How short to trim long-haired dog for summer cooling and sun safety?

Actually, double coated breeds have natural mechanisms for keeping warm and cool. I would not recommend clipping him as this interferes with their natural temperature management. His best bet would be to be provided a cool area to rest and lots of access to water. If it's too hot, make accomodations for him where you can control the temperature or bring him into the garage.

You could take him to a groomer and have just his underwool removed, that will thin out the fur and make him cooler. The only other way to keep him cool is to keep him inside with air condition. However wool insulates, so it should also insulate against heat a little bit. I suggest you play it by ear.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoachs! It’s fine to not cut her hair with a few key points: 1) keep her cool 2) brush her to prevent matting especially around her butt and vulva. Stool or urine caught in the hair or mats there will attract flies which can lead to maggots. Good luck!

Shaving him down at that young age is not recommended. A thick coat protects against heat and sun as well as chilly temps. Keep him indoors in a cool area of the house. make sure Rex doesn't get too chilled though. When he is 10-12 weeks of age and has had at least 2 vaccines, he can visit a groomer for a "puppy cut" if necessary.

A dog's coats is designed to capture air and use it as an insulator. In the winter, this keeps the cold out and holds the heat in. During the summer, this system holds the heat at bay and helps your dog regulate his body temperature. Without this insulating layer of hair, he is susceptible to heat stroke. So, shaving is not a good idea.

Double coated dogs should not require clipping - this can lead to permanent damage to the topcoat and leave a patchy, mottled or even bald appearance with only the heavy undercoat surviving. The coat both insulates in the winter and allows for ventilation and cooling in the summer - it is important to regularly brush to remove the bulky and dead undercoat when shedding (spring/summer and fall) and this will lighten and tidy the coat

Yes, you have to be careful in shaving the coat too short because it will not protect him from the sun anymore and the coat is very important for thermal insulation. You can try brushing and just clipping the matts that don' t come off with gentle brushing.