Shaving dogs during the summer does not help them stay cool and can actually be harmful to the animal [1].

This warning highlights a common misconception among pet owners who believe shorter hair reduces body temperature. In reality, removing the natural coat eliminates a critical layer of protection against the environment [1, 2].

Víctor Algra, a presenter on the Spanish television program "Zapeando," discussed the risks of summer shaving during a broadcast on July 14 [1]. Algra said that a dog's fur serves as a thermal barrier that protects the skin from external stressors [1].

According to Algra, the fur is essential for maintaining a stable temperature because "the hair insulates from the heat and from solar radiation" [1]. Without this layer, dogs are more susceptible to sunburn and heat-related skin damage [1, 2].

Veterinary experts agree that the coat acts as a natural insulator against the sun's rays [2]. Instead of shaving the animal, Algra and other experts recommend regular brushing to remove dead hair, and debris [1]. This process allows for better airflow through the coat without compromising the animal's biological defenses [1, 2].

Maintaining the coat helps regulate the animal's internal temperature more effectively than a shaved scalp [2]. The practice of "raping" or shaving the dog is often done for human aesthetic preference or a mistaken belief in cooling, but it removes the very tool the dog uses to survive high temperatures [1].

“"The hair insulates from the heat and from solar radiation."”

The advice to avoid shaving dogs emphasizes the importance of biological insulation in animal welfare. By debunking the myth that shorter hair equals lower temperatures, the guidance shifts pet care from aesthetic modifications to maintenance-based health, such as brushing, to protect animals from increasing solar intensity.