Is Shaving Your Dog in Summer Safe? The Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid

The quick answer is, not always.

Your dog’s coat is not just for keeping warm. It also works as insulation against both heat and cold. For most dogs, the coat helps control their body temperature. It traps air close to the skin, which protects them from sunburn and keeps them from overheating.

Why Shaving Can Be a Mistake

When the weather gets very hot in the UAE, it is normal to worry about your dog getting too hot. Many pet owners think that shaving their dog’s fur will help them stay cool. However, this is not always true. For some types of dogs, shaving can actually cause more problems than it solves.

This guide will help you make a good choice. It explains if shaving is safe, the biggest dog grooming mistakes to avoid, and easy summer pet grooming tips to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Trim, Don’t Shave: A Simple Rule

Most of the time, it is better to give your dog a trim instead of a full shave. You should always talk to a professional groomer or a vet before you decide to shave your dog’s coat.

Here is a simple rule to follow:

• Single-coated dogs (like Poodles, Maltese, or Shih Tzus) can usually be trimmed short safely.
• Double-coated dogs (like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or German Shepherds) should not be shaved. Their special undercoat protects them from the heat.

The Top 7 Dog Grooming Mistakes to Avoid 

1. Shaving Double-Coated Breeds

Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur. They have a soft undercoat and a rougher outer coat. Shaving them ruins this natural protection system. It leaves their skin open to the sun’s rays and can cause sunburn.

Why it is risky:

• The fur might grow back unevenly or thinner than before.
• Dogs can overheat because their undercoat is not working correctly.
• Skin infections become more likely because the skin is exposed.

Better choice: Regular brushing and professional de-shedding treatments help remove loose fur. It keeps your dog cool without the need for shaving.

2. Ignoring Regular Brushing

Not brushing your dog is one of the most common dog grooming mistakes in hot weather. Matted fur traps heat, dirt, and wetness. This can lead to skin irritation and sore spots.

Summer grooming tip: Brush your dog at least three times a week. If they have a thick coat, you should brush them every day. Use a slicker brush or an undercoat rake that is right for your dog’s type of fur.

Bonus: Brushing also helps you find ticks, fleas, or any signs of skin problems early.

3. Bathing Too Often (or Not Enough)

Washing your dog too often can remove important natural oils from their skin which causes dryness and itching. But, not washing them enough lets bacteria and dirt build up. It is especially a problem during the humid UAE summers.

Ideal routine:

• Bathe your dog every 3 to 4 weeks. Use a mild, pet-safe shampoo.
• If your dog swims a lot or gets dusty, you can rinse them with plain water between full baths.
• Always dry your dog completely. It helps avoid fungal infections, especially around the ears and paws.

4. Skipping Paw and Nail Care

The ground in the UAE can get extremely hot which is dangerous for your dog’s paws. Many owners forget that paws need as much care as the coat.

Tips:

• Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the ground is cooler.
• Check their paw pads for burns, cracks, or redness.
• Use a paw balm or moisturizer if their paws seem dry.
• Keep their nails trimmed. Long nails can cause pain in their joints and affect their posture.

5. Forgetting Sun Protection

Dogs can get sunburned, just like people. It is especially true for dogs with thin or light-colored fur. Shaving a dog makes this problem worse because it exposes sensitive skin to direct sunlight.

Preventive care:

• Put pet-safe sunscreen on areas with less fur, like the nose, ears, and belly.
• Do not go for walks during the hottest hours of the day (10 AM to 4 PM).
• Make sure your dog has shady places to rest and plenty of cool, fresh water.

6. Neglecting Hydration and Cooling

Even a dog that is well-groomed can get dehydrated in the summer. Dehydration is a major risk. A short walk can cause overheating if your dog does not have water.

Signs of heat stress: Heavy panting, drooling, acting very tired, vomiting, or having bright red gums.

Quick fixes:

• Carry a portable water bowl with you on walks.
• Give your dog ice cubes or frozen dog treats.
• Use a cooling mat or lay a wet towel down for them to lie on indoors.

Important tip: Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside a car can become dangerously hot very quickly.

7. DIY Grooming Without Professional Advice

It can be tempting to shave your dog at home. But if you do not know about coat types or use the wrong tools, you can accidentally hurt your dog or irritate their skin.

Instead: Book an appointment with a certified groomer, who knows how to trim each breed correctly, select the right tools, and make the process calm and stress-free for your pet.

Additional Summer Dog Grooming Tips

• Check ears regularly: Wetness in the ears can lead to infections, especially after swimming.
• Use pet wipes: These are great for cleaning your dog between baths or after a walk.
• Avoid strong perfumes or sprays: It can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin.
• Monitor diet: You can give your dog hydrating treats like small pieces of cucumber or watermelon (but only in small amounts).
• Keep your home cool: Use fans, air conditioning, and make sure there are shaded spots for your dog to rest.

When to Seek Professional Help

Call your vet or groomer if you see:

• Your dog scratching or licking one spot over and over.
• Bald patches or red rashes on the skin.
• A bad smell that does not go away after grooming.
• Your dog is acting very tired or showing signs of overheating.

Getting help early can stop a small grooming mistake from becoming a big health problem.

Final Thoughts

Shaving your dog in the summer is not always the best way to keep them cool. It might seem like a good idea, but for many types of dogs, it can cause coat damage, sunburn, or heatstroke.

Instead, focus on regular brushing, proper bathing, making sure they have enough water, and using professional grooming services. This will help keep your dog cool, comfortable, and healthy all through the hot UAE summer.

Professional Pet Grooming in the UAE

If you’re unsure how to groom your dog safely this summer, you can book consultation with The Groomer. Its professional team specializes in pet grooming and summer dog care, tailoring services to your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. From de-shedding treatments and safe trims to cooling care, every service ensures your pet stays comfortable even during the hottest months.