Summer is coming and many people think they'll do their dog a favor and give him a short haircut. The logic seems simple, less hair means less heat. But for certain breeds, it's the other way around, and veterinarians and groomers repeat this every summer.
The long, thick coat of some dogs is not just an aesthetic featureIt is an important protective mechanism that acts as a natural insulation, helps prevent overheating, reflects the sun's rays and maintains a stable body temperature.
When we cut such hair, we are not doing the dog a favor, but rather we take away one of the most important natural protections against heat.
How dog hair actually works
Double-coated breeds have an outer, protective coat and a soft undercoat. Together, these two layers form natural insulation system, which works similarly to thermal insulation in a house.
It retains heat in the winter and prevents heat from reaching the skin in the summer. When this type of hair is cut, this system no longer works as effectively, and the skin becomes significantly more exposed to the sun and high temperatures.
Breeds that should not be sheared in summer
Breeds for which summer shearing can be harmful include:
golden retriever,
Labrador,
border collie,
Australian Shepherd,
Siberian Husky,
Samoyed,
Akita and
Bernese Mountain Dog.
All of these breeds have a double coat that naturally adjusts in the summer by shedding the undercoat.
The seasonal change of hair is the way in which the body regulates its temperature, so interfering with it with scissors can disrupt or weaken this process.
Regular combing instead of cutting
Instead of clipping, veterinarians and dog groomers recommend regular combing, especially during the molting period.
Removing dead undercoat with a suitable comb or special brush allows for better air circulation through the coat and actually helps the dog cool down. This is the care that makes the biggest difference in the summer.
When is a haircut appropriate?
There are breeds for which clipping is perfectly acceptable and often even recommended.
These are breeds with a single coat, such as:
poodle,
bichon,
shih tzu and
Maltese.
Their coat does not have the same protective function as a double coat, so regular trimming is part of normal grooming. The key difference is not in the length of the coat, but in its structure.
Summer care that really helps your dog
In addition to regular brushing, the most helpful things for dogs on hot days are shade, a cool space, unlimited access to fresh water, and walks in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
Their coat is designed to protect them – if we just let it do its job.
