Nauset Kennels

post by Leslee, our fabulous groomer

Opinions vary on shaving dogs, but I feel keeping a dog’s coat longer in the winter and shorter in the summer has no impact on whether it keeps them warmer or cooler.

In the summer months I look around and see the shaved Golden panting just as much as the thick coated Husky - when it’s hot, it’s hot regardless of what you’re wearing. However, one point to consider is this: taking your pet short in the warmer weather will help those pets that are prone to skin issues and can be helpful in locating fleas and ticks. Shorter cuts, while they may seem to be more work because you have to make regular visits to the groomer, actually make for much less work in the long run. No mats, less fur to catch things in, easier to wash and dry, the list goes on.

Winter is a different story. In the colder, snowy months your dog’s coat will keep your pet warm IF he has a coat designed for the cold weather, such as the double coated dogs. Double coated dogs, Malamutes, Collies, Pomeranians, and Newfoundlands are just some examples,where the nice soft fur is next to the body with the more wiry coat on the outside. Even then, I have to ask: How much time does your dog spend laying around outside in 20 degree temperatures or during a snow storm? There may be some dogs doing that, but my guess is most are hanging out in a nicely heated home, in front of the fireplace or woodstove.

So we let our thinner coated pets, such as Poodles and Yorkies, grow longer fur for the winter. It gets cold so you dress them up in doggie coats and sweaters to keep them warm. But didn’t you let their coat grow longer to keep them warm? If your pet does not sport a double coat that is naturally designed for the cold, then growing the fur long is not helping keep the dog warm. Instead, if you are growing but not maintaining grooming along the way, the fur will become matted, particularly with those doggie coats and sweaters.

As the winter months come upon us and you’re wondering what to do about your pet’s fur-style, ask yourself these questions:

Is my dog’s coat designed for cold weather? If you answered no, then consider regular grooming to keep your dog’s coat in tip-top shape and invest in a coat or two.

How much time is my pet actually spending outside during the winter? If you answered not much, then remember that your pet’s cut can still be short in the winter.

Does my pet still need a coat or sweater when it gets really cold? If your answer is yes and you can’t wait to break out the designer doggie clothing, then by all means, bring it on! However, remember that these cute sweaters and coats love to mat hair, so again, maintenance is key.

Do I have more time to spend brushing and combing all that extra fur to prevent uncomfortable mats? If your answer is a resounding ABSOLUTELY NOT, then think about the message here and make regular grooming appointments for your dog.

Then, keep your pet in much , more manageable shorter cut and remember that those adorable coats and sweater are mat magnets with longer hair. And always feel free to talk to your groomer about your pet’s style.