Summer vs Winter
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Most owners are familiar with a 'winter cut' and a 'summer cut'. There are many options available to you and your dog to ensure they are kept warm in winter and cool in summer. Generally, a dog's coat will be kept longer during the winter months, but this does have its challenges when dealing with mud, water, and odours and keeping your home as clean and odour free as possible.
The problems experienced by pet parents in the winter do vary considerably; however, feet, especially the feet of doodles/poodle crosses, seem to be the most problematic. Owners complain that their dog's feet hold water like a sponge, and then they slap them all over their kitchen floor! There are ways of having poodle feet (shaved feet) without them being too visible, or some owners opt for a slightly longer body blended into shorter legs and feet. But ... everything has to be balanced; we don't want your dog leaving the salon looking like a sheep with a puffy body and skinny legs!! We will discuss with you your dog's problem areas and design a trim that suits both you and your dog.
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The hot weather brings other challenges, and dogs in general, do not like high temperatures, so it makes sense to keep the coat as short as possible during the summer months. For dogs that love the water, a shorter coat also reduces drying time and minimises the development of knots and matting.
A double coat on a dog can actually help in keeping them cool, despite its appearance. A double coat refers to a type of coat that consists of two layers: a dense, insulating undercoat and a longer, protective outer coat. This type of coat is commonly found in many dog breeds, particularly those adapted to colder climates.
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The double coat serves as a natural insulation system for the dog, providing benefits in both cold and warm weather. In cooler temperatures, the undercoat acts as an effective insulator, trapping the dog's body heat and keeping them warm. However, in warmer weather, the double coat plays a different role in keeping the dog cool. The undercoat of a double coat actually helps regulate body temperature by acting as insulation against heat. The dense undercoat acts as a barrier, preventing direct sunlight and heat from reaching the dog's skin. It also helps to trap cool air close to the body, creating an air pocket that acts as insulation against external heat.
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The longer outer coat of a double coat also contributes to keeping the dog cool. It provides a layer of protection by shielding the dog's skin from the sun's rays, which reduces the risk of sunburn and overheating. The outer coat can also help in keeping the dog's skin dry by repelling water, which is beneficial in hot and humid conditions. Additionally, the double coat allows for better airflow close to the skin, which aids in cooling. When the dog moves, the outer coat helps create a flow of air that circulates through the undercoat, carrying away excess heat and promoting the evaporation of any moisture on the skin.
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It's important to note that the effectiveness of a double coat in keeping a dog cool depends on the specific breed, climate, and individual dog. Whilst we would never shave down a double-coated dog, we are able to provide a contour trim and a 'landing strip' on the underside of your dog's body, which allows your dog to lie flat on a cold surface, maybe a tiled floor, to help keep them cool. This isn't visible when the dog is in a standing position and will not alter their overall appearance in any way. We can also provide a de-shedding service, which will remove the dead undercoat and allow the double coat to do its job more effectively.
Some breeds with double coats are better adapted to hot weather than others. It's essential to provide shade, access to fresh water, and avoid excessive exercise during the hot weather.
