Pet owners often shave their pets before summer is in full swing. Does it keep our four-legged friends cool?
By nature, your pets' coats keep them from getting too cold in the winter. However, in the summer, a thick coat can prevent your pet from effectively dissipating heat, increasing the risk of heat stroke. A modest shave of a thick-coated dog is reasonable if the dog spends a lot of time in a warm environment. However, keep in mind that the coat also protects the dog against sunburn, a danger that can lead to skin cancer. Thick-coated dogs should be left with at least an inch of hair to protect the skin against sunburn.
Shaving does not seem to offer any real benefits to most cats, because they are very good at regulating their body temperature. Cats simply move to a cooler area when the temperature gets too hot. However, long haired cats still require regular grooming to keep the skin and hair clean and healthy. Elderly cats with arthritis may also need grooming if they are unable to groom themselves.
For dogs that stay outdoors, a matted hair coat is prone to getting wet during the rainy season. Under these circumstances, a dog can develop an unpleasant condition called myiasis — a condition in which maggots infest the skin underneath matted fur. Having your dog shaved in the summer might be helpful if your dog is prone to matted hair. Nevertheless, talk to your vet before you do this.
When summer comes, the best thing you can do for your pets is to keep them cool. The following steps can be taken:
Avoid exposing them to the sun for too long. Dogs cool their bodies using the evaporation of moisture from the mouth and tongue by panting. They need to be in a cooler environment than their own body temperature in order to exchange the hot air from their lungs with the cooler external air.
Provide clean and cool water. Make sure your cats and dogs have plenty of water readily available at all times.
Brush their fur regularly. When you brush your pet, the dead undercoat is removed. This allows air to circulate near the skin and helps to keep them cool. Pets can suffer from hot spot, which is a bacterial infection affecting the superficial skin layer.
Signs of overheating including difficulty breathing, excessive panting, drooling, weakness, stupor, and an elevated heart rate. A body temperature over 40℃, bloody diarrhoea, seizures, and vomiting may also be seen. Major organ damage and death can occur quickly.
Overheating in pets requires immediate attention. You should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible — it could save his or her life.
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