20/06/2025
🚫✂️ STOP! Don’t Shave Your Pet’s Fur Very Short This Summer 🐾☀️
You might think you’re helping your furry friend stay cool by cutting or shaving their coat short —but you’re actually doing the opposite. Let’s break it down like the pet-lovers we are. 👇
🧬 Their Coat Is a Built-In Climate Control System
Unlike humans, pets don’t sweat through their skin. Their fur acts as a temperature regulator, and many breeds have double coats—two layers of fur that work together to keep their body temp in check.
• In Winter: That fluffy undercoat insulates and holds in heat, keeping your pet warm and toasty.
• In Summer: The coat doesn’t trap heat—it actually helps cool them down! The outer layer deflects sunlight while the undercoat traps cooler air near the skin, allowing air to flow and heat to escape.
So shaving that coat off? You’re taking away their natural thermostat. ❄️🔥
🧬 Breeds That NEED Their Fur
Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Huskies, Sheepdogs and Chows are born with this double-layered magic. Shaving them can permanently damage their coats, causing irregular hair growth—or no regrowth at all. That can make them more vulnerable to both heat and cold for the rest of their lives.
🌞 What About Sunburn?
Fur acts as natural sunscreen. Without it, their sensitive skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and even skin cancer. If their coat is thin or patchy from a previous shave, applying a pet-safe sunscreen is essential every time they go out.
🐜 Fur = Armor
Your pet’s coat also acts as a barrier against allergens, biting insects, and chemicals from lawns or gardens. Shave it off, and their skin is open for rashes, bites, and irritation.
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🚫 So, What Should You Do Instead?
✔️ Regular brushing to remove loose fur and prevent matting
✔️ De-shedding treatments during peak shedding seasons
✔️ Plenty of water, shade, and cool resting spots
✔️ Walks in the early morning or evening to avoid peak heat
Let their fur do its job. Nature made them this way for a reason!
