With the overall increase in heat, summer can be a tricky time to relocate your furry friend. One way to ensure your dog's trip goes as comfortably as possible is to make sure that your pet is groomed properly.
Most veterinarians and pet friendly professional groomers recommend against shaving your pet for the summer months, because a dog's coat helps to protect his skin from the sun and provides insulation from the heat. Since dogs don't sweat to cool themselves the way people do, they don't need exposed skin to stay cool.
However, your pet's coat must be well groomed for it to serve its purpose. Regular brushing and combing to maintain the coat are important during the spring and summer months. If your dog is badly matted or tangled from being left in a dog crate, their coat may actually trap the heat and humidity close to the skin, adding to their discomfort.
Shaving double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Shelties does NOT keep them cooler. Their undercoat helps protect them from the elements. By shaving them down you destroy all natural protective properties their coats offer them. You also increase the chances of bug bites, sunburns, and other skin irritations.
Removing dead undercoat will help keep them cooler. Bringing your double coated breed into a salon for a professional undercoat removal prior to departure is the best way to help them feel comfortable.