Summer’s here — should you shave your dog’s coat? A complete guide to coat care

Summer is here! Are you worried your dog is overheating and not sure whether to shave their coat? This article walks you through the different coat types, how to brush and bathe properly, and a handy pros-and-cons breakdown of shaving — so you can help your furry friend stay cool and comfortable all summer long. Let’s give them a healthy, gorgeous look together!

Does shaving really cool your dog down? First, understand how dogs regulate heat!

Summer temperatures are brutal — even for us humans. So how do our fluffy companions beat the heat? Unlike human skin, dogs don’t have sweat glands spread across their body. They cool down mainly by breathing through their mouth and nose, and through the small sweat glands in their paw pads. When a dog feels hot, they’ll stick out their tongue and pant rapidly, using the tongue to evaporate moisture and exhale the warm air from their lungs. The sweat glands in their paw pads also play a key role — as they walk around, heat is released through contact with the ground, and you might even spot damp paw prints left behind.

Thinking about shaving your dog? Here are 6 key things to keep in mind

Summers in Taiwan are intensely hot, and trimming your dog’s coat can be a reasonable choice. However, before deciding whether to shave, you’ll need to consider factors like breed, skin condition, and living environment. It’s also important to be aware of the key precautions — after all, a dog’s coat serves a protective purpose. It shields them from UV rays, helps prevent sunburn, and reduces the chance of allergens and irritants coming into direct contact with the skin. With that in mind, here are the important points to keep your pet safe throughout the grooming process.

Tip 1: Don’t shave all the way down

When shaving your dog, always leave at least 0.5 cm of coat to protect their skin from UV rays and allergens.

Tip 2: Use the right tools

Choose tools suited to your dog’s coat type — such as combs, scissors, or electric clippers. Avoid using dull tools, and remember to oil electric clippers regularly to reduce snagging and prevent skin injuries.

Tip 3: Always shave in the direction of hair growth

Always shave in the direction the coat grows. Going against the grain can damage the hair follicles, leading to uneven regrowth or patches where the coat won’t grow back properly.

Tip 4: Watch out for dewclaws

Some dogs have dewclaws — vestigial toes on the inner side of the front legs — that may be hidden beneath the fur. Take extra care in that area to avoid accidentally nicking them.

Tip 5: Be strategic about which areas you shave

Since a dog’s coat also acts as protection, focus shaving on areas that aren’t directly exposed to sunlight — such as the belly, chest, inner limbs, and paw pads — to reduce the risk of sunburn when they’re outdoors.

Tip 6: Give them a bath after shaving

After shaving, it’s a good idea to bathe your dog to rinse away any loose clipped fur. If there’s any sign of skin irritation, use slightly cool water to soothe the skin and make sure all stray hairs are thoroughly rinsed away, leaving their coat clean and dry.

Decoding your dog’s coat — single or double layer?

A dog’s coat structure directly affects how well they stay warm or cool down. Coats generally fall into two categories: single-coat and double-coat. Here’s how to tell them apart:

1. Coat type: single coat

Dogs with a single coat have just one layer of fur, which is typically shorter and less dense — part the fur and you can see the skin underneath. Common breeds include the Bichon Frisé and Poodle. These dogs tend to shed less, making them easier to manage both for the dog and your home, though they’re also less tolerant of cold weather. Regular brushing and an appropriate bathing routine (generally once or twice a month) are especially important for keeping their coat healthy and shiny. Single-coat breeds include the Schnauzer, Doberman, Chihuahua, Poodle, and Maltese.

1. Coat type: double coat

Double-coated dogs have a soft undercoat close to the skin and a tougher outer guard coat. The undercoat sheds seasonally to help regulate body temperature — which is why these dogs tend to shed more heavily in summer, allowing air to reach the skin and keep it cool and dry. The guard coat is more resilient and provides protection against sunlight and wind. Breeds that need to adapt to colder climates, like Golden Retrievers and Huskies, are typically double-coated. Other double-coat breeds include the Pomeranian, Husky, Spitz, French Bulldog, Shiba Inu, German Shepherd, Sheepdog, Chow Chow, Corgi, and Samoyed.

That said, because Taiwan’s summers are so humid, while shaving can help with heat dissipation, it’s still important to avoid shaving all the way down — doing so strips away the coat’s natural protective layer and removes its ability to regulate temperature.

Must-read for pet parents: 5 secrets to keeping your dog’s coat healthy

Keeping your dog’s coat in great shape requires regular care and grooming. Here are five coat care tips to help you learn the right way to maintain your dog’s fur.

Coat care tip 1: Brush regularly

Brush daily or weekly in the direction of hair growth to prevent tangles and matting, and to promote circulation and a healthy shine. Before you start, choose a brush suited to your dog’s coat — a bristle brush for short-haired dogs, and a metal pin brush for longer coats.

Coat care tip 2: Bathe occasionally

Using a shampoo formulated for your dog’s skin and coat type helps keep the fur clean and reduces odours. However, bathing frequency should be based on breed and lifestyle — generally once or twice a month is sufficient. You can bathe a little more often in summer, but don’t overdo it — the skin’s natural oils are key to a soft, healthy coat, and bathing too frequently can strip them away.

Coat care tip 3: Trim regularly

Regular trims are especially helpful in areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, around the belly, and on the inner legs. Take care not to cut the skin, so it’s best to use dedicated pet scissors or have a professional groomer handle it.

Coat care tip 4: Keep the coat dry

After a bath, make sure to dry your dog’s coat thoroughly to prevent moisture from causing skin problems or coat loss. Start by towel-drying to absorb as much water as possible, then finish with a blow dryer on a low-heat setting. Pay special attention to the paw pads and belly, where moisture tends to linger.

Coat care tip 5: Make sure they’re getting proper nutrition

A balanced diet ensures your dog gets the nutrients they need. You might also consider adding a pet-friendly fish oil supplement containing Omega-3 fatty acids — it supports healthy skin and gives the coat a beautiful, healthy shine.

Shaving isn’t all upside — here’s a simple look at the pros and cons

Appropriate shaving can help prevent your dog from overheating and make summer more comfortable, but it’s important to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks and take proper care throughout. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons to help you make the right call.

Pros	Cons
Helps lower body temperature and dissipate heat, reducing the risk of heatstroke.	The skin is more exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
For long-haired dogs, shaving prevents matting and makes grooming much easier.	The skin may become more sensitive and prone to injury.
A shorter coat makes it easier to check for and remove fleas, ticks, and other parasites, keeping your dog healthier.	Shaving too short can damage the coat’s natural protective layer and reduce your dog’s resilience to temperature changes and environmental irritants.
Easier to wash and keep clean, which can help reduce the likelihood of skin conditions.	Some dogs may feel unsettled after being shaved, which can affect their behaviour and mood — they’ll need time to adjust.

Struggling to keep up with your dog’s grooming? Find a professional pet sitter on Fluv!

There’s clearly a lot to know about shaving your dog — and it’s easy to accidentally cause harm if you’re not careful. But with the summer heat in full swing, you don’t want your furry friend to suffer either! Head over to Fluv, Taiwan’s largest pet service platform. In addition to trusted pet sitters, Fluv also offers in-home grooming services including bathing, trimming, and nail care — so a professional groomer can come right to your door and make your pet look their best. Pet owners who’ve tried it love it! See what other pet parents are saying!

 

Further reading
Is it important to trim your dog’s nails regularly? A few simple tips to help your dog stop dreading nail trims!

How often should you bathe your dog? The ideal bathing frequency and a step-by-step guide, all in one place!

 

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