Should You Shave Your Australian Shepherd in Summer?
I recently had a reader ask if it was a good idea to shave Aussies in hot weather. Let me quickly get to the short answer for those who don’t have time to read. NO! Do not shave your Aussie!
Read on to learn why.
Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Australian Shepherd
Natural Temperature Regulation System
Double-coated dogs like Australian Shepherds have a sophisticated natural cooling system that consists of two layers:
- A dense, soft undercoat that provides insulation
- An
Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it? That’s because it’s delicious— to non-vegetarians and dogs alike. They’ll come running every time they catch a whiff.
I have a fool-proof thunderstorm detector — more accurate than the local weather Doppler system. And he’s sitting right here on my lap (which makes typing a bit of a challenge). So I know a thunderstorm will be hitting here before too long.
Having been away for a few days on a business trip, I walked into the house to my happily leaping dogs. Riley came rushing up the chair in front of me and used it like a springboard to catapult himself up into my arms. Arrow, wanting to lick my face, had trampoline feet, he was jumping so high.
Having lived with dogs all my life—I feel uniquely qualified to warn you about the perils of dog ownership. Sure, they look adorable in those Instagram posts, but here’s the unfiltered truth about why you might want to reconsider that trip to the shelter.
Actually, when is it NOT tick season? Unless temps stay well below 35 degrees F, these little critters can be on the move.
Walking your dog is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial activities you can share with your dog. It provides exercise, mental stimulation, and an opportunity to bond. But walking your dog on roads, especially busy ones, comes with its own set of challenges and risks.
When we choose to share our lives with animals, our lives are often enriched in ways we could never imagine. And we add new levels of worry that didn’t exist before. This can be especially true for people who live alone and have animals.