The Myth About The Summer Cut

The weather is getting warmer, summer will soon be here.  Your dog has started to shed that winter coat and will be panting as that temperature goes up.  Many dog owners assume that clipping their dogs coat off will keep them cool and stop shedding.  THIS IS A MYTH. 

First dogs pant to perspire.  The dog does not have sweat glands like people do, they do not sweat through the skin on their body.  They may sweat minimally through the pads of their feet but, mainly they sweat through panting.  Certain breeds are more effected with over heating because of facial anatomy.  The brachycephalic breeds have more difficulty with breathing and panting due to the shape of the dogs snout.  These breeds are the Pugs, Bulldogs, Japanese Chins and others.  The dogs nose can actually have smaller nostrils too, restricting the dog ability to breath.

Clipping a dogs hair off will not always make it cooler and can be detrimental to the dog.  Double coated breeds (Shepherds, Collies, Pomeranians, Retrievers etc) will have major coat changes if the coat is clipped off.  There are 2 types of hair involved with a double coat-a soft thick, fine undercoat and a course, harsh top coat.  In the spring, the double coated dog "blows" (sheds excessively) to get rid of that thick winter coat that protected it during the winter weather.  The best way to get ready for summer with this type of dog is BRUSHING!  The more brushing that is done correctly, the more hair is removed, the more air circulation is allowed to reach the skin to help keep the dog cool.  AIR CIRCULATION to the skin is key to a dog staying cooler.  An unbrushed dog with packed in coat results in a HOT dog.

If  the double coat is clipped, it will look like the color has changed.  Actually what is seen is the color of the undercoat-the legs, head and tail may remain the original color.  When this type of coat is not always attractive when clipped due to the color change and texture of the coat can look choppy. Clipping can also interrupt or change the growth of the coat.  Some individual dogs will have permanent coat changes.  The top coat may not grow back correctly or not at all.  The undercoat usually grows in thicker.  If the reason you may be thinking of clipping is to reduce shedding-clipping won't stop shedding!  The dog will still shed, only shorter hair PLUS it will grow in thicker resulting in more shedding.  Professional grooming can keep the dog in it's natural and beautiful coat.  Bathing with a deshedding shampoo and conditioner, using bathing tools specifically designed for coat removal, high velocity dryers, deshedding sprays, grooming tools and the knowledge how to use them correctly will give the dog a great groom to stay cool.  Plus keeping the dog on a good grooming schedule is key.

Clipping a naturally short coated breed can result in skin and coat issues.  Some short coated breed that produces no undercoat are Pinschers, Jack Russels, Basenis, Rat Terriers etc.  Again clipping will not reduce shedding.  Clipping the hair shorter then the natural length allows parasites to attack the dog more easily.  The coat can grow back more sparsely resulting in a very thin or balding look.  The combination of the dogs natural oils and coat are a protectant to the skin-this can be altered. Dogs can sunburn, so if clipped use a sunscreen!  Keep your dog in the shade, air conditioning, or a fan.  Have a supply of fresh water-even add some ice!  A cooling pad can help too.  A good bathing and brushing schedule will be more beneficial to the dog, keeping you dog in it's natural beauty.