Should You Shave Your Dog in the Summer? (Spoiler: Not Always!)

Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, barbecues, and fur… *a lot* of fur. If your dog is leaving fluffy reminders of themselves on every surface, it can be tempting to grab the clippers and give them that cool “summertime shave.” But before you turn your pup into a mini lion, let’s talk about why *not* all dogs should be shaved—and how proper grooming can keep them looking and feeling fabulous without risking their health.

Not All Coats Are Created Equal

Just like we’ve got a closet full of clothing for every season, dogs come equipped with their own built-in wardrobe—it’s called a **coat**. Some dogs have single coats (think Poodles, Maltese), while others wear a **double coat** (like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies, and Shelties). That double coat is made up of a soft, insulating undercoat and a tougher outer layer that helps **regulate body temperature** year-round.

When you shave a double-coated dog, you’re not just giving them a new ‘do—you’re removing their natural defence system. That fur acts like a thermos: keeping them warm in winter and cool *in* summer by insulating against the heat and even protecting their skin from sunburn (yes, dogs get sunburns too!). After shaving, their coat may grow back patchy, coarse, or fail to properly insulate ever again—yikes

But It’s Hot—So What Can I Do?

Totally fair question. We want our dogs to stay comfy too! That’s where regular **grooming** becomes your dog’s best friend (well… second-best friend after you).

Instead of shaving, here’s what can help:

• De-shedding Treatments: These remove excess undercoat without damaging the outer layer. Yup, fewer fur tumbleweeds and a much happier pup.
• Regular Brushing: Keeps that coat smooth and slows down shedding. Plus, it’s bonding time!
• Trims (for certain breeds): Dogs with hair instead of fur (like Havanese or Shih Tzus) benefit from a summer cut—but this is very different from a shave.
• Baths with coat-safe shampoo: Help loosen fur and keep skin happy. Cool rinse? Even better.

And most importantly—**talk to your groomer.** They can guide you based on your dog’s breed and coat type.

Local Groomers That Know Their Stuff

Need help in Abbotsford? The ever-gentle Debbie and team at Abbotsford Dog & Cat Grooming specialize in smaller breeds. Or check out Tracey at The Wagging Tail, The Doggy Shop, or Michaela’s Dog Grooming – they all know their way around a double coat (and a wiggly customer). In Mission, head over to Fresh Fido on 1st Ave—they’ll have your dog feeling cooler and looking sharp without a full buzz.

Trust the Fluff

At the end of the day, your dog’s coat is there for a reason. With a little extra TLC, it’ll do a great job keeping them cool on summer walks, protected on sunny days, and yep—even less shredding (we mean *shedding*) in the house.

Still tempted to shave? Chat with your groomer first. Your pup will thank you—with tail wags, not sunburns. Want to learn more about why shaving a double coat could be more risky than rewarding? Here’s a great resource that digs into the science behind the fluff.