In the Stage 2 diagram, the cool air is blocked because the undercoat has not been thoroughly removed. At this stage, you will generally notice clumps of fluff coming off your dog, a sure sign he or she needs a good brushing.
In stage 3, the dog has been neglected and mats are forming. These dreadlocks and heavy matting of undercoat will not allow any air to get in and will cause heat exhaustion.
Because of the heavy matting, many owners will shave their dog because it is impossible to get the dead hair out. Some owners shave their dog because they think it’s the right thing to do. The problem, once the dog is shaved, there is no cooling ability and no protection from the sun. This is why shaving your double coated dog is a bad idea.
|
Dog’s do not sweat like humans. They release heat through panting and the pads of their feet. One interesting thing to note is that a dog’s skin is very thin, only 6-10 layers which is easily prone to the ill effects of the suns rays. Aside from destroying coat integrity, shaved dogs are susceptible to a multitude of health complications, including, but not limited to, alopecia, heat stroke and skin cancer, specifically Solar-induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Dermal Hemangiosarcomas.
In conclusion, shaving your double coated dog is a bad idea. Instead, spend quality time each week year round to brush out the dead undercoat. This will keep your dog cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and healthier for his lifetime!