dog grooming Q - should I shave my pug for summer?

[kermit116]

We just got our first pug and I'm looking for grooming tips from fellow pug-owners. He has a very thick coat (thicker than most pugs), and I'm considering asking the groomer to shave his hair during the summer. He's already getting really hot even though it's only spring, and I want to make sure he's comfortable during walks over the summertime. He lives inside all the time so he will be in A/C most of his life, but I am concerned about him getting overheated during walks. I will be asking our local groomer what he thinks, but I wanted to see if anyone else had done this. I've had friends who had their long haired dogs shave for the summer, but his coat is basically just a thick, long version of a shorthaired coat, so I'm wondering if shaving it shorter would just be odd.

 

[RachaelA]

No. Their fur is part of their cooling process.

Get a furminator and that will help remove some of the unneeded hair and help with shedding.

We have a pug/beagle mix and we just use the furminator a couple times a week during the spring and summer and it really helps.

 

[kermit116]

No. Their fur is part of their cooling process.

Get a furminator and that will help remove some of the unneeded hair and help with shedding.

We have a pug/beagle mix and we just use the furminator a couple times a week during the spring and summer and it really helps.

I did not know that but thanks for letting me know! I just googled this and found a lot of info about shaving damaging their coats. I guess we'll be limiting our walks to first thing in the morning or later in the evening this summer!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Don't do it not only are you taking away the cooling aspects of his fur, you are opening him up for sunburn... We do have our Aussie clipped short but never shaved my brother shaved his and her coat was never the same it grew in weirdly! My BFF has a pug and she uses a furminator too and really as it gets hotter he will shed what he needs to.

 

[kacaju]

Pugs should not be shaved. They are also not the type of dog that can take the heat.

 

[christiane]

I agree with everyone, no shaving for Pugs!

He is probably not panting because he is hot --more likely because he is having trouble breathing due to his poor design. Small nostrils, long soft palate, narrow trachea --just not a good combination for breathing. Many people think the loud, snorty breathing Pugs do is normal, but it really is not.

Please be very careful in hot weather. When Pugs pant the back of their throats swell to the point they can have a lot of trouble breathing & can even pass out.

Have your vet evaluate him. There are corrections that can be done for Pugs & other short-nosed breeds that can makes their lives a lot better.

 

[Cantw8]

One should only shave one's pug if one is comfortable with it....and that's all I have to say about that