08/05/2025
Every summer, as the temperatures rise and humans melt into puddles, well-meaning pet parents reach for the clippers, convinced they’re doing their dogs a favor. But shaving your dog—especially double-coated breeds like Labradors, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers—can do far more harm than good.
Here’s the truth: that fluffy double coat isn’t just for show. It acts as natural climate control. The undercoat insulates against both cold and heat, while the topcoat provides protection from sunburn, insects, and environmental irritants. When you shave it off, you’re stripping away their defense system and messing with their temperature regulation.
What can go wrong? A lot. Dogs with shaved coats are more susceptible to sunburn, skin infections, boils, hot spots, and long-term coat damage. Some dogs never grow their fur back properly. And if you live in a hot, humid climate like most parts of India, shaving can increase the risk of overheating by exposing your dog’s skin directly to the sun.
There are rare cases when shaving is necessary—such as extreme matting, medical procedures, or vet-recommended treatment for skin conditions. But for everyday summer discomfort? There are better options:
• Regular brushing and de-shedding
• Cool, shaded resting spots
• Fresh water and airflow
• Cooling mats (aka, the doggy spa life)
So unless your dog is a single-coated breed like a Poodle, Maltese, or Shih Tzu—and even then, with care—put the clippers down. Your dog isn’t a houseplant that needs trimming when it looks “too fluffy.”
Let’s stop treating pet grooming like a fashion trend and start treating it like what it is: basic health care.
