Summer is officially here, and you want your pet to enjoy the long, hot days and cool evenings as much as you. Just like we prepare our skin, hair and clothing according to the weather, as a dedicated pet owner your main concern is to make sure your pet is as prepared for the warm weather as you are.
Many people are asking: do I shave my dog this summer?
It’s understandable that our first thought is to strip our pet of their heavy, thick fur in the hot summer months, just as lambs are stripped of their wool.
But hold it right there: Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital, advises against shaving your dog. Why?
“A dog’s coat is kind of like insulation for your house. Insulation stops your home from getting too cold in winter, but it also keeps it from overheating in the summer—and your dog’s coat does the same thing,” says Murray.
So in fact, by shaving your dog you’re actually reducing his ability to keep cool. You’re also increasing his chances of getting a sunburn and developing skin cancer.
The ASPCA also advises that you leave the trimming to the professionals: the last thing you want to do is trim too close to the skin, or take too much off leaving your dog vulnerable.
There are other ways to help your dog besides trimming their fur. Like babies, they can’t verbally tell you how they are feeling, so watching their behaviour and keeping an eye out for visual cues are important. Here are some tips and signs to look out for:
1. Your dog is overheating if he/she is excessively panting or has trouble breathing
2. Dehydration has set in if he has an increased heart rate, is drooling or has experienced an actual collapse
3. Other serious signs of over-heating are bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and a temperature above 104
4. Animals with flat faces are more likely to get heat stroke including Pugs and even Persian cats. These pets, along with overweight animals, should be kept in an air-conditioned room if possible.
5. The skin around the eyes turns dark pink or red
6. He may have a worried or anxious look on his face
So if you want to keep Fido cool and happy this summer, keep and eye on him and give him a quick hair cut, but leave the trimming to the professionals, like the ones at Bowhaus Pets—they know what they are doing. Keep your dog hydrated with lots of water, and look out for the tell-tale signs that they are not happy.
Then, enjoy your summer! Go for long walks, take a ball to the park and have fun in the sun!
Bowhaus is located at 2472 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 229-9835 or visit www.bowhauspets.com.