Fact is, the more hirsute canine is not necessarily the hottest one. Shaggy dogs can be as cool as their less follicly-challenged counterparts provided they are well-groomed and the undercoat has been shed. The hair then actually insulates the pooch from the heat. There are heavy-coated dogs such as German Shepherds working in the heat of Iraq, for goodness sakes, and they don’t get sheared. If you dog’s coat is matted and dirty, however, a trim may be a good idea.

Vinny & Coco

Photo by Karen Lyerly

Having said that, I do trim my two poodles in the summer months. My reasoning, however, has more to do with tick control (it’s so much easier to see them) than heat issues. However, you should never shave your pet. To do so will leave him seriously exposed to sunburn (yes, though dogs don’t tan they can be very prone to burning) and even skin cancer. And close cropped hair also means Fido could be more susceptible to bites from mosquitoes and flies.

Protect your pet in other ways…

I recently installed a bug zapper in the back yard. Although it’s well-shaded we’ve been having a problem with mosquitoes. I’ve tried every type of organic spray I could find, burned endless quantities of citronella and, frankly, they’re all pretty useless against this current onslaught of fiendish bloodsuckers. Chemical products are simply not an acceptable alternative but the zapper seems to be doing a decent job.

As for protecting my pets from the heat, I follow my own advice. Bear in mind, also, that an obese animal is in far more danger of heat stroke than a hairy one.

Do it yourself….

To save the $100 bill of professional grooming I recently began clipping Vinny and Coco myself. The first set of clippers I bought were next to useless, then I found a great Moser Arco Trimmer Kit by Wahl on Amazon at a great price. They’re cordless, quiet, easy to use and hold the charge long enough for me to do both dogs with ease.

“I am joy in a wooly coat, come to dance into your life, to make you laugh!” ~ Julie Church