A lot of owners think thick long coats = hot dogs. Hot dogs = shave off the coat to keep them cool. That’s what we do as humans – take off our coats to keep cool!
My top tip this week is don’t shave. Your dog’s beautiful coat is its specifically designed personal protective equipment. Why?
- Keeps your dog cool in hot weather. The outer layer of hair reflects the sun. The undercoat is thinner in hot weather and allows air to flow close to the skin – brush or blow the coat out to remove the undercoat to keep your pooch cooler instead.
- Keeps your dog warm in cold weather. The undercoat provides a soft downy layer next to the skin trapping warmth.
- Protects your dog from sunburn and skin cancer,
- No coat means allergens, insects and other nasties coming in close contact to the skin.
- Shaving irritates the skin – stubble rash anyone?
- Shaved coats grow back thicker & unevenly, therefore more likely to mat – resulting in the need for another shave. Never ending cycle.
Top tip – don’t reach for those clippers. Research your dog’s breed & coat and look after your dog’s personal protective equipment properly.
Thank you for reading today’s article.
Louise James, Momentum Clinical Canine Massage
