Should You Shave Your Dog for Summer? Advice for San Mateo

On the Bay side of the hills, San Mateo often gets warmer, sunnier days than the foggy coast. When the heat arrives, many owners ask us to shave their dog down to keep them cool. For some dogs a short trim is great. For others, shaving can do more harm than good.

Double-Coated Dogs: De-Shed, Do Not Shave

Huskies, Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians and other double-coated breeds have a dense undercoat beneath their outer coat. Together, the layers help shield the skin from sun and heat. Shaving removes that protection, can leave the skin exposed to sunburn, and the coat may grow back patchy. Removing the loose undercoat with a de-shedding treatment lets air reach the skin while keeping the coat intact.

Single Coats: A Shorter Trim Is Fine

Poodles, doodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus and other dogs with continuously growing hair can happily wear a shorter summer cut. It keeps them cooler, dries faster after a swim and is easier to keep tangle-free.

Keeping Any Dog Cool

• Walk early or late in the day, when it is cooler.
• Test pavement with the back of your hand: if it is too hot to hold there, it is too hot for paws.
• Always have water and shade available.
• Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
• Watch for heavy panting, drooling or weakness, and call your vet if you are worried.

Mobile Grooming in San Mateo

Sky Pet Grooming's van comes to homes in San Mateo, with a full bathtub, a grooming table and professional dryers on board, so your pet is groomed right outside your door. We offer full dog grooming, cat grooming, de-shedding, detangling, nail trimming and anal gland expression. Book online any time, or call (415) 754-0813.