Question about shaving dog's hair for summer time

[Marie]

Hey, I was wondering what all of you might know about shaving a dog's hair for summer. Is it safe to do that? I don't know if it throws their temperature control off or not. I have four dogs, and only two of them seem to really hold onto their winter fur really bad. I've tried brushing them out like usual, but I just can't get it off. It's so thick, and I know they must be miserable when they're outside in the sun. Any suggestions would be great! I've never done it before, and don't know if I should or not. They are mixed breeds, one is a collie/dobie mix, and the other is a complete mystery mix with a really thick winter undercoat still.

[Bullies2Love]

I just recently read something about this and people just assume that it would keep the dog cooler. The fact is that it really isn't good to do this because their fur protects them and actually keeps them cooler While dogs don't tan but they do sunburn if they are shaved. They sweat through paws and panting keeps them cooler.

[Marie]

Thanks everyone for the advice. They are not matted at all because I do trim them myself and keep the matts off, but they still have really thick undercoats of winter fur. My male mix does this every year, and I brush, and brush, and brush, and brush.....I guess I'll just keep brushing, and if I can't get it off, then I may take him in to get a short cut, not a shave. It's so thick on him, that when we take our dogs to the river or wherever they can get into water, his undercoat doesn't even get wet. He doesn't like getting brushed either; he hates it which makes it even harder for us to get the undercoat off. Thankfully, my other two dogs have short hair, and it's not a problem for them.

When I bathe my male, which isn't that often, because I know they don't need baths that often, I have to really massage and work the water and shampoo down into his fur to make sure he is getting clean. I'll just keep brushing and brushing.... thanks for the advice!

[Darrell]

marie:

Change your brush to a dematting comb (built like a comb, but each comb tooth is a dematting knife blade). Just keep going through the same area, gently and deeper until there is no resistance. This will get the fur open all the way down to the undercoat.

Just work a section of the dog each day, and it will be fully groomed in a week. Then you can brush for the next two weeks.

[Vladimir]

I walk a huskie/white shepherd mix for a friend every day, (he is large and often mistaken for a wolf) and regardless of the advice, he is definitely happier and has more energy when he is shorn for the few hottest summer months. I do not mean "shaved," however. He is nearly 12, sheds constantly (!) and otherwise just drags through those hottest months, it is just too much for him.

[Bullies2Love]

Trimming a dogs hair is fine but not shaved. I have a Lab/Golden that sheds so bad I swear I can knit a sweater from his hair. I often joke that one day I will see all this dog hair form into one big giant dust bunny that will be standing there waving at me. Hum, could be the next horror movie. LOL!

[Vladimir]

Oh, gosh, a giant fur ball, kinda like the "rover" from "The Prisoner," we are halfway there, I can see it now...

[Marie]

Too funny, I've seen giant dust bunnies in my house. It's almost as if all the hair that my 4 dogs shed in the house comes together to shock me when I sweep up!

[Marie]

I agree that if the thick winter coat just doesn't want to come off by itself, it's just better for me to cut his hair. I think he'll love it! I need to go and buy a set of animal clippers. I already cut my own boys' hair myself, so I can just cut my dog's hair myself too! If I can't trim it myself, then I'll take him in finally to get a groomer to do it for me. In the past, when I've trimmed him myself (not shear) he loves it, especially when I squirt him with the water hose. I think it feels good on his skin. :) Thanks for the advice!

[Dia]

You should trim your dog’s hair, but do so in fashion with breed standards. Certain dogs should never be shaved. Actually, no dog should. Their fur is what protects them from the elements. Even though you mean well and want to cool your dog off, you will be doing more harm than not. You’re putting your dog in life threatening danger. For example, skin cancer. No fur - means no UV protection.

You should try some thinning sheers. They will trim in inner coat and remove excess fur to allow for efficient cooling. Also, use other methods for cooling.

Tips:
Spray your dog down.
Give cool bathes.
Using fans.
Buy a cooling blanket or vest.

[Bullies2Love]

Cooling blanket? Never heard of them and where does one find them?

[Dia]

Help your pooches beat the heat with a cooling vest. You can purchase them at major pet retail stores or at specialty stores. Or you can go online.

Foster & Smith is a great place to buy pet supplies. You can find a direct link in the following: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9441.
You could also try the following: http://www.coolmedics.com/caninecooling.html. I have not purchased from this site so I cannot vouch for their services.

[Bullies2Love]

Thanks for the link. My Max would love this. He is a big furball. I always find him on the bathroom floor where it is cool. As for the Pitty's they don't mind. I often find them on the back porch sunbathing.