can you shave a long haired dog

If you’re a new dog parent in the US—maybe you’re standing in your Florida apartment’s sweltering living room, watching your 1-year-old Golden Retriever, Luna, pant heavily while her fluffy coat sticks to her back, and thinking: Should I shave her to keep her cool? Will it hurt her? It’s a common question for long-haired dog owners, especially when summer hits. The short answer: Most of the time, no—you shouldn’t shave a long-haired dog—but there are rare exceptions. Let’s break down why, and what to do instead to help your pup beat the heat.

First, let’s get the science straight (no fancy jargon!): A long-haired dog’s coat isn’t just “fur”—it’s a built-in cooling and protection system. Many long-haired breeds (like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Shelties) have a “double coat”: a thick, fuzzy undercoat that traps cool air close to the skin in summer, and a longer topcoat that blocks harmful UV rays and keeps dirt, bugs, and sharp grass from irritating their skin. Shaving this coat strips away that protection. Instead of staying cool, your dog might overheat (since their skin is exposed to direct sun) or get sunburned. Take my friend Jake in Texas: He shaved his Shih Tzu, Milo, last summer thinking it would help. A week later, Milo had a red, sore belly from sunburn—his vet said the coat would’ve kept him safe.

Here’s what to do if you’re worried about your long-haired dog’s comfort, step by step: First, focus on brushing, not shaving. A well-brushed coat lets air circulate—use a pin brush and a metal comb to remove loose undercoat (especially in spring and fall, when they “blow” their coat). Brush 2–3 times a week for 10 minutes—give your dog freeze-dried chicken treats while you brush (positive reinforcement makes it a bonding activity, not a chore; never hold them down or scold them for wiggling—punishment goes against US animal welfare norms). If your dog has severe mats (tight tangles that pull their skin) that you can’t brush out, then consult a professional groomer or vet. They might recommend trimming the matted areas (not a full shave) to avoid pain. Never try to shave your dog at home with human clippers—you could nick their skin or leave uneven cuts that irritate them.

Now, let’s tie in rules and habits that matter. Every US state requires core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus)—if you do end up trimming your dog’s coat (even just mats), make sure their shots are up to date. Exposed skin is more prone to infections, and an unvaccinated dog’s immune system can’t fight off germs as well. Skipping vaccines could get you fined $150+ in California or New York. When you walk your dog (even with a full coat), always clean up their poop—cities from Seattle to Boston fine up to $300 for leaving waste, and a well-brushed coat means less loose fur to track into your apartment (a win for you and your neighbors). If you live in an apartment, keep your AC at a comfortable 72–75°F (22–24°C) in summer—this helps your dog stay cool without needing a shave. At the dog park, avoid letting other dogs pull on your long-haired pup’s coat—gentle play is key to keeping their fur mat-free.

Shaving a long-haired dog might seem like a quick fix, but it does more harm than good. With regular brushing, cool indoor temperatures, and a little patience, your pup will stay comfortable all year. Before you know it, Luna will be happily flopping on the couch—her fluffy coat intact, no sunburn, just a cool, happy dog.