Taiwanese summers are hot and humid, and many dog owners ask vet frequently:
“Doctor, should I shave my dog short for the summer?”
It’s a natural worry when you see your dog panting in the heat. But the truth is: Shaving isn’t always the answer.
Whether your dog should get a summer trim depends on breed, coat type, living environment, and skin health.
Let vet helps us break down when to trim, when not to, and how to keep your dog safe and comfortable all summer.
✅ A Dog’s Coat Is Its Natural Air Conditioner
Unlike human hair, a dog’s coat is designed to regulate temperature, protect against sunburn, and insulate from heat.
✔️ Double-coated breeds (like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Shiba Inus)
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Soft undercoat traps cool air and insulates
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Outer guard hairs shield from UV and repel water
✅ Research shows that shaving double coats can actually destroy the insulating layer, making dogs more vulnerable to overheating and sunburn.
✅ Which Dogs Should Not Be Shaved Too Short?
🟠 Double-coated breeds
Examples: Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Corgis, Shiba Inus.
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Don’t shave to the skin. Instead, regular brushing and light trimming help manage heat and prevent matting.
🟠 Dogs with light-colored or sensitive skin
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More prone to sunburn or UV-induced skin conditions.
✅ When Is Trimming Helpful or Needed?
✅ Single-coated breeds (Poodles, Malteses, Shih Tzus, etc.)
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Can be safely trimmed short
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Helps avoid mats and keeps them clean
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Improves airflow to the skin
✅ Medical reasons
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Severe dermatitis, parasitic infections, or wound care may require shaving for treatment access.
✅ Extremely hot, humid living conditions
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Some owners choose a shorter trim (not shaving to the skin) for better hygiene and airflow.
✅ Summer Coat Care Tips (Veterinarian-Recommended)
✔️ Regular brushing
Prevents mats that trap heat and harbor bacteria.
✔️ Cool, shaded environment
Avoid leaving dogs in stuffy or poorly ventilated spaces.
✔️ Light trimming without full shaving
Shortens length while preserving protective layers.
✔️ Skin health checks
Watch for redness, rashes, hair loss, or itching.
✅ The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that shaving a dog's coat too short can damage its natural barrier, increasing the risk of sunburn, skin infections, and overheating.
🐾 PETT2GO Vet Pro Tip
What really keeps dogs cool in summer isn’t just shaving them bald.
✔️ Keeping the living space ventilated and shaded
✔️ Avoiding midday walks when the sun is harshest
✔️ Offering cool, clean water at all times
✔️ Outfitting your dog in breathable, UV-reflective clothing
PETT2GO’s lightweight summer windbreakers are designed exactly for this:
• Block direct sun
• Prevent tangles and matting
• Deter insects
• Keep dogs comfortable in both humid outdoor adventures and air-conditioned spaces
✅ Conclusion
“Should I shave my dog?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
As a veterinarian, I always tell owners: Don’t go extreme. Think smart.
✅ Moderate trimming
✅ Consistent brushing
✅ Monitoring skin health
✅ Creating a cool, comfortable environment
These steps are far more effective than just shaving everything off.
This summer, care smarter—and let PETT2GO help you and your furry friend explore safely, comfortably, and happily. ❤️
Learn More Is Frequent Bathing Safe for Dogs in Summer?
📚 References & Sources
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Summer Pet Safety Tips
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American Kennel Club (AKC): Should You Shave Your Dog?
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Veterinary Dermatology Guidelines on Canine Skin Care
