[image:pickpik]

The Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) has raised awareness and cautioned dog owners against shaving double-coated breeds after a recent incident where a husky died from heatstroke after being shaved.

Shaving a dog with a double coat, such as huskies, golden retrievers and German shepherds, might seem like a way to help them cool off, but it actually exposes them to serious health risks, including heatstroke.

These canines have a distinct coat structure that helps regulate their body temperature and protects them from the outdoors. The coat is made up of two layers: an undercoat, a soft, thick layer that insulates the dog by trapping air near the skin, and a topcoat (guard hair), a rougher layer that repels dirt, debris, and damaging UV rays.

Together, these layers keep the dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather by providing airflow and insulation. Removing these layers that allow them to regulate their temperature effectively puts the dog at a higher risk of heatstroke, especially in hot weather.

Shaving can also permanently alter the way a double coat grows back, and often, the protective hairs don’t regrow correctly, leaving the undercoat patchy and ineffective at maintaining temperature control.

Not only can sunburn become a major risk, but your poor pooch will lose protection against dirt, allergens and other irritants that will have him scratching his poor skin raw. Also, it just looks wrong.

Proper grooming, rather than shaving, is the safest and most successful way to care for dogs with double coats. Brushing regularly helps to remove loose undercoat fur allows for better ventilation and reduces matting.

Let’s take good care of our furry-for-a-reason friends this summer.

[source:georgeherald]