Is it safe to shave my Australian Shepherd's thick coat for summer?

Question

I have an Australian Shepherd, with a very thick, heavy coat of hair. I've been debating about shaving her to help keep her cool and also to reduce the weight so that she'll be able to be more active. Some people say this is not good for the dog, others who have done it seem to firmly believe it helps. Wonder what your thoughts are on this? Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

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.

Is it safe to shave my Australian Shepherd's thick coat for summer?

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