Shaving

[MadeToFly]

I have always been under the assumption to never shave a long-haired dog in the summer because it insulates them from the heat.
How true is this?

When I first got my pup, she would nearly die from the heat and seek refuge in the shade (and this was in September/October - and with a short puppy coat!). With summer getting closer each month I've been debating having her shaved when the weather becomes warmer to keep her cool and to also make grooming easier.

BUT, is this a good idea or am I taking away some sort of insulation/cooling down mechanism that will cause issues? She would be spending plenty of time in lakes this summer as well as I was also considering shaving for the sake of preventing a damp, stinky coat!

Here are some photos of her to get an idea of her coat. It's not super long like a collie's, but it's a thick length (I can run my fingers through out and have my fingers disappear).

 

[Saeleofu]

I personally wouldn't shave.

Double coats especially do help keep dogs cool. And they take FOREVER to grow back properly. There is a sheltie that comes to the clinic and this dog got clipped one summer, and his coat was terrible forever after that (it's been years and his coat is still screwed up).

 

[FoxyWench]

puppy coats are fluffier, whereas now shes got her adult coat it should do its job.

in some breeds it helps, in other breeds it doesnt, and in many breeds shaving does cause the coat to grow back funky.

 

[2pups622]

I would not shave a dog with a coat like that There hair is meant to have a purpose.

 

[Tankstar]

I would NOT be shaving. The dog will be totaly fine in a canadian summer.
My dog survives just fine. And we are very out door oriented. He does 15kms bike rides in the summer/fall/spring....some times winter. lol.

A good grooming, brush out and keeping up with the coat is what makes a dog beabke to use their coat 100%. Make sure she is brushed out 100%, so there are no loose hairs in there blocking the healthy coat from doing its job.

Like mentioned above, last year your dog had a puppy coat. Now she has a adult coat. Which WILL help keep her cooler. You dont want her freezing in winter right? Well by shaving her you will be ruining the coat, therefore making her loose her nautral defense against cold and heat.

 

[MadeToFly]

Alright, thanks guys!

 

[dobesgalore]

Several years ago, we had a St. Bernard who had just turned 10. My husband shaved her, and all summer she bounced around like a puppy. HOWEVER, her coat never did grow back all the way. Nothing like it originaly was. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't do it. She looked like crap!