Should you shave your dog in summer? It's one of the most common questions we hear as soon as the weather starts warming up, and honestly, it's a fair one. You look at your dog stretched out across the kitchen floor, tongue hanging out, searching for the coolest spot in the house, and your first thought is usually, surely they'd be happier without all that hair.

Here's the thing. Sometimes you're right. Sometimes you're completely wrong.

The answer depends entirely on your dog's coat, and that's where a lot of owners get caught out. Two fluffy dogs can look almost identical from across the park but have completely different coat types that need completely different grooming. What works brilliantly for one breed could be the worst thing you could do for another.

That's why our advice is always the same.

Don't reach for the clippers just yet.

Get professional advice first.

Keeping your dog comfortable during summer isn't just about grooming either. Fresh water, shady walks and avoiding the hottest part of the day all play a huge role. If you're looking for more ways to help your dog through the warmer months, don't miss our guide to Hot Weather Tips to Keep Dogs Hydrated, where we share simple ways to help your dog stay cool when temperatures rise.

"Can You Just Shave It All Off?"

We've lost count of how many times we've heard this question.

A client walks through the door with a panting Cockapoo or a fluffy Golden Retriever and says, "Can we just shave it all off?"

It's easy to understand why people ask. When you're wearing shorts and looking for the nearest fan, a thick coat looks uncomfortable. We naturally compare dogs to ourselves.

The problem is, dogs don't cool themselves in the same way we do.

Their coats aren't simply winter jackets. For many breeds, they're an important part of how their body regulates temperature throughout the year. That's why shaving isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

Our job as professional groomers isn't to automatically take the coat shorter because it's summer. It's to understand what that coat is designed to do before we pick up the clippers.

Every coat has a job. Our job is figuring out what that job is.

Not All Fluff Is Created Equal

This is probably the biggest takeaway from this entire article.

Not every fluffy dog has the same type of coat.

It's easy to assume they do because they all look... well... fluffy. But underneath that fluff are completely different coat structures that behave in very different ways.

Broadly speaking, we see two main types of coats in the salon.

Double coats

Double-coated breeds have two layers of fur.

The outer layer is made up of tougher guard hairs that help protect against rain, dirt and sunlight. Underneath sits a soft, dense undercoat that acts as insulation.

That word often surprises people.

Insulation doesn't just help keep dogs warm. It also helps regulate their temperature when it's hot.

Think of it like the insulation in your home. It helps keep warmth in during winter but also helps stop excessive heat getting in during summer.

Common double-coated breeds include:

• Golden Retrievers
• Huskies
• German Shepherds
• Border Collies
• Samoyeds
• Pomeranians
• Chow Chows
• Akitas

For most healthy dogs with this type of coat, shaving isn't usually recommended. A thorough brush-out and professional de-shed often does a much better job of helping them stay comfortable.

Hair coats

Then there are breeds whose coats grow continuously rather than shedding in the same way.

Think:

• Cockapoos
• Cavapoos
• Labradoodles
• Poodles
• Bichon Frises
• Shih Tzus
• Lhasa Apsos
• Maltese

These coats need regular clipping throughout the year because they don't naturally release old hair in the same way.

For these breeds, a shorter summer trim can absolutely make life easier. It helps reduce matting, speeds up drying after walks or swims and makes home maintenance much more manageable.

Notice we said shorter trim.

Not shaved to the skin.

There's a big difference.

So, Should Double-Coated Dogs Be Shaved?

In most cases, no.

That's because removing a healthy double coat can interfere with how it's designed to work. The coat helps regulate temperature, protects the skin from direct sunlight and acts as a natural barrier against the elements.

It doesn't mean these dogs should be left looking like oversized teddy bears all summer though.

Quite the opposite.

A double-coated dog carrying months of loose undercoat can feel much hotter than one that's been professionally groomed.

That's where a proper de-shed comes in.

Rather than removing the protective coat itself, a de-shed focuses on removing the loose undercoat that's no longer doing its job. Less trapped hair means better airflow through the coat, a lighter feel and a dog that's generally much more comfortable during warmer weather.

It's one of the biggest misconceptions we come across.

People think their dog needs less coat.

Quite often, they simply need less dead coat.

Which Dogs Benefit From a Summer Trim?

Now let's look at the other side of the conversation.

If your dog has a continuously growing coat, summer can be the perfect time to book a shorter maintenance groom.

Notice we didn't say book a shave.

A well-planned summer trim is about making life easier for both you and your dog without taking the coat unnecessarily short.

Take a Cockapoo, for example.

By the middle of summer they've probably been charging through long grass, swimming in every pond they can find and collecting enough sticks and leaves to start their own compost heap. That curly coat can quickly become tangled if it's left too long, especially if brushing slips during busy holiday weeks.

A shorter trim can make brushing easier, reduce drying time after wet walks and help prevent uncomfortable mats from forming.

The same goes for many Poodles, Labradoodles, Cavapoos and other breeds with continuously growing coats.

Again, the goal isn't to remove the coat.

It's to keep it healthy, manageable and comfortable.

Because that's what great grooming is really about.

What We Check Before We Even Pick Up the Clippers

One of the biggest misconceptions about dog grooming is that every appointment starts with deciding how short to clip the coat.

It doesn't.

Before we even think about reaching for the clippers, we're already assessing your dog's coat, skin and overall condition. Every groom starts with a conversation because every dog is different.

We look at things like:

• Coat type: Is it a double coat or a continuously growing coat?
• Coat condition: Is it healthy, matted or full of loose undercoat?
• Skin health: Are there any signs of irritation, dryness or sensitive areas?
• Lifestyle: Do they spend weekends hiking through woodland or prefer lounging in the garden?
• Swimming habits: Regular dips in lakes, rivers or the sea can all affect the coat differently.
• Your routine: How often are you realistically able to brush them at home?

All of those things influence the groom we recommend.

That's why we don't believe in one-size-fits-all grooming. Dogs didn't get the memo to all grow the same coat, so why would we give them all the same haircut?

Things We Hear Every Summer...

There are a few comments that come through the salon every single year. Some are true. Most aren't.

"He'll be cooler without all that hair."

Sometimes.

If your dog has a coat that grows continuously, a shorter trim can absolutely help with comfort and make life much easier over the summer.

If they have a healthy double coat, removing it isn't usually the answer. A professional de-shed often makes a far bigger difference because you're removing the dead undercoat that's trapping heat while leaving the protective coat intact.

That's why you'll never hear us recommend the same groom for every dog.

"It's only a few knots."

Those "few knots" have a habit of turning into full-blown mats surprisingly quickly.

Matted fur doesn't just make brushing difficult. It traps heat close to the skin, restricts airflow and can become incredibly uncomfortable, especially during hot weather.

If you've ever worn a jumper on a scorching day, you'll have a rough idea how that feels.

Keeping on top of brushing between appointments is one of the best things you can do for your dog's comfort. We love seeing them every six to eight weeks, but what happens between visits is just as important.

A few minutes with a brush a couple of times a week is far easier than trying to rescue a neglected coat months down the line.

"A shorter coat means less maintenance."

We wish it were that simple.

A shorter coat might be quicker to brush, but it still needs regular maintenance.

Cockapoos, Cavapoos and other doodle breeds don't suddenly stop needing care because they've had a summer trim. Their coat keeps growing, which means brushing is still essential to prevent tangles from returning.

Think of a shorter trim as giving yourself a head start, not a free pass.

A Summer Groom Is About Much More Than Looking Good

Yes, everyone loves picking up a dog that's looking fresh, smelling great and strutting out of the salon like they own the place.

But grooming isn't just about appearances.

Every appointment gives us the chance to get hands-on with your dog's coat and skin, which means we often spot things that owners haven't noticed yet.

During a groom, we're checking for:

• Grass seeds hiding in the coat
• Ticks and fleas
• Small cuts or scrapes after outdoor adventures
• Skin irritation or hot spots
• Lumps or bumps worth keeping an eye on
• Matting that's starting to develop

Summer is when dogs spend more time outdoors, charging through long grass, woodland trails and rivers. It's brilliant fun, but it also means more opportunities for little surprises to hitch a ride home.

Regular grooming helps keep those adventures enjoyable without the unwanted extras.

Don't Forget the Ears

If your dog loves swimming, their ears deserve a little extra attention.

Moisture trapped inside the ear can create the perfect environment for irritation and infection, particularly in breeds with floppy ears or lots of hair around the ear canal.

After swimming, gently dry your dog's ears and keep an eye out for signs such as excessive scratching, head shaking or an unpleasant smell.

Ear care is something we always keep in mind during grooming because healthy ears are just as important as a tidy coat.

Summer Baths Do More Than Wash Away Mud

Let's be honest.

Summer dogs have an incredible talent for finding the one muddy puddle that everyone else somehow managed to avoid.

Bathing helps freshen them up, but that's only part of the story.

A proper bath helps lift dirt, pollen and loose hair from the coat, making brushing easier and improving airflow through the fur. It's also the perfect opportunity to check for skin irritation, parasites or anything else that might be hiding underneath all that fluff.

If you're bathing your dog at home, avoid blasting them with freezing cold water from the garden hose. It might sound refreshing, but ice-cold water can come as quite a shock.

Lukewarm water is far more comfortable and makes bath time a much better experience for everyone involved.

Keeping Your Dog Cool Without Reaching for the Clippers

Grooming is just one piece of the puzzle.

Helping your dog stay comfortable during summer is all about making a few sensible adjustments while the weather is warm.

Some of our favourite tips include:

• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.
• Stick to shady routes where possible.
• Always carry fresh water on longer walks.
• Check pavements with the back of your hand before heading out. If it's too hot for your skin, it's too hot for their paws.
• Brush regularly to remove loose hair and prevent mats.
• Keep up with regular grooming appointments instead of waiting until the coat becomes unmanageable.
• If your dog has a light-coloured coat or naturally exposed skin, speak to your vet about using a pet-safe sunscreen on vulnerable areas.

And seriously, if it's too hot for you to fancy a lunchtime stomp around the park, it's too hot for your dog as well. Save the big adventures for early mornings, cooler evenings and weather that doesn't feel like the inside of a toaster.

For more summer care advice, read our guide to Hot Weather Tips to Keep Dogs Hydrated. Good grooming and good hydration go hand in hand when it comes to keeping your dog comfortable in summer.

So... Should You Shave Your Dog in Summer?

Here's the answer you've been waiting for.

It depends on your dog's coat.

Some breeds genuinely benefit from a shorter summer trim that keeps their coat healthy, manageable and comfortable.

Others are much better off with a thorough brush-out and professional de-shed that removes loose undercoat while leaving their natural protection intact.

The biggest mistake any owner can make is assuming every fluffy dog needs the same treatment.

They don't.

That's why professional advice matters.

At Wild Bush, we don't follow trends or reach for the clippers because the weather forecast says it's going to be hot. We take the time to understand your dog's coat, lifestyle and grooming needs before recommending the right approach.

Sometimes that's a shorter summer trim.

Sometimes it's a full de-shed.

Sometimes it's simply a really good tidy-up.

Whatever your dog needs, we'll make sure they leave looking their best without compromising what's best for their coat.

Leave the Clippers in the Drawer

Thinking your dog could do with a summer refresh?

Whether they've picked up half the forest on their latest adventure, their coat's becoming hard to manage or you're simply not sure what's best for their breed, we're here to help.

Book a groom with Wild Bush and we'll recommend the right groom for your dog, not just the shortest one.

Looking After Your Dog Between Grooms?

Professional grooming is only part of the picture. A healthy summer coat also comes down to what happens between appointments.

Keeping a brush handy, tackling tangles before they turn into mats and using the right grooming products at home can make your dog's next groom quicker, more comfortable and much less stressful.

If you're topping up your home grooming kit, take a look at our Grooming Collection, where you'll find brushes, detangling sprays, shampoos and other essentials to help keep coats in great condition between salon visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you shave a Cockapoo in summer?

A Cockapoo's coat grows continuously, so many owners choose a shorter trim during summer. A professional groom can make the coat easier to brush, quicker to dry after swimming and more comfortable to maintain without shaving unnecessarily close to the skin.

Should you shave a Cavapoo in summer?

Like Cockapoos, Cavapoos often benefit from a shorter maintenance trim during warmer months. The ideal length depends on their individual coat, lifestyle and how much brushing you're able to do at home.

Should you shave a Golden Retriever?

For most healthy Golden Retrievers, shaving isn't usually recommended. Their double coat helps regulate body temperature and provides protection from the elements. A professional de-shed is often the better option.

Should you shave a Husky in summer?

Huskies have a dense double coat that's designed to help regulate temperature throughout the year. Rather than shaving, regular brushing and professional de-shedding are generally recommended to remove loose undercoat.

Can shaving make a dog hotter?

In some breeds, yes. Removing a healthy double coat can reduce the coat's natural insulating properties and leave the skin more exposed to direct sunlight. That's why understanding your dog's coat type is so important.

Does shaving damage a dog's coat?

It can, depending on the breed and coat type. Some double coats may not grow back in the same way after being clipped too short, which is why professional advice matters before making a big change.

What's the best summer cut for dogs?

There's no single best summer cut because every breed has different grooming requirements. The right summer groom depends on your dog's coat type, coat condition, lifestyle and maintenance routine.

How often should dogs be groomed in summer?

Most dogs benefit from regular grooming every six to eight weeks, although some coats need more frequent maintenance. Brushing between appointments also plays a huge role in keeping coats healthy during warmer weather.

Is a de-shed better than shaving?

For most double-coated dogs, yes. A de-shed removes loose undercoat without taking away the protective topcoat. That can improve airflow, reduce shedding and help your dog feel more comfortable.

How do I know if my dog needs a summer trim?

If their coat is matting, taking ages to dry, becoming hard to brush or collecting every twig in the park, it's probably time for a professional groom. The best trim depends on their coat, not just the weather.