Sat 10th June: Important facts about dogs in hot weather

I can't say I look forward to typhoons, in fact the opposite, but in this unremitting heat a little bit of rain wouldn't be unwelcome. However for the weekend it looks like a very hot and dry Sunday is forecast, so the puppies will enjoy their usual games on the terrace at Whiskers N Paws, maybe with some added water bowls for splashing in.

If you aren't looking for a new dog or puppy to join your family and would prefer to stay out of the sun, then you can still head over to the Exhibition & Convention Centre in Wanchai to wander round the Pet Expo to pick up some goodies.

These little dogs are still waiting for homes

The summer months are always a slow time as so many people go away on holiday, but there is never a change in the number of dogs and puppies needing home so the two that were adopted today were very lucky.  One was little pom June from Ap Lei Chau and the other one of the new collies, the black-and-white one, although she will still need to be approved by the resident dogs.

We still have lots of smaller-sized dogs at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre or in foster homes, and of course hundreds (literally) at our main Tai Po Homing Centre.

I want to share this article that was posted on Facebook about someone who had shaved their husky, as it's important to understand why this is wrong.  As many people commented, huskies are cold-weather dogs that shouldn't even be living in hot climates, but since there are many already here then owners need to be aware of the facts about any double-coated dogs.  If you really want a dog that can cope with the hot weather then go for a local mixed breed:

A Husky owner shared a photo of his Husky having gotten a “summer shave”. And although it went viral for seeming funny, the photo sparked controversy among dog lovers upset that the double-coated dog had been shaved down. It’s also unintentionally become an educational tool as to what to do (and not do) to keep your dog cool in the summer. It turns out that shaving a double-coated dog is definitely in the “not to do” column.

After seeing the photo, many people were amused, but one groomer weighed in on the dangers of shaving a dog, especially one with a double coat. “Groomer here,” they wrote on reddit. “This actually ruins the coat. This is why it is important to decide what type of dog you want before getting one. If you can’t handle the fur, then go with a boxer or a Schnauzer. A double coat acts as an AC unit and as a heater for the seasons.”

The go on to explain that the fur won’t grow back properly. “After awhile, his coat won’t come back, it will become patchy, will thin out and basically all around unpleasant to touch. Won’t be the smooth fur coat you fell in love with in the beginning.”

Another redditor felt similarly and posted the following photo as way of example:

As the groomer indicated, a dog with a double coat not only works to keep a dog warm in the cold, it also works to keep them cool in the heat. It does so because air is “trapped” between the layers of fur and acts like a natural air conditioner. This diagram shows how the fur acts as a natural shield against the sun.

That’s not to say a dog with a double-coat shouldn’t be groomed. Having a proper rake brush to get rid of the dead hair in the undercoat, and regularly brushing and trimming a dog’s fur, will ensure that they are properly insulated and that their fur is “functioning” properly.

On a side note, shaving dogs with single coats isn’t a good idea either, as you are simply exposing the dog’s skin to more sun and therefore an increased possibility of sunburn. Again, trimming fur can be a good way to keep a dog’s coat healthy and clean through the summer months.

Dogs with thin coats like Bulldogs, Boxers and Pit Bulls (especially ones with white fur) actually need to be protected from the sun, to prevent them from sunburning or potentially developing skin cancer. For these dogs, keeping them out of direct sunlight and protecting them with outerwear is a good idea.

If your dog is active outside in the summer, numerous companies have developed cooling vests to help regulate their temperature. Other ways of combating heat is to keep a dog properly hydrated, limit their time in the sun, and to keep alert to the signs of heat stroke. This is especially important for short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs.