The sun is shining and the weather is warm. As a caring pet parent, you'll do anything necessary to take care of your pets, and now that summer is here, you're wondering if all that fur is going to overheat your dog or cat. Can you keep pets cool on hot days by shaving them? Should you learn how to shave a dog or cat?
Read on to understand how pets cool themselves when the weather is warm, and whether or not shaving your pet is a good idea.
When humans are hot in warm weather, they sweat. When dogs are hot, they pant to cool off, and cats sweat through their paws or lick their coat. You may worry that all that fur will overheat your pet — especially if you have a double-coated or long-haired cat or dog — but in actuality, the coat acts as insulation to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says, "When a dog is hot, it not only pants to regulate its body temperature (since dogs don't sweat through their skin like humans) but their coat traps the air in closest to the skin and keeps it the same temperature as their ideal body temperature."
Cats, on the other hand, bathe themselves or release sweat through glands on their paws to keep themselves cool.
You might think shaving your dog or cat is a kind approach to keeping them cool, but it isn't recommended. When you remove your pet's coat, you're also removing their ability to cool themselves off. The AKC reports, "If you shave a dog down to the skin you not only increase the risk of heatstroke but [of sunburn as well]."
Your pet's skin is very sensitive, and clipping their coat puts your dog or cat at risk of a shaving injury. In the case of accidentally lacerating the skin, you should call your veterinarian immediately. Remember your pet's skin is more sensitive than yours, so cuts to it can be a greater risk to your pet. Additionally, you may just give them a seriously bad haircut.
And speaking of haircuts, while shaving is not recommended for your pet, a trim may be an option for long-haired cats and dog breeds, such as the Maltese, Lhaso apso, and Shetland sheepdog. These are often called "summer cuts," and while they may remove some hair, they won't affect that layer of insulation your pet's body needs to stay cool.
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
Shaving isn't a good idea if you want to keep your pets cool on hot days. But there is one reason why your groomer may recommend shaving your cat or dog, and that's if your pet's fur is matted. Your groomer may recommend shaving as a final option for fur treatment to keep their coats healthy.
Don't worry if you don't know how to shave a dog or cat; shaving your pet is not a DIY task. If your pet does, in fact, need to be shaved, it's best to bring them to a professional groomer. Just remember to check with the groomer (and potentially even your veterinarian) to find out what type of pet sunscreen is best to use on your dog or cat to keep them safe while they're out in the sun.
For the best way to keep pets cool on hot days, make sure they have access to water to stay hydrated, shade and other cool environments, and it's best to leave their fur alone unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Finally, make sure you consider their outdoor activity level on hotter days in warmer climates. The long walks that you took in spring could cause your dog to overheat on a hot summer day. In stead, take shorter walks or reduce time playing outside, and find new ways to play with your pet indoors.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Learn whether it's safe for cats and dogs to eat each other's food, nutritional concerns to be aware of, and how to discourage this behavior.
Use these 8 simple tips to ensure you and your pet are prepared and protected in times of natural disaster.
Learn the impact of heading back to school and suddenly leaving your pet home alone, how you can help this transition & ease their separation anxiety.
Stop wondering whether or not dogs or cats can be gay and discover what science says about this behavior in the animal kingdom.
Learn how to determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day, as well as how to count their calories and what to do if they're getting too many.
Learn some of the heart-warming reasons that you should be thankful for your pet this Thanksgiving holiday.
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Learn tips for bonding with your pet if you've ever thought, 'My dog doesn't like me, or 'Why do I have a standoffish cat?'
Learn the real reasons why your cat has aggression toward your dog, including types of aggression, why it happens, and tips for helping them get along.
Learn what kennel cough is and how to spot symptoms in your dog or cat, as well as how contagious it is and possible treatment options.
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Compare Hill's Science Diet dog and cat food's calories against other pet food brands and AAFCO recommended maximum calorie count.
If you're considering a pet shelter adoption, you may have a lot of questions. Learn how to prepare for your visit.
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
If you have a new sitter for your furry friend, use our pet sitter checklist to ensure they know your pet's essential info & exactly how to care for them.
What do vet techs & nurses do? More than you realize! Learn about the important role veterinary technician's play as part of your pet's health care team.
Learn whether cats & dogs have belly buttons like humans, what the function is, and if there are any health concerns associated with it.
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool