Veterinarians in South Korea are warning pet owners that shaving a pet's coat to keep them cool during summer can be harmful [1].
This guidance challenges a common belief among pet owners that shorter hair prevents overheating. Because pets lack the same cooling mechanisms as humans, removing their natural insulation can actually increase their vulnerability to the environment [1].
Han Ho-jae, a veterinary professor at Seoul National University, said that dogs and cats do not have well-developed sweat glands [1]. Because of this biological limitation, the fur plays a critical role in regulating body temperature by trapping a layer of air that insulates the animal against external heat [1].
When this layer is removed through shaving, the pet's ability to manage its internal temperature is impaired. This increases the risk of heat-related illnesses during the hot and humid summer season [1].
Animal shelter staff are also noting the physical toll the weather takes on animals. Baek Ji-sun, a shelter manager, said that the heat causes concerns for the animals, noting that hot weather can lead to decreased appetite, reduced activity levels, or dehydration [1].
Experts suggest that instead of drastic grooming, owners should focus on other cooling methods to protect their pets from the humidity [1].
“Dogs and cats do not have well-developed sweat glands.”
This warning highlights a biological misunderstanding of pet thermoregulation. While humans cool down through sweating, pets rely on their coats as a thermal barrier. Removing this barrier during extreme heat exposes the skin directly to high temperatures and UV rays, potentially accelerating overheating rather than preventing it.
