Hooey it is hot! Should my pet get a haircut?
You may feel cooler with a nice summer cut but your pet relies on his or her hair or fur to protect from the heat and sun.
A pet’s coat actually provides climate control!
During the winter, cat and dog fur provides warmth as it lies flat against the body. In the summer, the hairs in the coat stand upright and allow maximum airflow. Some breeds even have double coats with a smart undercoat that can insulate in the winter and keeps cooler air next to the skin in the summer.
Cutting or shaving your pet’s hair will actually interfere with their ability to stay cool in the hot weather. This can have a lasting effect especially if the undercoat does not grow back or does not come back in evenly. Without this key layer, your pet will have trouble handling both hot and cold.
Your pet’s fur also protects their skin from the harmful rays of the sun – think of it as furry sunscreen!
Fur also protects your pet from allergens, insects and lawncare products by keeping a secure layer between those unpleasant things and their skin.
How to help keep kitty and pooch cool?
Shade: make sure shade is available if they are outdoors. Pet houses are not ideal for this as their small spaces actually trap heat. If you don’t have natural shade, you can create shade with tarps, sails or umbrellas. When walking your pooch, pay attention to their need to stop and cool down in the shade. They know when it is time – give them a few minutes to lie under a tree in the cool grass.
Water: fill and refresh bowls often so that your cat or dog can get the needed water – they need more in the heat, just like you.
Limit exercise: take shorter walks and limit them to “getting business done” and utilize the cooler earlier and later times of the day as much as possible.
Bring them inside: if it is too hot for you to be outside, it is too hot for them.
Watch for hot surfaces: if you can’t walk barefoot on your deck, driveway, sidewalk or other outdoor surfaces, they can’t either.
Brush: brushing removes loose hair and allows air to circulate through your pet’s coat.
