Reasons Not To Shave Your Dog In The Summer

By Nan Talleno

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It may seem necessary to you to shave your dog in the hot summer months, but it seems to be in their best interest NOT to, and here's why.

First, although it seems heavy and burdensome for our dogs to carry around so much fur especially in the hot weather, but it's important to know that your dog's coat actually provides some relief from the heat, as it acts as a type of insulation.  With several layers which are essential to your dog's comfort level in a natural way through various temperatures including the heat, the coat acts as a natural cooling system.  Without it, there is a potential of overheating and discomfort.  Dogs with thick fur shed their coats naturally and have less fur in the summer anyway, just keep your dog clean and gently brushed.  If you must shave, leave at least once inch of fur for protection.

Your dog, not unlike you, can also be in danger of sunburn as well as skin cancer.

There is always the potential of that on exposed vulnerable areas such as the nose, tips of the ears, the tail and the stomach area but shaving the coat puts your dog at an even greater risk, especially for thin coated dogs, as well as dogs with white, tan and

lighter colored coats.

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