Does Pet Haircut in Summer Really Keep Them Cool?

Whether it's summer or winter, it's best to avoid shaving your cat or dog's fur.

In human thinking, we tend to wear more during the winter to stay warm and less during the summer to facilitate heat dissipation. So, when we see our feline and canine companions donning their "furry overcoats" yearround, we can't help but be captivated by their charm. As a result, many pet owners opt to have their pets shaved during the summer months. However, it's important to note that pets do not need to be shaved to stay cool during the hot summer days.

Firstly, humans wear less in the summer because our skin is equipped with a vast network of sweat glands that help absorb heat through perspiration. However, cats and dogs have a different skin structure. Their sweat glands are primarily located on their paw pads and tongues, with very few elsewhere. Their skin does not play a significant role in cooling them down. Even if all their fur is shaved, their skin's direct contact with the air does not significantly enhance their cooling process.

Secondly, the fur of kittens and puppies is not like our clothing. Besides keeping them warm in winter, this fur also serves a protective purpose. Without this protective layer, our furry friends would be much more susceptible to injuries.

Therefore, shaving pets is not only ineffective but can also pose several harmful consequences. Let's explore the potential negative impacts of shaving your pet's fur.

What are the negative effects of shaving a pet's fur?

1. Shaving can harm the fur:

Many pet owners choose to shave close to the skin for a cooler feeling, but this can potentially damage the hair follicles. We often see this in dogs that require regular grooming, such as Poodles. Some owners might regularly shave their Shih Tzus for convenience, leading to damaged follicles and bizarre hair textures and colors, making the situation worse with each shave.

2. Shaving strips away the pet's protective layer:

Pet fur not only helps regulate temperature but also acts as a buffer and protector against the environment. Without their fur, cats and dogs are more prone to injuries. For instance:

Without the fur's protection, their skin is directly exposed to the sun, which can lead to sunburns, dermatitis, and other skin issues;

Insects and parasites can more easily access their skin, causing further harm;

Cats and dogs may scratch themselves to relieve itching, which can be a sign of emotional distress or a calming signal. However, without fur to protect their skin, their sharp claws can easily cause cuts, leading to more complicated issues later on.

3. Shaving can damage the pet's "selfesteem":

While animal psychology may not be as complex as ours, they do have their own instincts and "aesthetics." In the animal kingdom, those with fuller fur and robust physiques are often more popular and confident. Consider the animals in the wild vying for mates and status; most of the time, they are the ones with the most impressive coats. Therefore, if a pet owner suddenly shaves their cat or dog's fur, it can be quite a blow to their psyche. Some dogs may be accustomed to grooming and changes in their coat, but others may feel depressed or insecure, even leading to behavioral abnormalities due to the loss of their hair.

4. Shaving can be fatal to cats:

This is a point worth emphasizing separately, as shaving can be a relatively quick process for dogs, but it can take much longer for cats, causing significant harm. Cats have a more severe reaction to stress, which can be lifethreatening.

Stress responses are an instinctive mechanism in cats that help them survive in dangerous situations. However, these responses can also lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar and blood pressure, rapid breathing, and irregular heartbeats, which can result in severe consequences such as anorexia.

Therefore, unless pets require fur removal due to skin conditions, surgery, or other medical reasons, it is generally not recommended to shave them.