• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered By Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Grooming
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

Should I Give My Dog a Summer Cut? Your Guide to Summer Grooming for Dogs

Share404Pin It18

Should I Give My Dog a Summer Cut? Your Guide to Summer Grooming for Dogs

Caring for Your Dog

Share404Tweet0Pin It18

As summer approaches, concerned pet parents may wonder, “should I give my dog a summer cut to keep them cool?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on the breed, and if they do need a trim, you want to make sure it’s done correctly. Otherwise, you may end up disrupting your dog’s natural cooling system. That’s why a professional groomer is often the way to go (and hey, sometimes they even come to your house!)

Before you call your groomer, here’s what you should know about giving your dog a summer cut.

Advertisement

The benefits of a summer cut

Pixabay

Dogs have bodily mechanisms, like sweating, panting, and shedding to keep themselves cool, but they’re still at more risk of overheating than we are. Feeling overheated can quickly turn to heat stroke, which is more common and serious for dogs than you may think. So during the summer months, it’s important to keep your pup as cool and comfortable as possible.

Since a dog’s coat acts as insulation, it works great during the winter but can backfire during the summer by trapping heat close to their bodies. For dogs with naturally heavy coats, a closer summer cut by a trained professional can allow excess heat to escape from their bodies, helping give them a little relief.

Summer cuts can also help to reduce shedding in double-coated dogs that are prone to it.

To shave or not to shave?

In short: don’t shave your dog. Dogs evolved to have hair for a reason, so removing it entirely puts their health and comfort at risk. Dogs have multiple layers of fur to protect them against the elements, including the hot summer sun. Body hair shields your dog’s body from harmful UV rays, which keeps the surface of their skin cooler.

Can you imagine how you’d feel if someone suddenly shaved off all your body hair, took your clothes, and forced you to go on a walk in the sweltering heat? Probably not great. The same is true for dogs—without the protection of their coat during the summer, they’re more susceptible to overheating, sunburns, and skin cancer.

Summer cuts for double-coated dogs, like huskies and retrievers, should never cut down to the undercoat. As groomer Katie Soistman said in an interview, “I suggest … tak[ing] length off, but not down to the undercoat which can affect hair growth in the coming months after a cut.”

Which dog breeds need a summer cut?

Pixabay

While every dog is unique, some breeds naturally have more hair than others. It’s a common misconception that certain breeds don’t shed at all, but it’s true that some have longer growing cycles than others.

So-called “hypoallergenic” dogs—like poodles and doodles—have finer, longer hair that prevents their undercoat from falling easily from their bodies. Other breeds, like Saint Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs, were bred for harsh winter weather, so their thick, heavy coats are no accident. With more hair on their bodies, these breeds naturally retain heat. Along with any other breed that requires regular grooming (like Yorkies), they would likely benefit from a closer cut as the weather warms up.

To sum it up, dog breeds that benefit from a fresh summer style include:

  • Goldendoodles
  • Labradoodles
  • Portuguese Water Dogs
  • Poodles
  • Yorkshire Terriers
  • Newfoundlands
  • St. Bernards
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs

Any dog that needs a regular trim for maintenance, like a Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, or an Afghan Hound, is on the list for a summer cut as well. Of course, in their cases, they need fresh trims pretty frequently—and summer is no exception.

For dogs with naturally short coats, like Boxers or Boston Terriers, a summer cut isn’t necessary.

Keeping your dog cool during the summer

If your dog has rock-n-roll hair, it’s probably time to call an experienced groomer who can help tame that beautiful mane before it starts really heating up. Otherwise, the following checklist applies for all dogs:

  • Make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day
  • Bring water with you on walks
  • Never leave them in the car on a hot day
  • Avoid extended, strenuous exercise in the heat
  • Allow your dog to seek out shade or go for a swim when they need it
  • If you notice your dog panting heavily, find some shade and get them some water

For most people, summer is their favorite time of year (hello, vitamin D!). With the right hair cut and a caring owner (like you) who looks out for signs of overheating, it can be your dog’s favorite time of year, too.

Share404Tweet0Pin It18

sidebar

Share This Article

Share404Tweet0Pin It18

Popular Posts

  • How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • 15 Dog-Safe Plants You Can Add to Your Garden Right Now
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • 19 Best Pug Gifts for People Who Love ‘Em
  • Most Unusual, Unique Dog Names
  • Arborist Brothers-in-Law Start Nonprofit to Rescue Cats From Trees [Video]
  • Struggling to Find a Gift for a Dog Lover? Try a Dog DNA Test This Holiday Season
  • Esther the Wonder Pig and Her Dog Brother Phil Are Besties for Life
  • 10 Therapy Animals Bringing Joy to the World
More from The Dog People
Dog sits on couch depressing hand sanitizer bottle

Our Favorite Treatments for Dry Dog Skin: Butters, Salves, and Oils, Oh My!

dog with long shiny fur

5 Healthy Oils for Dogs to Give Your Dog’s Coat (and Brain) a Boost

dog getting eye drops

Dog Eye Gunk: What Is It, How to Clean It, and When to Worry

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2022 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.