It is Summer-time and the weather is Hot, Hot, Hot!  Humans have an innate way of projecting their own needs onto their pets.  This happens most likely because dogs and cats don't speak "human" , so the human fills in the gaps. 

  

Because the weather is typically hot in the summer, folks decide that their companion(mostly dogs) is hot too - and all that hair can't be helping.  So, off to the groomer to get the "summer shave".  The human is happy and content that their companion is now going to be a lot cooler.  Shaving all the fur close to the skin really seems like a logical idea when viewing from a human standpoint, but is it really beneficial to our companions?  Let's discuss.

  

Hair on our dogs and cats serves many purposes:

Heat Control - the down that is located underneath that fur( the coarser hair) is actually helping to insulate the animal keeping it warm during the colder weather and cool during the hot weather.

Bug Control- That hair and fur help to keep those biting, blood-sucking bugs away from the skin of your dog or cat.  Mosquitoes(heart-worm), black-flies, no- see-ums, ants, etc. 

Fleas &Ticks- (Lyme disease) -Hair and fur help to ward off ticks by making it difficult for the tick to get onto the skin where they can latch on and starting drawing the blood from your pet.  Without fur, fleas also have direct access to the blood they crave since there is no deterrent.

Sunburn & UV Rays- Hair and Fur prevent your pet from getting sunburn.  Without it, the sun can penetrate the skin and cause the same pain and suffering that humans do when their skin has been burned from being outside in the sun.  Because of this sun exposure, skin cancer is also a direct concern.  Sunscreens are not made for dogs and cats- they are actually considered a topical medication, and can be toxic; the ingredients can be absorbed right through the skin creating anything from skin irritations up to cancer.

Herbicides and Pesticides- Hair and Fur protect the skin from the herbicides and pesticides that are used commonly around and outside the house.  Without fur, all of these poisonous chemicals can be absorbed directly into the skin of your pet causing damage such as skin irritation up to and including cancer.  

Household cleaners- Hair and fur also protect from many of the chemicals used in your home, like floor cleaners, sprays, upholstery cleaners, etc.  Without hair and fur, these chemicals are absorbed directly into the skin of your pet creating irritations, skin eruptions, and up to and including cancer.

Protection from objects- Fur and Hair pad the body to protect your friend from objects that may penetrate the skin, such as branches that fall from trees, rocks that may bounce and hit your pet, scrapes against unexpected rough surfaces, leash burn, etc.  Lesions like these are serious and can cause infection in a relatively short time.  Fur and hair is the barrier to this potential hazard.

Pollen and other allergens - Hair and fur keep the pollen off the skin of your companion to lessen allergic responses.  During this time of year, folks complain about their pets being so itchy. Pollen and other allergens can be very itchy.  Keeping them away from the skin is ideal and fur is designed for just that.

Animals don't typically want to be in a heated/sunny environment.  They usually opt for a cooler area to stay until the temperature subsides, like in a cool home, under a shaded bush, tree, porch or in water.  Heat stroke is a HUGE concern during this time of year, so ensure that your companion is not exposed to excessive temperatures for any length of time. 

  

So before you decide your wonderful companion needs a summer shave, consider the thoughts above. Fur and hair are an essential component for your furry friends, otherwise they would be naturally designed to shed it all off during the summer months.  Mother nature is pretty clever when you think of it.

I thank you for your continued support for the benefits of the raw diet.  My dedication to keeping pets healthy is strong and I look forward to our continued relationship!