To shave or not to shave - that is the question

deannaboe · 06-17-2007, 05:44 PM

I am moving to Arizona this summer from Minnesota and I am concerned about my German Shepherd, Rex, adjusting to the heat. I was thinking about trimming his long coat - not to the skin but just to take a little of the weight off. I have read all the opinions in terms of it being a benefit or a risk since the long coat does provide some cooling insulation as well...any thoughts my K-9 expert friends?

DogAdvocat · 06-17-2007, 05:54 PM

I'd thin it, but I'd also keep him inside where it's air-conditioned as much as possible. The short times he's outside to potty shouldn't be a problem. I'd also add ice to his water, or provide an ice block that he can lick or lay near. Children's plastic wading pools, in the shade, with blocks of ice made in cardboard milk cartons, can help to keep him cool.

Why not consult a groomer, or two, in Arizona?

I'm in California, and the heat here is as much as 120 degrees in the summer. My biggest fear (besides for fire) is power outages that would shut down the air conditioner during the hottest days. That's when keeping them cool becomes a real chore.

I believe they make cool packs that you can put on your dog if things get too bad. Just be sure to monitor him.

deannaboe · 06-17-2007, 06:01 PM

I wanted to mention that he is a long haired German Shepherd so his coat is much thinker than most. His consistant panting here in Minnesota is my motivation for concern. I will contact a groomer or two right away. He likes a cool bath these days so a cold pool to jump in might be a welcomed relief from the heat for sure! I like the kiddie pool suggestion and the milk carton thing. Thanks again!

Inga · 06-17-2007, 06:02 PM

I am not an expert on long hair breeds, but doesn't the hair help to keep them cool as well? I love the idea of the plastic wading pool and ice cubes. I do that for my dogs and I am in Wisconsin.. My dogs hate the heat. Fresh water in the kiddie pool and lots of ice all summer. Shade Shade And more Shade.

DogAdvocat · 06-17-2007, 06:06 PM

Remember too, that the shade you see in the morning, will not be the shade you get in the afternoon. It's common for people to put out water in the shade, then go to work, and come home to water that's been baking in the sun and is undrinkable. And that's if the dog is lucky, because if the owners get home after dark, they may never realize what's happening.

deannaboe · 06-17-2007, 06:13 PM

Thank you Inga for taking the time to respond. Good points! Thanks!

Renoman · 06-17-2007, 06:41 PM

Personally, I wouldn't touch his coat. It is his insulation from the heat. Even thinning it or shortening it increases his risk of overheating and sunburn.

Along with the kiddie pool and ice cubes in his drinking water, you can purchase cooling mats for laying on from either kvvet.com or valleyvet.com. They come in different sizes and keep the dogs cool and comfortable in the heat.

I absolutely would not keep him outside any longer than necessary during the hottest part of the days.

luv4gsds · 06-17-2007, 07:01 PM

I have a friend that lives right outside of Queen Creek Arizona. She ownes three shepherds two are long coats and the other one is a standard coat. Though she doesn't keep them outside for very long during the day. She doesn't cut or trim the two long coats fur.

Lightwingcreations · 06-17-2007, 07:51 PM

I vote for not shaving and also leaving a baby pool of water for him to cool off in in the shade. But if at all possible I would get a dog door or leave him inside as much as possible.

deannaboe · 06-17-2007, 08:05 PM

Thanks everybody for your thoughts. I do have a doggy door so he will be able to go in and out as needed while I'm at work. I will do these things you have suggested - I won't trouble myself with the clippers I'll just take these steps to keep him safe and comfortable. Thanks again.

applesmom · 06-17-2007, 11:54 PM

I live in Phoenix and if you're moving anywhere nearby; for at least the first summer your dog won't be able to be outside in the daytime other than to run out to pee and poop! He'll need the AC every bit as much as you will.

Be sure he has a grassy area to walk on when he does go outside as gravel or cement will literally burn his pads. The only reason I mention that is because the trend here is to have rock yards to conserve water. And rock yards are not kid or pet friendly!

Amaya-Mazie-Marley · 06-18-2007, 04:13 AM

I'm on the fence about shaving your dog. I have a long haired breed and I keep her shaved year round. Sometimes I let her hair grow out an inch but thats it. She's so small that in colder months she has to wear a sweater, and within the 10 minutes she's been outside and coming inside, she's already matted. She gets all kind of junk in her fur, its just a pain. If you want to shave your dog, its your decision and if you aren't happy with it then the dogs hair will grow back. I personally have never heard of the whole fur being a temp control before. Amaya acts way happier when her hair is shaved off. The kiddie pool is an awesome idea which I am setting into motion, but like I said, its your dog and you shave the hair if you want to.

Chloef_2799 · 06-18-2007, 09:00 PM

Try to exercise him in the early mornings or evenings when the sun isn't as hot to lessen the stress of the heat on his body. Also having a small wading pool or kiddie pool in the yard for him to use is a very good idea. I keep one in my back hyard for the dogs and they love it. Only let him out during the day time for potty breaks because that is the hottest time of day and he will be much much more susceptible to heat stroke during that time of day. And asking local groomers and vetrinarians about the heat issue will also be of some help for you as well. They can give you educated and accurate opinions and advice.
I hear Arizina is beautiful though so have fun there!
Alot of people tell me not to shave Chloe because she is part maltese and her fur should be long but it is so fine it matts way to easily and in the summer....she looks and feels better when she is shaved. I don't know if I would shave a shepherd however. I used to have one and we never shaved her (she got sprayed by a skunk so we shaved her for that). She always survived and actually I think having longer hair was beneficial for her because when we let her outside in the middle of the day she would be able to stay out for ten or fifteen minutes instead of five or ten because her fur would hold the cold.