Should You Shave Your Dog in Summer?

It seems obvious that less hair means a cooler dog. For double-coated breeds the opposite is closer to the truth.

How a double coat works

The dense undercoat traps air and insulates against heat as well as cold, while the guard coat reflects sun and protects against UV. Removing it exposes skin to sunburn and can make the dog hotter.

Regrowth problems

Shaved double coats often regrow patchy, with undercoat outcompeting guard hair — sometimes permanently in older dogs.

Which coats can be clipped

Single-coated breeds such as Poodles, Shih Tzus and Lhasas are clipped routinely; that is normal grooming.

Better cooling

Remove the dead undercoat with a rake — that genuinely improves airflow. Walk at cooler hours, provide shade and a fan, and use a cooling mat.