One of the questions that groomers are always asked in the summer is whether or not they should shave their dogs and cats. After all, people shed as many clothes as comfort (and the law) will allow in order to cope with the heat. Wouldn’t pets be cooler and more comfortable if they went down to bare skin also?
Should Cats be Shaved in the Summer?
It’s important to realize that a pet’s fur isn’t like human hair. It’s designed to help them stay cool during summer heat and warm on cold days.
This is especially true for cats, who are excellent at regulating their own bodily temperature and remaining comfortable. In fact, anyone who has ever spent any time with a cat knows that cats are the world’s experts on their own comfort. The relatively small size of cats makes them particularly good at dealing with excess body heat. They’ll simply move to a shady spot.
So, unless there is an overriding reason to do otherwise, cats should not be shaved in the summer.
Should Dogs be Shaved in the Summer?
For dogs, the answer to summer shaving is, “Maybe.”
- A dog with a thick coat can really benefit from being shaved when the temperature spikes. Some dogs really suffer in the heat.
- Dogs with heavy coats that get matted easily or who love to jump into the water can also benefit from being shaved.
- Shaving can benefit a dog that is prone to hot spots, but talk to your vet first.
- Dogs can get sunburned, so leaving about 1″ of fur can help to protect the dog from the sun’s rays.
- Don’t shave short-haired dogs.
Shaving Tips
- Many dogs don’t like being shaved, increasing the chances of a painful accident. Professional groomers have the equipment to keep any dog safe while being shaved.
- Clippers heat up quickly, so extended shaving sessions can burn the skin. Stop frequently and use lubricant to keep the clippers cool.
- Too close a shave can leave guard hair embedded underneath the dog’s skin. New hair won’t grow back until these ends fall out, causing spotty hair growth. The dog could also develop a skin problem.
Lucky Dawg Salon Grooming are the pet grooming experts in Torrance, CA. If bringing your pet to the salon is inconvenient, they have mobile vans and will come to you. Contact us today with any questions you may have on our services!
