Less is more when it comes to keeping cool in the summer – less layers, clothing and hair stuck to the back of your neck (worst feeling ever) is usually the route we humans tend to go. So when you see your pet enduring the heat with all their fur to boot, you might find yourself reaching towards the clippers.
To that, we reply, “Not so fast!”. Instinct might dictate that a buzz cut would help keep your pet cooler, but the reality isn’t so cut and dry. Before we get into why, let’s talk about how our pets regulate heat and keep themselves cool.
What’s cooler than being cool? ❄️
If you also yelled, “ICE COLD!” here’s a virtual high five. Back to the topic at hand, cats and dogs have some pretty intuitive ways to stay cool. Here’s how:
- Energy conservation: cats and dogs are intelligent creatures and often know when to limit their energy. This is why they tend to become sluggish or sleep more often when it’s warm.
- Frequent bathing: similar to how sweat evaporates from a person’s skin, saliva evaporates from their fur when they bathe themselves, producing a cooling effect when air moves through it.
- Resting on cooler surfaces: just as humans are drawn to a pool or a cold drink on a hot day, cats and dogs seek out cooler or shady surfaces to sprawl out on. (As owners, it’s important we make sure they have access to such an oasis!)
- Panting: a hot cat or dog may begin to pant to regulate their temperature. This rapid breathing circulates air through their bodies and helps the saliva on their tongue evaporate, cooling them off.
- Insulating fur: you’d think less fur would make a pet cooler, but that isn’t necessarily the case, as you’ll find out below!
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion, contact your vet immediately.
Fur: keeping your pet calm, cool and collected 😎
Your pet’s fur has more uses than just keeping them warm and decorating every piece of furniture you own – it acts as a natural insulator. In the winter, a pet’s coat is at its thickest and ensures they retain heat. Come summer, the coat starts to naturally thin out, shed, and in turn, keeps your pet cool as a cucumber. Fur? Keeping them cool? How’s that work?
Think of your pet’s fur as built-in AC – the individual hairs create a barrier on your pet’s body that significantly repels heat. Plus, as your pet moves around, their fur creates a cool airflow. Fur also protects your pet from possible outdoor irritants, like bugs or allergens, from making contact with the skin and helps to shield them from sun damage – yep, pets can get sunburns too. They’re just like us!
A little off the sides, please ✂️
Some grooming and TLC can go a long way for our pets in the warmer months. Ensuring your pet’s coat is properly brushed and clean will help them regulate air flow and keep cool. A summer trim can also help alleviate any dead weight from excess fur in the summer, but most groomers recommend not to cut any shorter than one inch so you can still allow for a barrier of fur between your pet’s skin and the sun. Sweat glands are found in the paw pads of cats and dogs, so trimming any excess fur around or between the paw pads will help sweat effectively evaporate and cool them off.
Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Samoyeds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs shouldn’t have their fur buzzed down to the undercoat. The same goes for double-coated cat breeds like Maine Coons and Scottish Folds. These pets go through natural shedding cycles, and shaving can make the coat grow back differently – this can mean it could take longer to grow back, grows in patchy or coarse, or -gulp- doesn’t grow back at all.
It’s important to note that for some cats and dogs, a shaved look may be necessary for health reasons, such as excessive hairballs, matting and hygiene issues. The lion cut for cats and teddy bear cut for dogs are prominent grooming options for pets struggling with these issues. However, you should always consult with your vet or professional groomer first before undergoing such a drastic change to their coat.
Shave it for later
While a lovely buzz or pixie cut can keep humans cool, it’s not the same for our furry friends. Though it may seem we’d be doing them a favor, shaving their coat actually doesn’t give them an edge in cooling off, and it could put our cats and dogs at risk for skin damage and more. Change how you see your pet’s fur; consider it a safeguard rather than an impediment – it’s their biggest ally against the heat!
