Will Cutting My Dogs Hair Keep Him Cooler?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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During the summer, the undercoat prevents your pet from becoming too hot by keeping cooler air next to the skin. Cutting or your pet's hair

interferes with your dog or cat's ability to stay cool

. … Without that protective layer of hair, your dog will have trouble handling both hot and cold temperatures.

Are dogs hotter with long hair?

Long hair and thick undercoats act as insulation against the sun's rays and their effects. Coats that are kept well-brushed and mat-free allow for good air circulation through the hair, which in itself can actually have a cooling effect.

Does shaving a long haired dog make them cooler?

Dogs cool down a lot differently than we do, and

shaving really has no big impact on cooling them down

. Dogs rely on panting to control most of their temperature regulation. They also rely on vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) to help them cool off, especially on their ears and face.

Does shaving a dog help with heat?

Shaving, or clippering, a pet's fur short in the summer may actually cause more problems than it solves. Because

a dog's coat is insulation, it protects him from the heat as well as the cold

. Removing that element would be like taking that protective lining of insulation out of the roof of your home in the summer.

What dog breeds should not be shaved?

  • Terriers.
  • Huskies.
  • English, German, and Australian Shepherds.
  • Sheepdogs.
  • Newfoundlands.
  • Collies.
  • Alaskan Malamutes.
  • Terriers.

What dog needs the most grooming?

  1. Poodle. Poodles of all varieties are thought to be high-maintenance, pampered dogs. …
  2. Bichon Frise. …
  3. Afghan Hound. …
  4. Portuguese Water Dog. …
  5. Puli. …
  6. Komondor.

Should you cut dogs fur in summer?

It is ok to give your long-haired dog or cat a “summer cut”—trimming their long hair may make it more manageable. … Dogs with thick

coats naturally shed

, so they have lighter coats in the summer. Remember to regularly brush your dog's fur and bathe them frequently, as clean, brushed fur allows for better air circulation.

Why you should not shave your dog?


Shaving prevents cool air from getting to the skin because the undercoat is still present

. And a shaved coat doesn't protect against the sun either, which exposes your dog to greater risks of overheating, sunburn and even skin cancer. … It is always best to consult with a professional groomer before shaving any dog.

Should I shave my dogs fur?

Generally, most experts

recommend against shaving most pets

, though there are exceptions. Veterinarians often advise against shaving cats and dogs for a simple reason: Your pet's hair isn't like yours.

How do you tell if my dog is double coated?

When a dog has a double coat, it means

he has an undercoat that is typically shorter than his outer coat, and his hair has a dense, woolly texture

. And as the name suggests, single coated dogs have only one coat, without this undercoat.

What is a teddy cut?

The teddy bear cut is

a Poodle or Doodle cut in which the hair is kept at about 1-2 inches long at all parts of the dog's body

, including the face. Traditional Poodle cuts have the face shaved closely to the skin. … This softens the face of the dog and makes him look puppy-like – or like a teddy bear.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Rule of thumb: You can bathe your dog

about once a month

unless they seem smelly/dirty, or you notice it over-dries their skin. Note: Be sure to avoid over-bathing. Dry skin caused by over-bathing can be very uncomfortable. Dogs need a certain amount of oil to maintain a healthy coat and skin.

What happens if you don't cut your dog's hair?

Put simply, bad things! One of the most common consequences of not grooming your dog is that

their coat can become matted

. … Matting can cause serious challenges for your dog including reduced circulation on their skin, hot spots, bacteria, infections, scabs/cuts, and more.

Why do dog groomers shave the belly?

Assisting in brushing out the loose hair will help to keep your pet cool. Shaving your dog's

belly may also help keep him cool when the mercury rises

. This needs to be done by a professional groomer, and you should certainly ask for a groomer that you trust if a belly is going to be beneficial for your pet.

How do you remove undercoat from a dog?

Once you've brushed, raked and combed your pooch through, you can work more of his undercoat loose by giving him

a bath

. Put a cover over the drain to prevent the hair from causing a clog. Wet him completely, working the water in with your hands. Work a gentle dog shampoo into a lather and massage it into his wet coat.

What is the easiest dog to groom?

  • American pit bull terrier. They have short, tight coats. …
  • Beagle. They only need a weekly brushing. …
  • Boston terrier. Only bathe them when it's necessary. …
  • Boxer. They have short, thin coats. …
  • Chihuahua. …
  • Dachshund. …
  • Doberman pinscher. …
  • Great Dane.
Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.