Chris Bauman writes:

Subject: Ms

I found this article to be particulary interesting and informative. I had been considering having one of my dogs shaved for the summer, because I thought it would make the heat more bearable for him. I'm glad I found this information before I made that mistake!

Carrie writes:

Subject: disagree

I have my dog, a border collie/german shepard mix, shaved every summer and his coat grows back in every fall as beautiful and full as ever. The texture, color and thickness of his coat never changes as this article suggests. Plus I get a few months of much less shedding around the house and he seems to really enjoy getting his summer haircut. We will continue to keep this as a late spring ritual in our home.

Shannon Heggem writes:

Subject: response

Hi Carrie, Thank you for your comment. I'm glad that you've had good luck so far! However, I would be very interested to see if that pattern continues for the life-span of your baby, as the likelihood of re-growth continues to diminish with age. However, if you plan to continue to shave him, then no harm no fowl! Less hair is always better! Thanks for reading!

Heather writes:

Subject: Alternative?

Living in Texas, the summers are extremely humid and reach triple digits. Poor Big Dog (3yr old Great Pyrenees) is completely inactive during the day. He's always digging in the ground to lay under shade to stay cool. I even leave a huge fan on in the garage (side door stays open) so he can get out of the sun and try to stay cool. My cousins have an 8 y/o German Shepard who feels the heat and humidity as well. They shave her down once during the summer. The German Shepard always comes come bouncing around and playing like a puppy. She continues to act that way through summer. Obviously, shaving her down benefits her, but if there is a chance that a clipping or shave down can be more harmful than helpful, what do you suggest as an alternative?