gringogigante
enthusiast
Posts: 106
Loc: Allen
Reg: 02-06-11
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04-06-12 11:15 PM - Post#147816
tually he's a Blue Heeler/German Shepherd mix, but his coat is very much a German Shepherd coat....you can see almost no heeler in him at all.
Last summer was brutal.... It got to my dog.
I am thinking seriously of shaving him before this summer to keep him cool.
Any thoughts on this?
Edited by gringogigante on 04-06-12 11:15 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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lostyankee
enthusiast
Posts: 1264
Reg: 10-27-05
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04-07-12 09:46 AM - Post#147826
In response to gringogigante
No, they actually use their coat to regulate their temperature. We have a 5 yr old female shepherd, and while she doesn't like the heat, one summer we did shave her due to a massive tick problem and our vet told us not to do that again. We put out a little kiddie pool and take her to go swimming now and again.
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civicminded
Community Guide
Posts: 9256
Loc: Lone Star State
Reg: 04-24-02
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04-07-12 03:57 PM - Post#147836
In response to gringogigante
That may not help the pet be cooler, and it's more likely to endanger their skin. We regulate our temp through the skin largely, except like in my biz where we can't. But for pets, be guided by authorities when possible. The same concerns come in cold weather, and many people have lost theirs homes and their dogs because of heating devices in the dog house.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 8759
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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04-08-12 05:00 PM - Post#147855
In response to gringogigante
We used to have a Siberian Husky. Her fur was very thick, but we would have to brush and brush and brush her to get as much of the undercoat brushed out because they shed real bad in the spring and the fall. You can get one of those furminator groomers (wish they had those when we had our Siberian Husky) to keep your German Shepherd well groomed which will keep it cooler. Keeping a kiddie pool in the back is also a great idea for dogs with thick coats because it will allow them to cool off quickly. Our husky would splash around in the water and finally just lay down in it to stay cool when we had her outside in the summer. I'm not sure if your dog is strictly an outdoor dog or not, but if you shave them, they risk getting a sunburn. Besides, if you shave your dog, he would be too embarrassed to be seen in public! LOL!
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