Dear Lisa: I have an 11 month Polish Lowland Sheepdog. So far, we have been keeping his hair
natural with frequent brushing and professional grooming. People have recommended that we
give him a haircut (or "puppy cut") for the hot summer months. Since PONS do not have a tail, I
think that a puppy cut will look silly. But, I want to do what is best for his health. Does he need a
summer haircut? – Haircut Horrors
Dear Haircut: The heat this summer across the country has been stifling for both hounds and
humans! Most people think that by cutting off or shaving down the coat they are doing the dog a
favor but in reality this may do more harm than good.
Canine Insulation
The coat on a dog acts as insulation from both hot and cold air temperatures. The coat traps
the air close to the body which is the same temperature as their body. When a dog is hot, it
not only pants to regulate its body temperature (since dogs don’t sweat through their skin like
humans) but their coat traps the air closest to the skin and keeps it the same temperature as
their ideal body temperature. Keeping their coats well groomed helps the coat do its job better.
Matted, wet or shaved hair can’t trap the body temperature air close to the skin to keep the dog
comfortable in all climates. And, if you shave a dog down to the skin you not only increase the
risk of heatstroke but sunburn. Breeds that are normally clipped year-round, including a puppy
clip on some breeds, can continue the practice but don’t turn your fluffy into a smoothie anytime
soon. And for those hairless breeds, don’t forget the sunscreen!
Dear Lisa: I have a 10-month old AKC registered Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I live in an apartment
complex, so my pup walks on concrete a lot of the time. It is hot and dry now in Texas and I
have noticed her pads are dry. What would you recommend I put on them to help moisturize
and soothe the dryness? One vet recommended olive oil, but I am not sure.
P.S. Don't worry I don't walk her during the heat of the day, so her feet won't get burned. I only
walk her early in the morning and late at night. – C.S.
Dear C.S. – Congratulations on being a responsible dog owner and realized it’s best to walk
your dog early and late and not in the heat of the day. One product that I think works great on
dogs pads is Bag Balm. It’s a medicated ointment for bovine udders. I’ve been using it for years
on my dogs keeping rough areas soft and free from infection. You can find it at most garden
centers in the pet section or pet supply store.