Breeder sparks debate over whether shaving your dog can kill them
Michelle Bryant, dog breeder, has caused debate online over shaving a dog’s fur in the summer with many making the suggestion that it’s a dangerous decision for your pet.
The photo reads:
“This is a thermal image of a dog with a lion cut shave, the portion of its non-shaved body the head and chest is temped at 24 degrees C, 75F and the other shaved portion on its back is temped at 30 degrees, 86F.
“The hair is present for several reasons, mainly for thermal regulation. Shaving a dog does NOT make it cooler and you’re not helping them. Dogs who have dual coats (Australian shepherds, labs, golden retrievers, huskies etc) should NOT be shaved.
“You’re risking ruining their coat, putting them at risk for a sunburn and overheating,” the post finishes.
A number of commenters have agreed and shared their experiences with the deadly impact of shaving their dog.
"There is no way I would shave our Border Collie. They have fur for a reason," wrote a commenter.
One said that their dog went into shock after it had been shaved.
"The dog did survive but it is not a good thing to do to a double coated dog," they said.
Another said that their dog went into depression after its coat was shaved off.
“She [the dog] was on antidepressants for six months after until her coat grew back. My mum made her stretchy fitting jumpers to give her protection. It affected her badly,” they wrote.
However, an ex-vet said that the image was misleading.
"The thermal is reading the surface temperature. So the surface of the skin and the tips of the hair not the temp of the animal underneath. So the shaved areas look hotter because more heat is escaping," the ex vet said.
Others shared how their dogs improved their behaviour after a shaved coat.
"Whilst I understand the theory of this, if you could see the difference in my Border Collie's behaviour once he's been cut it may offer an individual opinion. He's so much much happier and energetic once done," a commenter wrote.