Summer Shave: Do it or Ditch it?

Have you found your dog behaves differently during the
summer? They might be more lethargic, eat less, and just seem unsettled at
times. As a dog guardian in sunny Singapore, you might be tempted to shave your
furry friend to help them beat that heat. After all, if shedding layers makes
us humans more comfortable, the same logic must apply to our canine companions,
right? 

 Well, not quite.

When it comes to keeping your dog cool, a summer shave is often more harmful than helpful. This is especially true when you’re parent to a dog that has big feelings about the world around them that often manifest as big behaviors such as barking, lunging, growling, and biting.

 

How dogs regulate their temperature

Dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies like humans do. Instead, they have a few key ways to regulate their body temperature:

  1. Panting: This is the primary way dogs cool themselves down. When a dog pants, the moisture from their tongue, mouth, and respiratory tract evaporates, which helps lower their body temperature. The rapid breathing motion also helps circulate cooler air throughout their body

 

  1. Blood Vessel Dilation: When a dog’s core temperature rises, their blood vessels expand (dilate) to bring more heat to the skin’s surface. This allows the heat to be released into the air through radiation (heat radiating out) and convection (air moving over the skin).

 

  1. Sweat Glands: Dogs do have some sweat glands, but they are mainly located on their paw pads. As these sweat glands activate, you may notice damp paw prints on the ground when it’s hot. However, this sweating plays a relatively minor role in a dog’s overall cooling process.
 

Interestingly, a dog’s fur coat actually helps with temperature regulation. The fur acts as insulation, trapping cool air close to the skin and preventing hot outside air from penetrating in. This double-layered coat is essential for keeping dogs comfortable in both hot and cold environments. Shaving off their fur disrupts this balance and can make it harder for them to stay cool. Think of it as removing the insulation from your home during a heatwave – not a great idea.

 

Does shaving really make a difference?

Yes, but not in the way you’d hope. Shaving your dog’s fur can lead to a host of problems:

  1. Sunburn: Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned. Without their protective coat, their skin is exposed to harmful UV rays. This is especially true for dogs with light-colored or thin fur. Next thing you know, your dog’s got a nasty sunburn and is even more uncomfortable in the heat.

 

  1. Overheating: It sounds counterintuitive, but removing the fur can actually make your dog hotter. Without the insulation to protect them, they’re more susceptible to the heat. You wouldn’t rip out the insulation in your home during the hottest months of the year, so don’t do it to your dog.

 

  1. Hair Growth Issues: Shaving can also cause long-term damage to your dog’s coat. In some cases, the hair doesn’t grow back properly, or it can grow back unevenly. This is particularly problematic for double-coated breeds, where the undercoat may come back thicker and denser, making it even harder for your dog to stay cool.
 
 

These can have an exacerbating affect on your dog’s behavior ultimately, because let’s face it, if I’m uncomfortable from a sunburn or overheated, I am definitely going to be more snappy and snarky to even the slightest annoyance – the same goes for your Sunny Sam.

Instead of shaving, focus on proper grooming. Regular brushing helps remove the loose undercoat and allows for better air circulation through the fur. This is particularly important in Singapore’s humid climate, where a well-maintained coat can make all the difference. Think of it like getting a good haircut that makes you feel lighter and breezier – but without the drastic chop.

 

In a nutshell

Shaving your dog during Singapore’s more humid months might seem like a quick fix, but it’s more likely to cause harm than good. In general, unless your veterinarian or groomer specifically recommends it, it’s best to avoid the temptation to shave your dog during the hotter months.

Instead, focus on other ways to keep them cool, like providing plenty of shade, water, and opportunities to swim. You can also try trimming the fur around their paws and belly to help with airflow, but leave the rest of their coat intact. If you’re concerned about keeping your dog comfortable in the heat, consider other cooling methods like doggy cooling mats and avoiding walks during the peak heat of the day.

So, keep those clippers away and focus on keeping your pup cool and comfortable the right way.

 

 

Sources
“How Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature” – VCA Animal Hospitals
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-dogs-regulate-their-body-temperature
“Should You Shave Your Dog or Cat for Summer?” – WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/pets/features/shaving-dog-or-cat-during-summer

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