Should I shave my dog in the summer? This is a question that many pet owners ask themselves when the thermometer climbs steadily higher during the sunny months. Shaving the dog in the summer seems to be a quick and easy way to give the four-legged friend a little cooling off in the heat - especially if the animal is a long-haired dog. In fact, however, the topic is controversial, as not all dogs can be shaved with the same brush. It is crucial to know the individual coat texture of your own pet and to take this into account. In the BARF guide from haustierkost.de you will find a rough guide that you can follow.
Shaving your dog in summer: yes or no?
Shearing a dog in summer is a controversial issue because the coat does not only serve the purpose of protecting the animal from the cold and keeping it warm. Instead, it also protects against excessive sunlight, a factor that naturally plays a major role in summer. The undercoat in particular also has an insulating effect, which applies to both low and high temperatures. Its moisture-repellent properties also help regulate temperature. Shearing your dog in summer disrupts these natural mechanisms. Some breeds even grow more undercoat to compensate for shearing, which inevitably makes the coat thicker and less able to ventilate. Possible consequences include matting, skin irritation, and increased itching, which can sometimes lead to pain.
However, there are also dogs that can benefit from a short haircut in the summer. This is the case, for example, with seniors or animals with circulatory problems who are hard-pressed to cope with high temperatures. There are also breeds whose thick fur is the result of targeted genetic selection during breeding. Their hair can cause them considerable problems in the hot season.
If this applies to your four-legged friend, it is best to have him clipped by a vet or a dog groomer. This way you can be on the safe side and clarify any uncertainties with a professional beforehand. You also have the opportunity to be shown the correct clipping technique, which is tailored to the individual needs of your dog and minimizes the risk of injury.
Sunburn on dog due to shaved fur?
The risk of sunburn in dogs is also raised in connection with the question "Should I shave my dog in summer?" In order to maintain the hair's natural UV protection and thus avoid sunburn in dogs, we recommend that you do not shave the fur shorter than two to three centimeters. Also bear in mind that dogs with light-colored fur are particularly susceptible to burns on the skin. If in doubt, you can also use sunscreen for animals if the fur is short - and sunburn will no longer be a problem for your dog.
Dog shearing and grooming
Ultimately, whether it is advisable to shear a dog in the summer can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. However, it always depends on the right technique and the right tools. Beginners should ideally always get a second person to help, who can hold the dog loosely so that it does not injure itself if it makes sudden movements in the face of the perhaps unfamiliar shearing process. After shearing the dog, it is time to groom and care for the coat : Bathe your animal with a mild shampoo and remove any loose hair that may be left in the coat.
