Did you know that your dog’s coat actually serves as an air conditioner in the summertime?
A lot of dog owner’s believe that shaving their dogs in the summer time would help keep them cool, but for most long haired dogs that is not the case.
Breeds that are regularly groomed (such as the shih Tzu, poodle, and Portugese Water Dog) will not be harmed in the summer time.
BUT for our thick furred friends like the husky, chow chow, and shepherds it can cause more harm than good.
Think of their coats as an air conditioner in the summer time and a heater in the winter time. These breeds tend to be more prone to sun burns in the summer time with a shaved coat as well!
Our short haired friends such as the bull terrier, dachshund, boxer, and Staffordshire terrier can easily burn in the summer time if they do not have sun protection. It is recommended they wear tshirts (I know, pretty silly!) or sunscreen if they will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time (over 30 minutes).
Any white dog is much more prone to sun burn!!
Last, but not least, dogs are very prone to HEAT STROKE in the summer time in Arizona!! Please ensure that your dogs have plenty of water and shade available to them during the summer time. If at all possible they should be kept inside during the day (or at Dog Days!!).
We like to ice the dogs water here at Dog Days in the summer time and we like to do LOTS of water play in the back yard.
Be sure to ask your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the heat or anything additional they recommend to keep your pet healthy and happy over the summer in the HOT HOT heat!