The Truth About Shaving Your Newfoundland Dog in the Summer
When summer arrives, many pet owners often face the dilemma of how to keep their furry friends comfortable in the heat. For Newfoundland owners, one common misconception is that shaving your Newf will help them stay cool.
However, shaving your Newfie can actually do more harm than good. Let’s debunk the myth of shaving Newfoundland dogs during summer is good for them and explore alternative ways to ensure their well-being.
Understanding Your Newfoundland’s Coat
Newfoundlands are known for their luxurious double coats, which serve a vital purpose throughout the year. The outer coat provides protection from the sun’s harmful rays, while the dense undercoat acts as insulation, keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter. These coats are not designed for shedding heat like the single coats of some other breeds.
Shaving Myths Dispelled
Removing the mass of fur and shaving your Newfoundland may seem like a logical solution to help them stay cool during the hotter months of the year. However, as good of an intention as this might be, it can have adverse effects. Here’s why:
Sunburn and Skin Damage
Removing the protective outer coat exposes your dog’s delicate skin to the sun’s rays, making them susceptible to sunburn and potentially increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Their coat naturally shields them from harmful UV radiation, preventing these issues.
Heat Regulation Disrupted
Contrary to popular belief, a Newfoundland’s coat helps regulate body temperature by trapping air close to the skin. Shaving interferes with this natural cooling mechanism, leading to overheating rather than providing relief from the heat.
Maintaining a Healthy Coat
Instead of shaving, here are some effective ways to ensure your Newfoundland stays cool during summer:
Regular Brushing
Regularly brushing your dog’s coat helps remove loose fur and prevents matting, allowing air to circulate close to their skin. This grooming routine helps to maintain the insulation properties of their double coat, promoting proper heat dissipation.
Proper Hydration
Keeping your Newfoundland hydrated is crucial in hot weather.
Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times, especially during outdoor activities. Additionally, consider providing a shallow pool or a cooling mat for them to lie on.
Read More: 7 Water Toys for Dogs to Keep Them Cool and Entertained This Summer
Shade and Ventilation
Create shady spots in your backyard or provide a cool indoor environment for your dog. Use fans or air conditioning to help them stay comfortable.
Avoid leaving them outside for extended periods during the hottest parts of the day.
Paw Protection
Hot pavement and sand can burn your dog’s sensitive paw pads. Consider using paw wax or protective booties to shield their paws from the scorching ground.
Professional Grooming
While shaving should be avoided, professional grooming can still play a crucial role in your Newfoundland’s summer comfort.
Schedule regular grooming appointments with a professional groomer who understands the breed’s unique needs. They can trim excess fur around the paws and sanitary areas, reducing the risk of debris and matting while maintaining the integrity of the double coat.
As responsible pet owners, it is essential to make informed decisions that prioritize our pets’ well-being. Shaving your Newfoundland during the summer is not the solution you might think it is.
By understanding their unique double coat and employing alternative cooling strategies, you can ensure your Newfie remains comfortable and safe throughout the hot season.
Embrace the natural beauty of your Newfoundland’s coat, and enjoy a summer filled with joyous adventures together!
This entire article is bogus. Newfs if they are properly clipped short are not harmed in anyway. In fact, it’s the only effective way to prevent hotspots which are uncomfortable and unhealthy. the overcoat is NOT removed merely shortened. No newfoundland should be out in the heat shaved or unshaved for any length of time. If your dog swims in the summer, a short coat allows you to hose off ocean and pool water which will irritate their skin short or long coat. Every vet I have ever asked about this and there have been many tell me short clipping in summer is the best thing to do for their skin and comfort. I have noticed my newfs (all 8 of them) grew coat very slowly during the summer until the weather started becoming cooler then a new luxurious coat top and undercoat came in quickly. by the way Bydands did not write the statement you published, she took from someone else as well and published it on their site.
100% agree no Newf should be out in the heat shaved or unshaved for any length of time. It is truly unfortunate your vet seems to be unfamiliar with the breed. Keeping their coat full length is in their best interest to keep them cool and if you shave them out of convivence for hosing them off from ocean or pool water, perhaps you should have gotten a short coated breed.
As for the Bydand comment, this post made no mention of Bydand. I think you are referring to the “So you think you want a Newf..” If not, please correct me. If I am correct, I’m curious, who do you believe Bydand stole it from?