With the weather getting intensely scorching this summer, you’re likely concerned with keeping your pet as cool as possible. Looking at your old dog with all that hair, you might think it’s a great idea to shave off all your dog’s hair to make him feel cooler. But don’t! According to ASPCA.org, shaving a dog isn’t a good idea. Here’s why:
A dog’s coat is kind of like insulation for your house,” explains Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Hospital. “Insulation stops your home from getting too cold in winter, but it also keeps it from overheating in summer—and your dog’s coat does the same thing.”
Dogs’ coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog’s comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating. And keeping your dog cool isn’t the only reason to leave his coat intact, Dr. Murray warns. Your dog’s coat prevents your pup from getting sunburn and helps protect her from skin cancer.
Of course, pet parents should remember to keep pets inside with plenty of water during hot days—hydration is key! For more important information on summer pet care, visit (the ASPCA’s) Hot-Weather Tips.
Just like people, a dog’s hair thins out as they get older. And, just like people, a old dog’s skin is thinner and more fragile that a young pup. So the older your pet, the (potentially) less coverage and protection they naturally have and the more sensitive their skin under the coat. Shaving an old dog is an absolute “NO!”
If your goal is to keep your dog cool, here are several products that help cool your pet:
Cooling Coat
Minnesota has set records this summer for heat and humidity. Bulldogs in general, and mine in particular, are affected by heat because they have shorter airways. “Shorter airway means less possibility of cooling the air which the dogs draws into its body. Dogs do not sweat. Their only means of reducing built-up body heat is by panting,” explains Bulldogs World. So I suited up Jes (pictured right) in the Hurtta Cooling Coat.
Cooling Collar
Put this gel-filled collar in your freezer so it’s ready when you need it. It has a snap-buckle like many of today’s dog collars. The only challenge I see with this is your dog has to wear his regular as well because there’s no place for dog tags on this one. Learn more about the cooling collar,
Cooling Pad
If you’re looking for something to help cool your dog in your house, this might be what you’re looking for. If your dog lays on a tile floor to get cool, this will reportedly keep him as cool as those tiles do but it’s better for him than laying on those hard tiles; especially if your dog is older. I haven’t personally tried it, so I can’t offer a personal opinion. Click here for more information on the cooling pad.
The Ultimate Cooling Solution
This reminds me of the little tent I used to have when my son was a toddler and I wanted to be sure he would have a place to nap or get out of the sun for a while. Only the pad for his tent didn’t have a cooling pad! But if you plan to have your dog outside all day – at the park, the beach or during your child’s soccer or tball tournament, then this is a way to prevent her from getting heat stroke. Get the details on the Portable Pet Cooling and Shelter System by clicking here.
Do you know of other products that help keep dogs cool? If so, please share them below. But whatever you do, remember that shaving a dog is a definite no-no.
