As soon as the sunshine appears, we start hearing the same question almost every day at Only Dogs in Lingfield:
“It’s so hot… should I shave my dog?”
It’s a fantastic question, and one that comes from a place of love. We all want our dogs to be as comfortable as possible during the warmer months.
The truth, however, is that shaving isn’t always the best way to keep your dog cool. In fact, for many breeds, it can actually have the opposite effect.
Let’s take a look at why.
Your Dog’s Coat Does More Than Keep Them Warm
Many people think a dog’s coat is simply a winter jacket, but it’s actually an incredibly clever system designed to protect them all year round.
A healthy coat helps to:
● Regulate body temperature.
● Protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
● Shield against scratches, insects and dirt.
● Allow air to circulate close to the skin.
● Keep your dog comfortable in both warm and cold weather.
That’s why understanding your dog’s coat type is one of the most important parts of summer dog grooming.
Should Double-Coated Dogs Be Shaved?
In most cases… no.
Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Huskies, Samoyeds, Chow Chows and many Spaniels have what’s known as a double coat.
This coat is made up of two layers:
● A soft, dense undercoat that acts as insulation.
● Longer guard hairs that protect the skin and help regulate temperature.
Think of it like the insulation in your home. It doesn’t just keep heat in during winter—it also helps keep excessive heat out during summer.
When this coat is healthy and properly maintained, air is able to move through it, helping your dog stay comfortable even on warmer days.
Shaving removes this natural protection, leaving the skin exposed to direct sunlight and increasing the risk of sunburn. It can also interfere with how the coat naturally regulates temperature.
In some dogs, shaving a double coat can even cause long-term coat damage, with the fur growing back patchy, fluffy or uneven—or in some cases, never returning to its original condition.
Can Long Coats Actually Keep Dogs Cool?
Believe it or not… yes!
One of the biggest myths in dog grooming is that long-haired dogs must automatically be too hot.
When a long coat is well maintained, regularly brushed and professionally groomed, it creates a protective layer that helps shield your dog from the sun while allowing air to circulate.
However—and this is the important part—
This only works if the coat is healthy.
A coat that’s full of knots, packed undercoat or painful matting can’t do its job properly.
Mats sit tightly against the skin, trapping heat, restricting airflow and making it much harder for your dog to cool themselves naturally.
That’s why regular grooming throughout the year is far more beneficial than simply reaching for the clippers when the weather gets warm.
What About Dogs That Shed?
Here’s another common misconception.
Many people assume shaving means less hair around the house.
Unfortunately… that’s rarely true!
Short-coated breeds such as Labradors, Beagles, Pugs and Jack Russell Terriers are often champion shedders.
Even if these dogs are clipped shorter, they’ll continue to shed those tiny, stiff hairs that seem to weave themselves into carpets, sofas, car seats and clothing. In fact, shorter hairs can sometimes be even harder to remove!
The better solution is a professional deshedding treatment.
Removing loose undercoat and dead hair allows the remaining coat to breathe properly, keeps your dog more comfortable and significantly reduces the amount of hair ending up around your home
Which Dogs Benefit From a Summer Trim?
Not every dog should avoid shorter haircuts.
Breeds with continuously growing hair—such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos and many Doodle crosses—often benefit from a practical summer trim.
A shorter style can:
● Make home brushing much easier.
● Reduce tangles and matting.
● Dry more quickly after swimming or muddy walks.
● Help owners keep coats in great condition throughout the summer.
The aim isn’t always to remove as much hair as possible—it’s to choose the right length for your individual dog’s coat, lifestyle and grooming routine.
The Secret to Keeping Your Dog Cool
If we could give just one piece of advice during hot weather, it would be this:
Stay on a regular grooming schedule.
Routine professional grooming keeps coats functioning exactly as nature intended.
Regular grooming:
● Removes loose undercoat.
● Prevents painful matting.
● Encourages healthy airflow through the coat.
● Keeps the skin clean and healthy.
● Reduces shedding.
● Helps your dog’s natural cooling system work effectively.
Whether your dog has hair, fur, a double coat or a curly coat, keeping it clean, healthy and well maintained is one of the best ways to help them stay comfortable during summer.
Summer Dog Grooming Advice from Only Dogs, Lingfield
Every dog is different, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to summer grooming.
At Only Dogs, we’re proud to help owners make the right decision for their dog’s individual coat type. We never recommend shaving simply because the weather is warm. Instead, we’ll assess your dog’s coat, remove any loose undercoat where needed, advise on the most suitable trim and help you keep them comfortable all summer long.
Whether your dog needs a full deshedding treatment, a practical summer haircut or simply a tidy-up to maintain a healthy coat, we’re always happy to help.
If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog this summer, pop into our Lingfield salon or get in touch. We’d much rather answer your questions than see a dog lose the coat that nature designed to protect them.
Because keeping your dog cool isn’t about taking all the hair off.
It’s about keeping the right coat, in the best possible condition.
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