A summer 'doggie do' is a doggie don't
The "dog (and cat) days" of summer are here. The temperatures soar; we languish in the heat and humidity and so do Fido and Fluffy. We dress for the weather but pets can't change clothes, so should they get a fur break instead with a trim or shave?
Pet experts usually say NO. Your pet's hair isn't like yours. Pets' fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief. "A dog's coat is kind of like insulation for your house," explains Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Hospital. "Insulation stops your home from getting too cold in winter, but it also keeps it from overheating in summer-and your dog's coat does the same thing."
Dogs' coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog's comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating. Your dog's coat prevents your pup from getting sunburn and helps protect her from skin cancer.
If your dog is bred for very cold climates, breeds like Great Pyrenees, St. Bernards, Malamutes, or Huskies, consider shaving them when the mercury rises, the pros suggest. Resist shaving other breeds. Labs and retrievers simply get no benefit from it; they run the risk of sunburn once shaved, says Jean Sonnenfield, DVM, a veterinarian with Georgia Veterinary Specialists in Atlanta and WebMD pet health expert.
Any dog can suffer sunburn, so if you do shave your thick-coated dog, be sure to leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet from the sun's rays. Commercial pet sun block products are available,chan luu sale. Consult your vet for the best kind for your breed of pet.
You may consider shaving a dog that stays outside all the time, has a matted coat, and is likely to be wet often. In these circumstances, a dog can develop a condition called myiasis, maggots in the fur. If your dog is prone to hot spots, a summer shave may be helpful, but discuss this with your vet first.
Most of us have little experience grooming our dogs, and many pets can be skittish, raising the potential for painful accidents. It's a lot cheaper to take your pet to a groomer, Sonnenfield says, than "to have to pay for a laceration repair."
Frequent brushing can be the best way to help your long-haired companion stay cool in the summer. Brushing keeps the coat clean, removes the dead undercoat and prevents matting. It helps air to circulate near the skin, keeping pets cooler. Just a few minutes a day is all it takes - you don't need to brush the whole animal each time. If you have a big dog, groom in "quarters" and rotate brushing around the dog each day.
Additionally, "In summer months, pets can get bitten by insects and end up with moist dermatitis, a skin infection," Stickney says, but removing dead, matted hair by brushing helps skin stay drier.
Regular bathing to keep the coat clean is also a good idea, especially if your dog swims frequently to stay cool. Lake and river water can be full of silt and dirt that clings to your dog's coat. Chlorinated pool water can be damaging and irritating to some dogs' skin. Rinse them well after swimming and bathe them if they begin to itch or their coats lose their softness or luster.
Cats, in particular, are very good at regulating body temperature and "really get no benefit from being shaved," says Mark J. Stickney, DVM, clinical associate professor and director of general surgery services at Texas A University's veterinary medical teaching hospital.
Because cats are "so much smaller relative to their exposed surface area, they're just better at getting rid of extra body heat," Stickney said. Cats are also more mobile than dogs, so they can simply move to a shadier spot when temperatures rise.
Keep your cat well groomed and she should not need a shave. The exception is if the fur becomes matted. A professional will shave the mats shaved off. Fleas can hide in the mats and the fur can become so tightly pulled that sores develop on the skin.
The best way to keep Fluffy and Fido cool is to keep them indoors, Limit outside activity to cool times, and keep shade and fresh water handy.