Should You Shave Your Dog for Summer? A Quick Guide
Caire J has employed an infrared thermal imaging camera, the FLIR B400, to investigate the surface temperature variations in dogs. A total of 50 dogs were photographed, capturing thermal images of their left and right sides. Each dog was acclimated to an indoor environment (23±2.0°C) for 15 minutes, avoiding direct sunlight, with the camera positioned at a distance of 0.67±0.24 meters. The study revealed that shorthaired dogs exhibited a surface temperature 2°C higher than that of longhaired dogs.
Dog fur is akin to the insulation materials used in homes; it prevents excessive cold inside during winter and keeps the interior cool in summer. Similarly, dogs' fur serves a similar protective function.
The Dangers of Dog Hair Cutting
1. Increased Risk of Sunburn
Dog skin is delicate and prone to sunburn. Hair acts as a natural shield against harmful UV rays.
2. Vulnerability to Bug Bites
Bug bites can cause dermatitis and even transmit diseases such as Japanese encephalitis and hemolymphatic disease. Dense fur can protect dogs from these pests.
3. Skin Allergies
Some dogs, particularly white Poodles and Bichon Frises, may develop localized allergies and itching after being shaved with a clipper, as their skin is particularly thin.
4. Alopecia or Baldness
Some breeds, like the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Husky, and Samoyed, may suffer from alopecia or baldness if their fur is shaved, leading to a lifelong lack of regrowth and affecting the dog's appearance, causing immense distress to the owners.
How to Care for Your Dog's Fur in Summer
1. Regularly Brush Your Dog
Brushing removes excess and unshed fur, preventing hair from accumulating and making it easier for the dog to dissipate heat. Regular grooming also helps reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your home.
2. Shave Only the Abdomen
For longhaired, thickfurred dogs, consider shaving the abdomen. This allows the dog to cool down by lying on cooler ground when seeking relief from the heat.
3. Avoid Walking Dogs During Extreme Heat
When temperatures are too high, it's best to avoid taking your dog out for walks. If you're feeling the heat, imagine how much worse it must be for your furry friend.
Conclusion
(1) Most veterinarians do not recommend shaving dogs, as the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits, if any.
(2) Dogs have singlelayer and doublelayer fur. Under normal circumstances, never shave doublelayered fur dogs, as it can cause permanent damage!
(3) Hair can reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, block allergens and parasites from contacting the skin, and lower the chance of developing skin diseases.
(4) If you feel it's too hot, make sure to brush your dog regularly. If you must shave, limit it to the abdomen, and avoid taking your dog out for walks during the peak heat of the day.
