General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPublic service announcement on behalf of Fido
Because the topic has been brought up and debated elsewhere, and because pet OP's have been more frequent than usual, let me just say -
PLEASE do not shave your dog or cat because you believe it will help them withstand the summer heat! While it may seem logical to think removing that fur coat will accomplish the same thing for them as it would for a human, it won't. Dogs cool themselves by panting and through the pads of their feet, not by perspiration like you and me (well, me, anyway). That fur coat actually serves as an insulation layer for them and helps to keep them warm in the Winter as well as cool in the Summer. Imagine removing the insulation from your house in the middle of either a 10 Degree or 105 Degree day and ask yourself how that will affect your energy bill.
That fur coat also helps protect against a major killer of canines - skin cancer.
One more thing; because your pooch's footpads are a major part of their cooling system, please consider walking them in the early morning hours when the pavement is cool, or taking them to a grassy park. They will appreciate it.
LeftofObama
(4,243 posts)niyad
(113,205 posts)Gormy Cuss
(30,884 posts)Most of them like it and it cuts down on hairballs because they're not spending so much time grooming their coats, swallowing hair in the process.
When cats are hot they'll find a cool surface and splay their bodies on it.They're trying to press as much of their bodies on the cooler surface to lower their body temp. When they're trying to warm up it's just the opposite: they curl in a ball with their noses tucked under their paws.
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)Hassin Bin Sober
(26,318 posts)navarth
(5,927 posts)I had no idea people would ever do such a stupid thing. FFS. What kind of criminally stupid clown ass would do that to their pet??
Never mind, rhetorical question.
If only I had godlike power to protect the innocents....