Kudi Pet Supplies | Should You Shave Your Pet for Summer?

The so-called “dog days” of summer are set to start on July 12, 2019, and last until August 20, totaling 40 days. The sweltering heat is not only unbearable for people but also makes pets feel extremely hot. So, with summer approaching, should pet owners grab the clippers and shave their pets?

The answer is… Many pet owners might wonder why not shave off their pet’s fur to keep them cooler, reducing the risk of heatstroke. However, this misconception can actually increase the risk of harm to pets. 1. Pets Don't Cool Off Through Their Skin Humans rely on sweating through their skin to cool down, but pets are different. Shaving off a pet’s fur might seem like an easy solution, but without their fur, a pet’s skin becomes very sensitive and can easily get damaged from direct UV exposure. Dogs often pant with their tongues out and expose their paw pads during summer. This is because they don’t have well-developed sweat glands. Instead of being shaved, dogs use panting and their paw pads to cool down. Similarly, cats use their paw pads to regulate their body temperature, curling them up when cold and spreading them out when hot. Thus, during summer, pet owners should focus on regular nail trimming and light grooming of the fur around the paw pads, to prevent long nails from poking the pads. For those new to grooming, it’s best to proceed slowly or seek guidance from a vet.

2. Pets Without Fur Are Prone to Skin Issues Pet skin is quite sensitive. Pollen and other airborne particles can cause discomfort, and poor-quality grooming tools can harm them. Fur acts as a protective barrier. Moreover, summer increases the frequency of insect bites, making pets’ skin even more sensitive. Some pets enjoy playing in water during summer, especially outdoors, where microorganisms in ponds or ditches can increase the risk of skin infections. Even when bathing indoors, using appropriate grooming tools can enhance the pet’s comfort. However, pets without fur are still at risk of getting cold if they stay in air-conditioned rooms or if they don’t dry off promptly after water play. Therefore, pet owners should be cautious when using clippers. Even if shaving is necessary due to a medical condition, it should be done under a vet’s supervision to avoid injury.

3. Pets’ Dignity and Self-Esteem Are Important Many pet owners find their pets endearing and amusing, with some breeds like Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes appearing particularly goofy. However, it’s important to remember that pets also have a sense of dignity. When pets are shaved without a specific reason, they might feel “ugly” or different, especially if their owners give them unusual haircuts. Some pets may become apathetic, depressed, or even hide from people. This can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. Make sure to spend extra time with your pet to boost their confidence and happiness. 4. Proper Grooming of Pet Fur For long-haired or thick-furred pets, their fur can indeed feel hot in summer, and many pets shed frequently. Regular grooming with appropriate tools to detangle and remove excess fur is essential. When trimming a pet’s fur, try to leave at least three centimeters of fur above the skin. Manual grooming tools allow for better control over the extent of trimming, reducing the risk of shaving too much. How Can You Help Your Pet Through the Summer Heat? Rather than shaving, make sure your pet stays well-hydrated—encourage them to drink plenty of water. Try to walk your pet in the early morning or late evening to enjoy cooler temperatures. Regularly trim the fur around the paw pads to aid in cooling. Minimize exposure to hot and humid environments. If you notice redness, widespread bleeding points, or bruising on the hairless areas of your pet’s abdomen, it may be a sign of heatstroke. If this occurs, remove the collar, move your pet to a shaded area, and use cool water to wipe their body. If symptoms like rapid breathing or signs of shock occur, seek immediate veterinary care.