Some of our beloved dogs are bred with thicker coats and as the temperature rises, giving them a haircut will help them in cooling off.
If you have a dog with a very thick coat which seems to suffer from the heat, some veterinarians suggest shaving them. Though you should resist shaving shorter-haired breeds because not only do they get no benefit from it, but they also run the risk of sunburn once shaved.
Actually, any dog can suffer sunburn, so if you do shave your thick-coated dog, be sure to leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet from the sun's rays.
You may also want to shave a dog that stays outside all the time, has a matted coat, and is likely to be wet often. In these circumstances, a dog can develop an unpleasant condition called myiasis or maggots in the fur. If your dog is prone to hot spots, a summer shave may also be very helpful, but discuss this with your vet first.
If you do plan on shaving your furry pals this summer, experts offer these simple tips:
- Think about hiring a pro. Most of us have little or no experience grooming our dogs, and many pets can be nervous, raising the potential for painful accidents.
- Keep clippers cool. Take frequent breaks and use the lubricant that comes together with your clippers.
- Leave an inch of hair. This gives your pet enough coat to protect from sunburn and chilly summer nights.
- No close shaves. A close shave can leave guard hair embedded under the skin, new hair won't grow until these ends fall out, causing irregular growth and often skin problems. There is also the risk of giving your dog a razor burn.
Source: http://pets.webmd.com/features/shaving-dog-or-cat-during-summer
No comments:
Post a Comment