Summer heat safety: why we don't shave most dogs

The most common summer request we hear is "shave him down so he stays cool." For many breeds, that backfires. A healthy double coat traps a layer of air that insulates against heat as well as cold, and it shields skin from sunburn.

A better summer groom

• A thorough de-shed removes the dead undercoat that actually traps heat.
• Sanitary and paw trims for comfort without stripping the coat.
• Flea and tick treatment after time in tall grass or at the lake.
• A skin check for hot spots, which spread fast in humid weather.

Heat-day scheduling

On hot days we prefer early-morning appointments. The van is climate controlled, but a cooler start is easier on senior pets and short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs. Ask for the first slot of the day when you book.