Can You Shave Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Are you a pet parent of a Bernese mountain dog wondering if you can shave off your pet’s fur in the hot summer months? We can relate to your confusion and concern for your dog, especially in hot weather conditions.

Shaving your Bernese mountain dog’s fur may look like the best solution for your dog to help your dog cool down. However, when it comes to Bernese mountain dogs, they can be a little bit tricky.

These adorable giant dogs with their thick fur coat that constantly needs grooming need their coat not only to protect them in the cold but also to act as insulation when it is hot. And this begs the question; Is shaving Bernese mountain dogs’ fur okay?

In this article, we will be diving into whether shaving Bernese mountain dogs‘ coats is a good idea. We will also provide answers on the best alternatives to help cool down your dog when it is hot.

What Is The Importance Of Bernese Mountain Dogs Coat?

The coat of Bernese mountain dogs is very important as it serves a great purpose to them. Their thick coat protects them from harsh weather conditions in the mountainous regions they originated from.

Amazingly, their coat is water resistant, keeping them dry when wet or rainy. Their shiny, thick coats make it easy for them to shake off water from their bodies. And in the winter, their coats keep them warm and safe from the teeth of cold.

In addition, Bernese mountain dogs’ coat protects them from hypothermia, a common health condition among dogs. Shaving their coat can expose them to health problems rather than help them.

The major point is to understand that your Bernese mountain dogs need coats to protect them from weather conditions, and exposure to harmful elements for their overall help and well-being.

Is It Okay To Shave Bernese Mountain Dogs?

No, it is ill-advised to shave off your Bernese mountain dog’s coat, as it can actually do more harm than good than you expect. This is because their fur coat acts as natural insulation on hot summer days, provides warmth when chilling, and protects their skin from sun damage.

As hard as it may be for you to believe, Bernese mountain dogs’ skin is even more sensitive than humans, so they have a very thick fur coat to protect them from skin irritations, sunburn, and the high possibility of insect bites and parasites.

Rather than shaving their coat entirely, it is better to groom them regularly with high-quality brushes suitable for their thick coat, and constantly provide premium quality dog foods, and fresh water.

Make sure also to make sure the air conditioning is working perfectly if your Bernese mountain dog is mostly indoors.

Why Is Shaving Bernese Mountain Dogs Bad?

Shaving Bernese mountain dogs’ coats is not recommended; here are several reasons why it is a bad idea to shave off your doggo’s coat;

1. Insulation

The thick, fluffy fur coat provides natural insulation and helps keep your pet child warm when it is cold and avoid overheating in the summer. Cutting off their fur coat can interfere with their body’s ability to regulate temperature, leaving their skin bere and prone to several health problems.

2. Sunburn

Shaving off the coat of your Bernese mountain dog can increase the risk of sunburn. Bernese Mountain dogs have very sensitive skin, and shaving their coat can expose them to dangerous UV rays from the sun, leading to sunburn and possibly skin cancer.

3. Fur Regrowth Problems

If you eventually cut off your Bernese mountain dog’s fur, there is a high chance of regrowth problems. Mostly because some fur may grow faster than others making the lengths very uneven.

It may also lose its natural texture, making the coat less effective in protecting the dog’s sensitive skin.

4. Skin Irritation

Generally, shaving can cause, rashes, skin irritations, allergies, and other skin-related problems. This can cause your Bernese mountain dog to be very uncomfortable and susceptible to health issues.

Common Skin-Related Issues Associated With Shaving Dogs

Shaving dogs’ coats, especially that of Bernese mountain dogs, can be the beginning of several skin-related health issues, and these include;

1. Sunburn
2. Rashes
3. Skin irritations
4. Alopecia
5. Ingrown hairs and inflammation

Tips For Keeping Your Dog Cool In The Summer

Ensuring your Bernese mountain dog, and dogs in general, is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. That being said, here are the tips to put to use in the summer to help your dog stay cool;

• Make sure that there is fresh, clean, and cool water always available for your dog, to prevent them from getting dehydrated. For extra, you can consider putting ice into their drinking water.
• Set up a shade for your dog in a cool dry spot around your home. Also, ensure that your fan or AC is in good working condition if your dog is mostly indoors.
• Do not take your dog for a walk when it is very hot. Instead, you can schedule a stroll in the evenings or early mornings when it is more relaxed and favorable.
• Regularly groom your pup as it helps remove excess fur and prevents the furs from matting together, hindering your dog’s body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• You can occasionally offer your Bernese mountain dog cool-down baths or showers; dry them out completely with a dry towel.

Grooming Tricks For Bernese Mountain Dogs

Grooming is essential to owning a Bernese mountain dog, to help maintain a healthy coat that can protect them against health problems. Here are the grooming tricks that you need for Bernese mountain dogs;

1. Brush your doggo’s thick coat at least once a week to remove loose furs, and eliminate tangles and matted furs. You can use a slicker brush or de-matting comb for better results.
2. Make sure to bathe your Bernese mountain dog occasionally, as bathing them regularly can cause their skin to lose its natural oil. Precisely, bathe them once or twice every three months and only when necessary.
3. Regularly trim their nails to avoid painful nail breakage and promote better mobility for your dog.
4. Do not forget to clean their ears once a month carefully. This can prevent ear infections and remove excess ear wax.
5. To prevent tartar buildup and other dental problems like tooth decay, brush your dog’s teeth frequently.

Wrapping Up

Your Bernese mountain dog’s coat is more important than you think. It shields them from a lot of health problems, especially skin-related issues. It also protects them from harsh weather conditions and regulates their temperature.

When it is really hot, you might have concerns for your Bernese mountain dog because of its long, thick, and fluffy coat, and consider shaving it off to help keep them cool. But that will be a very big mistake.

No matter how unfavorable the weather is, do not shave your Bernese mountain dog’s coat off as you will do more harm than the intended good. Instead, it is best to keep on grooming them regularly and secure them in a very cool and dry area in your home.