Three Reasons You Shouldn’t Shave Your Pet

Thursday, July 11, 2013 - 12:00pm
Golden retriever wearing red collar











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Regular Reader

So, I have a small dog (chihuahua/mystery mix) that I got from a rescue group. She is totally an indoor dog. By nature she has very LONG hair - and cries and cringes when I try to brush her, no matter how gently. Who knows what the history was there? So she gets clipped regularly (not shaved, but clipped short). Her favorite groomer says she cooperates nicely about the grooming - not stressed there. The dog is happier, I am happier. If I had a kitty in the same situation, it would undoubtedly see the groomer regularly too. The whole point is that the pet be taken care of the best way possible.

Kaye Mitchell

I used to believe that too until I inherited a St. Bernard while living in Houston. The dog was miserable, laid on the cool tile all the time, got hot spots and panted a lot. I gave in and had him groomed and shaved and that ended the hot spots, and brought his energy back. Ask the dog if it is insulation or a fur coat.

Leda Hanasik

During the summer months, when the temperature gets above 80, I put a small ice cube in their indoor water dish every 4 to 6 hours to keep the water cool. I just thought I would pass this on.
My dogs don't stay out in the heat very long, I can't blame them, I don't like getting overheated either.


Yes, for a while, a coat protects a dog, but once hot, the same coat keeps the dog hot. It's insulation both ways. Long haired dogs need a shorter coat in the summer as long as it isn't so short as to allow sunburn. Lying on the tile cools them off more quickly if they sport a shorter coat. I live in Arizona, long coats are cruel here!


Just brushing my black lab did not work so I had to break down and thin out her coat. I don't believe in fully shaving her cause of the sun and she loves to be outside. Thinning the coat and brushing everyday did the trick.. but I also have a fan in front of her part of the bed at all times with AC in the room.

Patrick Oliver

Thank you ASPCA!


Wow! Thanks. That's definitely good to know. It's good for cats, also.

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