"Should my dog be clipped close for the hot summer months?" is a question asked by many pet owners at this time of year.

The answer may be unexpected: it isn't the length of the dog's coat, but the pet owners' willingness to devote time to caring for it that determines whether a summer haircut is needed.

If the animal is healthy, even the longest-coated dog can be comfortable in hot climates, according to Best Friends Director of Groomer Val Penstone. In fact, the hair on a well-groomed dog will actually keep him cool - because it acts as insulation against the heat. A dog's coat also provides protection from sunburn and from parasites.

This is true even for heavy-coated breeds, because coat thickness is not the primary cause of susceptibility to heat stress. In fact, obesity plays a larger role.

To cut or not to cut
The key to answering the question of whether or not to cut, is the coat's condition A matted coat will trap heat and moisture, causing redness, irritation and odors. It requires thorough and frequent brushing to prevent mats and the corresponding skin problems and discomfort. When hair becomes severely matted, even a professional groomer won't be able to brush out the mats and a drastic clip-down becomes a necessity.

The best strategy, says Penstone, is to keep your pet's coat trimmed year round -- unless you are willing to spend time every day brushing and combing, Most dogs need a haircut every six to nine weeks, and dogs with fluffy coats or long straight coats will need to be clipped even more often. Speaking with a professional groomer about your pet and your expectation is the best way to determine your individual pet's grooming needs.

Hot weather advice
If you decide to proceed with a short clipping for summer comfort, it's important to remember that, without his coat, your pet will need extra protection from the sun, flies and other parasites.

In fact, in hot weather, precautions should be taken for all breeds. Dogs don't sweat, and they don't have an efficient way to cool themselves down. It's important to curtail exercise in the hottest part of the day, and provide shade, access to a cool spot, or air conditioning to prevent heat stress related problems from developing.

Remember, when it comes to pet grooming, you can always find the answers to your questions at Best Friends. Visit our centers to find a dog groomer near you!