Should Long-Haired Dogs Be Clipped Short In Summer?
As we swelter under successive heatwaves this summer, it’s understandable to wonder whether clipping your dog's coat short will help keep them cool.
While it may seem like the obvious solution, the answer depends on your dog's breed, coat type and individual needs. Understanding how different coats work is the key to making the right decision.
A dog's coat does more than keep them warm
Many people assume that a thick coat only provides warmth during winter, but it also helps protect dogs from the summer heat.
Double-coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds and Huskies have an undercoat that helps regulate body temperature throughout the year. Their coat also provides protection from direct sunlight and can reduce the risk of sunburn.
Shaving these breeds too short can interfere with the coat's natural insulating properties and, in some cases, affect how the coat grows back.
Which dogs can be clipped?
Some breeds benefit from regular clipping because their coats grow continuously rather than shedding naturally.
Breeds that are commonly clipped include:
- Poodles
- Cockapoos
- Labradoodles
- Shih Tzus
- Cocker Spaniels
- Bichon Frisés
- Yorkshire Terriers
For these dogs, a shorter summer trim can make coat maintenance easier, reduce matting and help them stay more comfortable, while still leaving enough coat to protect the skin.
Why matting is a bigger problem than coat length
One of the biggest causes of summer discomfort is not having too much coat: it's having a matted coat.
Mats trap heat close to the skin and prevent air from circulating properly. They can also retain moisture after swimming or wet walks, increasing the risk of skin irritation and hotspots.
Regular brushing, combined with professional dog grooming, helps remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming.
Summer grooming is about more than clipping
A summer groom often includes much more than simply shortening the coat. Depending on your dog's needs, grooming may include:
- Removing loose undercoat
- Thorough brushing and de-shedding
- Bathing and drying
- Nail trimming
- Ear cleaning
- Tidying around the paws to improve comfort
These treatments can help dogs stay cleaner and more comfortable throughout the warmer months.
Other ways to keep your dog cool
Whether your dog has a short coat or a long one, there are plenty of ways to help them stay comfortable during hot weather.
These include:
- Walking early in the morning or later in the evening
- Providing constant access to fresh drinking water
- Offering shaded areas outdoors
- Avoiding hot pavements that can burn paw pads
- Allowing plenty of opportunities to rest during warmer parts of the day
These simple steps often have a greater impact on keeping dogs cool than removing large amounts of coat.
Ask a professional before making a big change
Every dog's coat is different, which is why there is no universal answer to whether they should be clipped short for summer.
A professional groomer can assess your dog's breed, coat type and condition before recommending the most suitable grooming approach.
In many cases, maintaining a healthy, well-brushed coat with an appropriate trim provides the best balance between comfort, protection and easy maintenance throughout the summer.
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