aesthetics

Although this is the least important reason, you certainly don't enjoy seeing your pet's beautiful coat turned into a mess. The truth is that while using an electric razor to shave hair is not a difficult task, most of us are not experts, not to mention that shaving a person's head has nothing to do with shaving your furry friend's body. Some dog breeds, such as the Australian Cobberdog, have a beautiful, soft, lush coat that is part of their personality and spirit. That's why, if we shave them, we are stripping them of all their character.

How can I help my dog fight the heat?

If you are looking to cool down your pet so that they are not so affected by the high temperatures, the most effective way to do this is by subjecting them to a de-shaving process. This technique, carried out by professional groomers, consists of emptying your pet's undercoat, making it feel much cooler. However, with this method, their outer coat, which protects them in summer from the sun and insects, remains intact. This process is not suitable for all breeds, but depends on the type of coat they have. The Australian Cobberdog, as they do not moult and do not have a deep coat, is not de-shedded.

In addition, there are a few tricks you can do at home to cool your furry friend, such as brushing them regularly to remove excess hair, avoiding the sun and heat during walks or even buying a cooling bed. Of course, don't forget to offer them plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated or, if you want to make it more fun, make some homemade ice cream with ingredients you have in the fridge that are safe for them so they'll feel much better! (homemade ice cream)