From the Guidelines
Trimming your dog's hair in the summer is not a recommended method to prevent heatstroke, as a dog's coat provides natural insulation and protection against the sun's rays. While the provided evidence from the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1 focuses on human heatstroke prevention and treatment, general veterinary knowledge suggests that a dog's coat plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. The guidelines for humans emphasize the importance of removing excess clothing to prevent heatstroke, but this principle does not directly apply to dogs, as their coats serve a different purpose.
Instead of trimming, it is recommended to:
- Focus on regular brushing to remove loose fur and undercoat, which improves air circulation to the skin
- Provide plenty of fresh water and shade
- Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest parts of the day For dogs with very thick or double coats, a light trim (not shaving) by a professional groomer might be beneficial, but this varies by breed. Some breeds with continuously growing hair like Poodles or Shih Tzus may need regular trims for comfort, but most dogs should keep their natural coat length. Shaving can actually increase the risk of overheating and sunburn by removing the coat's protective benefits.
From the Research
Trimming Dog's Hair in Summer
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that trimming a dog's hair in summer prevents heatstroke 2, 3, 4.
- A study on canine hair re-growth after clipping found that the season of the year has no effect on the rate of hair re-growth in Labrador retrievers housed indoors 5.
- However, it is essential to note that heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by the body's inability to adequately dissipate heat 3.
- To reduce the risk of heat injury in hot weather, it is crucial to maintain hydration, consider alternate living arrangements for frail and elderly dogs, and provide gradual acclimation to the heat, increased fluid intake, and frequent rest periods 3, 4.
Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs
- Heatstroke can be prevented through aggressive measures such as providing a cool environment, ensuring adequate hydration, and avoiding exposure to extreme heat 2, 3.
- It is also important to recognize the signs of heatstroke, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation, and coma, and to seek immediate veterinary attention if suspected 2.
- While trimming a dog's hair may not directly prevent heatstroke, it is crucial to take other preventive measures to ensure the dog's safety in hot weather 3, 4.