Shaving dogs? (live in, moving, pool)

[sassieb75]

Does anyone shave their dog during the summer months? Is it a good idea? Will it make a difference?

[Synergy38]

I can't imagine it making much of a difference, heat is heat, 1 or 2 degrees cooler isn't going to make much of a difference.

[jenkaye]

Keep them groomed and the fur they have will protect them if they are outside a lot. I use to shave my dog but a groomer said it's not good for their skin.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by sassieb75

Does anyone shave their dog during the summer months? Is it a good idea? Will it make a difference?

Dogs have a different "cooling system" than humans so I doubt if it would do much good.

Besides, Dogs can get sunburned without their fur . . . NOT GOOD!

[hg_emily]

My husband and I have a huskie/yellow lab mix. My husband lived in AZ for 9 yrs, we currently live in MN, and are moving back to AZ this summer. He had our dog shaved almost every summer he lived there, and in MN we shave her (ourselves) in the summer. We have found it hard to get a groomer here in MN who will shave her (?) but in AZ there was no problem. Go figure. The best part of having her shaved is no more dog hair all over!

[markas214]

I buzz cut my Australian Shepard every spring. Not too close though because they can get sunburn.

[CheyDee]

I have two lhasa apsos that I have shaved down for summer. I do make sure the groomer leaves enough so they do not get sunburned though.

[aj661]

We shave one of ours ( The Mutant). It does help him stay cooler, but the main reason is he gets in the pool then comes straight into the house. We're not concerned about sunburn because unlike our other dogs, he spends very little time outside and most of that is on the patio. Without the fur he carries about 1/2 gallon less water...

[Robhu]

Dogs naturally shed hair in hot weather. They don't shed so much as to keep cool as they do to get rid of the winter coat that keeps them warm that they no longer need in the summer.
Let nature take its course.
They do not sweat from body glands like people so there can be no evaporizing effect that takes place like when people sweat.
They "sweat" from their tongues.
That is what panting is all about. Natures cooling system.
Keeping the hair unmatted and brushed is more important to their comfort than shaving.
Hot sun will make a shaved dog hotter than one with some insulation against the sun.
Vets who shave dogs in hot climates are taking advantage of unsupecting dog owners just to inflate their bank accounts.

[LadmoFan]

Dogs also "sweat" through their foot pads.

I used to give my poodle mix a kennel cut for summer as it provided some protection from the heat and sun.

Also, fair skinned cats and probably dogs of similar ilk need to be kept out of direct sun.. They can burn easily and may develop skin cancer from prolonged sun exposure.

LF

LF