As a dog owner, you may wonder if you should give your dog a summer haircut to help keep them cool in the sweltering heat. But the truth is, not all dogs require a haircut, even when it's blistering hot outside.
While dog fur helps to insulate your pup from the cold, for some breeds, it also acts as waterproofing.
That means, in hot weather, a well-brushed coat "lofts" as the dog moves. This allows air to cool the skin and the dog. So removing it would actually be like removing your dog's personal air conditioning system.
Since every breed is different, let's dive into the specifics to see if you should give your dog a haircut this summer.
Dog Breeds That Benefit From a Summer Haircut
Of course, some dog breeds naturally have more hair than others, for a good reason. Breeds like the Burmese Mountain Dog and Siberian Husky were bred for the cold, harsh winter weather, so their coats are there for protection.
Yet, dogs with more hair on their bodies retain heat more easily than other breeds. This includes breeds such as the Newfoundland and St. Bernard.
Breeds with thick hair benefit from a closer haircut when the weather gets hot. It's advisable to leave at least one inch of hair on your dog during its trim. A professional groomer can perform a "thin and trim" cut, where they sculpt the dog's coat with trimmers.
Further, dogs that require regular grooming, like Bichon Frises, Malteses, Pomeranians, Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers, will also benefit from a summer trim.
These breeds have continuously growing hair; they need grooming year-round to help manage fur length. You can also give them a closer cut to help manage the heat in the summer.
In sum, if you have a dog breed with thick, dense fur or continuously growing fur, you can cut their hair shorter in the summer months.
Dogs with naturally short coats don't require a summer haircut. This includes breeds such as:
Beagles
Boxers
Bull Terriers
Dobermans
Great Danes
Ridgebacks
When to Get Your Dog's Fur Trimmed
Aside from the breed of dog you have, there are other factors to consider when deciding whether to trim or shave your dog's fur for the summer.
Active dogs that like to get dirty will benefit from a summer haircut.
Unless you are prepared to bathe and groom your dog more frequently in the summer, a shorter coat can help prevent dirt and toxins from getting logged on the skin, beneath the fur, or in the paw pads, where they can cause health concerns.
Then, when it is time for a bath, you can easily remove the grime from their body with less fur in the way.
Further, dogs prone to allergies and mats will benefit from a summer haircut. Mats will trap heat and moisture. They quickly become uncomfortable and can cause skin irritation like hot spots.
However, if your pup is experiencing allergies, mats, or is just in need of a good bath, you'll want to schedule a full-service dog wash before the haircut and grooming. You should never trim your dog's fur without bathing the dog first. This promotes cleanliness and health.
Should You Ever Shave Your Dog's Coat?
Unless your dog has health concerns and your vet advises you to shave their coat, you should never completely shave them. Removing the coat entirely can put their health and comfort at risk.
The layers of fur protect your dog from the natural elements, including the sun. If you take away its insulation, you're making your dog more susceptible to overheating, sunburn, and skin cancer.
When it comes to breeds with an undercoat, such as Chow Chows, German Shepards, Huskies, and Retrievers, shaving can cause permanent damage to the outer coat and cause clipper alopecia.
Clipper alopecia causes the outer coat to never grow back, so the dog only has its fuzzy undercoat left. This will give a balding look to the dog.
If you want to give your double-coated dog a summer trim, ensure the groomer doesn't cut down to the undercoat. A trim will suffice for these breeds without risking their underlayer.
Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat
Like humans, dogs have biological means of keeping themselves cool. They sweat, pant, and shed. Still, they are at a significantly higher risk of overheating than we are, which can quickly turn into a heat stroke.
A haircut isn't the only way to help your pup stay cool in the summer. Here are some other tips you should follow as the weather heats up:
Supply plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day
Walk during cooler times of the day (early morning or after sundown)
Bring water on walks
Avoid extended and strenuous exercise outdoors
Never leave your dog in the car unattended
Set up shade spots outside or allow your dog to go for a swim
Look out for signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, such as heavy panting
Use fans or air conditioning indoors to reduce body heat
If you notice signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, immediately place a cool, wet towel on your dog's chest and take them to the vet for care.
Visit a Dog Groomer for the Perfect Summer Trim
There's nothing quite as enjoyable as playing with your dogs in the summer. Just ensure that they are well groomed so they don't overheat. Also, make sure to follow the given tips to avoid heat stroke.
Need a professional groomer to give your pup its perfect summer haircut? Visit us at Bubbly Paws! You can schedule a reservation now with our easy online form. We look forward to seeing you and your dog at one of our several locations!