Heatwave approaching! Should you groom your Shih Tzu? Summer is in full swing, and temperatures are rising across the country. We know that as a responsible Shih Tzu parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry best friends cool.
So, when you see your fluffy Shih Tzu wearing a thick, fluffy coat, you might be tempted to grab your grooming tools and choose a specific grooming style for your Shih Tzu due to the heat.
While you or I would hate to wear multiple layers in 100-degree weather, your Shih Tzu coat is actually providing them relief from the heat. Acting as insulation, a Shih Tzu’s coat prevents them from getting too cold in winter but also keeps them from overheating in the summer.
What is the best grooming for Shih Tzu in the heat?
Grooming a Shih Tzu in the heat can help them feel more comfortable during hot and humid weather. In fact, shaving or trimming your Shih Tzu’s coat in the heat can compromise their ability to stay cool.
The coat of our Shih Tzus has multiple layers that are essential for their comfort in the heat. Depriving your Shih Tzu of this natural cooling system can cause discomfort, overheating, and other serious dangers, such as sunburn or skin cancer.
Cutting or shaving your Shih Tzu’s coat interferes with their ability to cool down. While you may have the best intentions when reaching for the trimmer, your Shih Tzu may have more difficulty regulating heat after being shaved or trimmed. Shaving can even affect your Shih Tzu in the years to come if the coat doesn’t grow back after shaving or grows in an abnormal pattern.
The problem is particularly harmful if your dog’s undercoat doesn’t fully grow back. Without this protective layer of fur, your Shih Tzu will struggle to cope with both hot and cold temperatures.
So, what can you do with Shih Tzu grooming in the heat?
Don’t be afraid to take care of your Shih Tzu. It’s okay to give your long-haired Shih Tzu a “summer trim” – trimming the long coat can make it more manageable. However, it’s best to let a professional groomer perform the haircut, and never shave down to the skin or attempt to cut the hair yourself with scissors.
If you prefer not to groom your Shih Tzu’s coat in the heat, that’s okay too. Shih Tzus with long coats naturally shed, so they have a lighter coat in the summer. Remember to regularly brush your Shih Tzu’s coat and bathe them, as clean and brushed fur allows for better air circulation.