Diana Myers
The sun is shining, the thermometer shows 30°C in the shade – dogs with long fur, in particular, are grateful for an airy summer look.
The fur as a thermoregulator
Actually, the coat is a protection for the dog. It regulates the body temperature: while it keeps the dog snugly warm in winter, it keeps out the heat rays and heat in summer. It is easy to believe that clipping is not good for the dog. In fact, it messes up this mechanism at first.
Which dogs should you clip?
Dogs with circulatory problems and old dogs are still very grateful for shearing in summer. So they no longer have to lug around this mass of fur in the heat. You should also not forget that not all dogs “naturally” have such a lush coat. Many such dog breeds (e.g. Bobtail) only came about as a result of targeted breeding. The long wool can be very stressful for them.
Shave or let a professional do it?
The best method is to have the dog’s coat clipped at a grooming salon. Experts know how to treat hair so that it is not damaged by clipping. If you don’t know of a dog salon in your area and you dare to shear yourself, you should at least observe the following points: Never clip your dog down to the skin! The fur should be at least 1 to 2 cm long! For dogs with light-colored fur, you should consult your veterinarian, as the risk of sunburn can be increased.