Does fur keep a dog cool?

Question

I live in an area that gets very hot - well in to the three digits. My American Eskimo dog stays inside most of the time, but on occasion he needs to stay out in the yard. (Yes there are plenty of places for him to have shade and water.)

I know that some people shave their dogs' coats during the summer season, but I've also heard that their coat actually keeps them "insulated" from the heat. Which is true?

Answer 1

I have heard the same, too. But let's say you put a coat in the freezer for an hour. It will trap cold air, right? You put it on and walk outside in the hot, sunny 100 degree weather. Your coat won't likely trap that cold air for long, and you will probably get very very hot within a matter of several minutes.

I think you only need to thoroughly brush out all of the undercoat in the summer. There's no need to trim or shave their protective top coat. If you're not too savvy with dog grooming, you can always take your dog to a groomer, but be sure to make it clear that you do not want your dog shaven, just have all of the loose dead undercoat brushed out.

Answer 2

Actually yes, in many double-coated breeds, the coat protects the dog from both heat and cold. The Great Pyrennes is a great example of this, which is why they should NEVER receive a haircut.

To shave an American Eskie would not be a good idea. He has a long coat for a reason, to keep him cool in the summers, and warm in the winters.

And by the way, MOST dogs should remain indoor dogs for their health and well-being, not for your own convienence to shove them outdoors.

Answer 3

from http://k9joy.com/peeingpost
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......What you do when the dog gets dirty? Rinse it with clean water - or let it take a swim. just keep shampoos and detergents off the coat.

And, a final comment about the coat: it insulates the dog's body very well. Because dogs do not depend on sweat glands in the skin to keep themselves cool in the summer heat, the coat insulates equally well against the heat as it does against the cold! This means that shaving the dog in the summer is not protecting it against the heat - it is making it more vulnerable!

Answer 4

Coats protect dog's skin from the sun. Some breeds should not be shaved, but for others its OK. I has a border collie/retriever mix that was black and had a very heavy coat. I also live in a warm climate and we did start getting her shaved, but not too short. It did help her out during the hot months. Her coat somewhat resembled a poodle with a puppy cut (not the poofy show cut).

I'd talk to a groomer and follow their advice about how to help your dog. It really is hard on northern breeds to live in warm climates.

Answer 5

To a point....but you still can not leave them in the sun with no access to shade or leave them in a car.

Think of it as if you were wearing a coat. You may not feel the sun directly, but you would get awfully hot pretty quickly.

The best rule of thumb to remember is if you're hot, so is your dog. However, if you have a double coated dog like a Chow or Pomeranian, they do not tolerate as well as a Lab, Yorkie or Chihuahua would.

Answer 6

Well...I cant say for sure, but my answer would have to be "no". The reason I come to this conclusion is the fact that I do know that animals do not perspire like humans do. In humans we sweat to cool ourselves off....hence the reason we have to drink plenty of water. Animals pant and I believe sweat through the pads of their feet. I agree that some breeds are breed specifically to have coats that shelter them...but my guess would be not an American Eskimo. Maybe you could contact a breeder of that breed and see what he/she would have to say on the topic. Maybe do a search on "American Eskimo breeders" ....I would think that most breeders woudl be happy to answer your question. If they truly love that breed that is! I know I would be happy to share my knowledge to help out this kind of mans best friend!

Answer 7

You are correct about it insulating from the heat. Check out:

http://www.wisegeek.com/hos-can-i-keep-my-dog-cool-in-the-summer.htm

I would not shave your dog as that raises the chances of sunburn. Just make sure there is plenty of water (two full bowls at least) and shaded spots for your dog to lie in. There are things you can purchase such as beds that are cooler or ones that are raised up off the ground to help. Check out:

http://www.petstreetmall.com/Canine-Cooler-Pet-Bed.aspx

http://www.affordableagility.com/dogbed.htm
Good luck!

Answer 8

Dogs get hot and the fur does not help. A dog like yours needs to have plenty of shade and water. I've never seen a shaved Husky, though.

Answer 9

ok well ive read some of these and its ridiculous im a professional dog groomer and just to let u know its called an eskimo for a reason its meant to be in the cold thier coats add 10 degrees to thier bod temp and i have shaved lots so i know u will have no adverse affect to the cut

Answer 10

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