To shave or not to shave

It's starting to feel like summer and we want to keep our pets comfortable. Many dog owners assume that a dog with long hair will naturally be more comfortable in these hot months if they clip their coats short.  It makes sense - or it certainly seems to - but for many breeds, you'd actually be doing him more harm than good.  

We take one look at a long haired dog and wonder how they manage in the summer heat.  We think that when we shave our pets we are helping them to stay cool. But, shaving your pet may cause more harm than good.  Most of those breeds with thick fluffy coats actually need that fur because it provides insulation that helps to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When you shave your dog you are robbing him of that insulation and exposing his skin to the sun.  Unlike us, dogs don't sweat (except for the bottoms of their feet), so exposing their skin to the air doesn't affect them the way it does us.  Dogs with thick, fluffy coats will be cooler if you keep their insulation in tact, than they will if you clip their hair short.  

It's counter-intuitive, and you might not believe me.  But ask your veterinarian.  Your dog's temperature control system is reliant on that insulation.  If you clip it off, you're dog will be more exposed to the heat and the sun.


Speaking of sun...

Your dog's skin is sensitive to the sun just like yours is, and they can get sunburns too. If you plan to have your dog outdoors in the sun, protect his skin.  Your vet or groomer can recommend a sun screen that's developed specifically for your dog's sensitive skin, and one that won't harm him of he licks it. Apply it on all the places where your dog's skin is exposed, like on the bridge of his nose or on his belly to protect his skin. 

Be wise... Bewaggle! 

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Summer is Coming - Be Wise... Beware

Summer is coming and all pet owners need to prepare and become aware of the dangers that summertime brings. The summer heat can be fatal to our beloved pets and hurricane season officially starts June 1st. Here are some things to watch out for to keep your pets safe this summer.

Leaving Pets Outside

Your pets should never be left outside unattended especially not when it gets hot out there. If you have to leave your dog outside on his own for an hour or more you need to make sure that he is safe. Make sure your dog is secure in your yard. Please don't use a chain - it will get very hot in the summer sun. Your dog's skin is sensitive too ya know. Your dog must have access to shade or a doghouse or some other form of shelter. You will also need to leave plenty of fresh clean water.

The Same Rules Apply to Your Cats 

To be honest all pet cats should be indoor cats for many reasons  - including their safety. You can let them out if they can be safely contained in your yard or if you have a catwalk or catio. In the summer you need to make sure that they can still get to shade and water or come inside.

A Note About Car Safety

We have a chart here showing what the temperature is outside and what it would then be in your car. Here in Florida the best parking is not the spots closest to the door - it's the ones that have shade. Shade makes a difference but even in the shade it still gets incredibly hot in the car. If you have to leave try to park in the shade and roll the windows down and make it quick.Even when you park in the shade and roll the windows down it is still going to be really hot. It's still hot outside and your car is still baking in that heat. You can leave for a few minutes but half an hour is too long. Rule of thumb: if you think it might take you close to 15 minutes take your dog home first. Life happens and things take longer than we anticipate too often. Too many dogs die in hot cars every year and this is easily prevented. Bottom line you can't leave a living thing alone in your car for a long period of time unless you leave the a/c on.

Keep an eye out for the next post in the next few days. It will be about what to do for your pets in case of a hurricane.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!


About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!