Why You Should Never Shave Your Dog in Summer: Better Alternatives for Pet Cooling

As summer temperatures rise, many well-meaning pet owners reach for the clippers, thinking they’re doing their furry friends a favor by shaving off all that hair. After all, we shed layers when it’s hot—why wouldn’t our dogs benefit from the same?

But here’s the truth: shaving your dog, especially double-coated breeds, can actually make them hotter and put their health at risk.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind your dog’s coat, why shaving is a mistake, and the safest, most effective alternatives to help your pup stay cool when the sun blazes.

Understanding Your Dog’s Built-In Cooling System

Dogs aren’t like humans when it comes to temperature regulation. Their coats aren’t just random fur—they are part of a biologically engineered system that protects them year-round.

The Double Coat Explained

Many dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and German Shepherds, have what’s called a double coat. This consists of two layers:

Why Shaving Can Be Dangerous

1. Sunburn and Skin Damage

Without their coat, dogs are more susceptible to sunburn, especially on light-colored or pink-skinned areas. The fur acts like a natural sunscreen.

According to the American Kennel Club, “Removing the coat removes protection from the sun’s UV rays and can lead to painful sunburn or worse, skin cancer.”

2. Overheating

It sounds counterintuitive, but shaving off your dog’s fur may increase their risk of overheating. The coat helps to create airflow and protects the skin from absorbing too much heat.

“People often think less hair equals less heat, but for many breeds, their coat actually works like a thermos,” explains groomer Michelle Daniels of Healthy Pet Grooming in Phoenix.

3. Poor Hair Regrowth

Once you shave a double-coated dog, the hair may not grow back properly. The undercoat can dominate regrowth, leading to patchy, uneven fur. In some dogs, the hair never grows back normally.

Exceptions: When Shaving Is Acceptable

There are a few scenarios when shaving may be medically necessary:

Severe matting
Skin conditions
Surgery or injury

Always consult a veterinarian before shaving your dog.

Cooling Alternatives That Actually Work

1. Regular Grooming and Deshedding

Instead of shaving, schedule routine grooming to remove dead hair and reduce heat-trapping fur. Brushing helps keep the coat clean, aerated, and functioning properly.

“Brushing removes the dead undercoat and helps with airflow,” says pet stylist Jordan Kim. “It’s like thinning out a puffy blanket without throwing it away.”

2. Keep Them Hydrated

Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water, especially when temperatures rise. Adding ice cubes or offering dog-safe frozen treats can be refreshing.

3. Cooling Mats and Vests

Cooling mats or cooling vests are excellent tools to help your dog chill out:

Gel-based mats stay cool without refrigeration
Evaporative vests cool your dog as water evaporates

4. Kiddie Pools and Misting Fans

Dogs love splashing in water. Set up a small kiddie pool or invest in a misting fan for evaporative cooling.

“My Labrador loves jumping into the plastic pool every afternoon,” shares dog owner Carla Simmons from Austin, Texas. “It’s like his daily spa.”

5. Time Your Walks

Walk during early morning or late evening hours. Use the pavement test: if you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Breed Matters: Know Your Dog

Some breeds handle heat better than others. Short-haired dogs like Beagles or Dalmatians don’t have the same insulating undercoat, so trimming (not shaving) may help. Double-coated breeds should never be shaved.

Examples:

Alaskan Malamutes: Bred for cold, but their coats still protect in the heat
Australian Shepherds: Reflect sunlight and manage airflow

What About Haircuts?

Dogs with hair instead of fur—like Poodles or Bichons—may benefit from light trimming, but shaving to the skin is never advised.

“Trim your dog for neatness and comfort, not for temperature control,” advises Dr. Marty Becker. “The coat is still there for a reason.”

Signs of Overheating: Know the Warning Signals

Excessive panting
Drooling
Vomiting or diarrhea
Glazed eyes
Rapid heartbeat
Weakness or collapse

If you suspect overheating: Move your dog to a cool area, offer water, and contact your vet immediately.

Real-Life Example: The Shaving Mistake

Julie, a well-meaning dog mom from Sacramento, shaved her Golden Retriever, Max. Within days, Max developed sunburn, became listless, and had patchy regrowth.

“I thought I was helping him,” Julie says. “But he was clearly uncomfortable. His fur took months to grow back, and even then, it never looked the same.”

Final Thoughts

Shaving your dog in summer might feel like a kind thing to do—but it can actually do more harm than good. Their coats are natural climate-control systems, built to keep them cool and safe.

Focus instead on brushing, hydrating, using cooling products, and smart outdoor timing. Your dog will thank you with better health, a better coat, and a whole lot of tail wags.

Quick Recap: Do This, Not That

DO	DON’T
Brush regularly to remove undercoat	Shave double-coated breeds
Use cooling mats and vests	Assume less fur = cooler dog
Walk in the morning/evening	Walk during peak heat
Provide lots of fresh water	Ignore signs of heatstroke