When the summertime rolls around, many people get a summer haircut to help beat the heat. Some figure, why would it be any different for dogs?

While single-coated breeds such as the poodle, the Kerry blue terrier or the Portuguese water dog can have their coat repeatedly clipped short because the shaving process does not change the texture of their hair, this is not the case for double-coated breeds. For breeds like the Samoyed or the Pomeranian, shaving their coats can do more harm than good.

The American Kennel Club suggests that dog owners think twice before taking out the clippers for the summer and shares some tips for helping your dog keep cool.

Temperature regulation. Double coated dogs have a natural cooling system. A double coat is made up of a soft undercoat and an outer layer; with the undercoat acting as insulation – keeping your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The outer layer allows cool air to circulate close to the dog’s skin after they shed their undercoat.

Important protection from the sun. A lot of double coated pups have pale pink skin underneath their hair and can be more susceptible to sunburn. The outer layer in a double coat reflects the sun’s rays and protects your dog’s skin from the sun. Overexposure from the sun can cause overheating, sunburn and even skin cancer.

Matted coats. Always keep in mind the best grooming habits for your dog. In the summer months, keeping your dog free of large mats is the best way to manage your dog’s coat. Do not use scissors to cut a mat, or you might cause an unintentional gash on your dog’s skin. Break the mat down with your fingers or a special tool and run through with a wide tooth comb, then a fine-tooth comb. You’ve cleared the mat when you can run a fine-tooth comb throughout.

Trim paw pads. Dogs sweat mainly from the bottom of their paws. Making sure their hair is trimmed in between the pads can help keep your dog cool down and is more effective than shaving your dog’s coat.

Texture and color changes. Shaving a double-coated dog breed also has visual effects; it will change the texture and color of your dog’s coat over time.

Keep your dog safe during heat waves. Keep in mind sun protection when you are out and about during the summer months and be mindful of how much time your dog is spending outside, especially in excessive heat and in the sun. Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a vehicle.

For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.

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