There are many arguments for why summer is absolutely beautiful. It entails more time spent outside for your dog. You simultaneously enjoy taking them with you on beach strolls, to barbecues, on camping trips, etc.
You strip off your clothes until you are only wearing your swimwear or a short-sleeved shirt and shorts to cope with the blazing heat and sun. Your Corgi could probably use a trim or a haircut if you don’t need the multiple layers of clothing, right?
While not all dogs should be shaved, some of them may benefit from it. Breeds with thick coats are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so trimming them in the summertime can help them stay comfortable.
Cardigan, Pembroke, or Merle Corgi – all of them will accumulate dead hair. Some deshedding would surely be preferable, but we need to learn to what extent.
Take some time to prepare yourself with the correct knowledge before getting dirty and shaving your corgi. You run the risk of significantly harming the coat if you do something wrong.
In this tutorial, we’ll go through some of the essential fundamentals you should be aware of when it comes to trimming your Corgi.
Should I Shave My Corgi?
Before you grab the clippers, continue reading if you’re searching for other strategies to make your Corgi feel at ease and shed less hair.
Is it healthy to shave a Corgi to assist it to fight the hot weather even if they have dense, puffy fur? There could be more risks than advantages, which might astonish you.
This might surprise you, but you shouldn’t ever shave your Corgi! Shaving your Corgi’s undercoat will uncover their delicate skin and remove their protective barrier against the environment. You can find more about this topic on whether or not Corgis are hypoallergenic.
They won’t be able to maintain their cool. Only in extreme cases, such as those involving illness or too dense fur, can your Corgi’s fur be shaved.
Now let us examine the grounds why it is never advisable to shave a double-coated dog breed, in this case, the Corgi.
Why Shouldn’t I Shave Or Trim My Corgi?
Because of their distinctive double-coat coat texture, Corgis essentially have two levels of fur. Dense and fluffy make up the bottom layer, which is nearer the skin. The outermost layer is rigid and water-resistant.
Your dog is shielded from the outdoors and from mud by the outer covering. The inner layer insulates against temperature fluctuations and aids in controlling your Corgi’s body heat.
If your pet’s undercoat is flared, dry, and clear of knots, it will retain a layer of colder air during the summer and prevent overheating.
These two levels of fur will largely shield your pet from the sweltering hot sun, though there are some restrictions, and you should never leave your dog exposed to excessive temperatures. In addition to keeping them cool, this double coat shields the dogs from melanoma and sunburn.
Your dog’s coat develops even thicker throughout the colder seasons of the year. Your dog’s denser undercoat can prevent hypothermia and frostbite as well as aid in retaining body heat.
The water-resistant covering fur keeps the undercoat intact and ready to perform its function. If your dog’s fur is tidy and clear of tangles, this will work best. Shaving your Corgi will equalize the length of the two hair levels.
This is a concern since the undercoat will regrow naturally more quickly and interfere with the guard coat’s regrowth. Your dog’s regular shedding cycle will be disrupted as more undercoat regrows, making matting and shedding more difficult.
Additionally, trimming your dog runs the risk of permanently harming its coat, leading to bald areas. The surface feels very different until the topcoat begins to grow back. When your dog comes into contact with things, it may act like Velcro and draw in dirt, leaves, plants, and other stuff.
If I Shave My Corgi, Will It Shed Less?
Dogs are fascinating animals that have evolved over thousands of years to survive and prosper in their surroundings.
Because of this, once the weather changes and we move from the chilly winter season into the warm summertime, your Corgi will begin to shed and lose a significant amount of hair.
While finding hair all over everything may be a burden and it may be convenient to chop it all off in the hopes that this will reduce shedding, I can assure you that this isn’t the answer.
No amount of shaving will make your dog stop shedding! Simply said, they will lose less longer hairs, possibly sometimes more than they would if they hadn’t been shaven.
Just a few times yearly, undercoat hairs fall out and grow back. Your dog’s undergrowth, which sheds more frequently than the topcoat, will increase if the undercoat sprouts back quicker and thicker. Therefore, you are losing hair more frequently than you were previously.
Additionally, due to the amount of hair in the undercoat, it is much more likely to become matted and tangled, necessitating additional combing and grooming to prevent another shaving session.
To conclude this topic, shaving just results in your dog’s shedding hair becoming shorter. This makes matters worse since, in comparison to the typical length of hair that the dog sheds, dealing with tiny peaks of hair laying around the apartment can be more difficult.
Read More about: Do Corgis Shed?
Is There A Way To Reduce My Corgi’s Level Of Shedding?
Your Corgi can avoid excessive shedding by getting regular brushing, expert grooming, and periodic baths. The old or loosened undercoat will be removed as a result of these habits, which will also assist to reduce the quantity of fur which covers you as well as your house.
Additionally, this is the finest way to maintain the naturally beautiful, shiny, and healthy coat of your Corgi!
You may manage the enormous quantity of hair that your dog could shed by maintaining a regular grooming routine and enhancing it throughout the spring shed. Additionally, this will aid in keeping matting at bay.
A thorough undercoat raking is the greatest kind of grooming, that you may either demand of your groomer or perform on your own.
Be extremely clear with your dog’s groomer because you do not intend for your dog to have his or her head shaved whatsoever. Because it still might happen occasionally, having it on paper might be a smart thought.
It’s a common misconception that shaving a Corgi will reduce shedding, however, this is not the reality. Your dog will continue to shed regardless of the haircut.
The undercoat’s unrestricted growth will result in even more shedding because the protective coating would be lost.
How To Help My Corgi Cool Down In Summer?
While shaving your dog to keep them cool and comfortable may seem like a natural solution, doing so prevents them from retaining a cool cooling air layer next to the skin.
Because the undercoat will prevent air from moving, when both coats are starting to grow together at the same period, your dog will be even hotter.
Your dog will be considerably more prone to overheating due to the long guard hairs’ altered texture, which physically absorbs heat from the sun.
Although your Corgi can tolerate a broad spectrum of temperatures, there are several activities you can do to make your dog more comfortable during the summer heat.
1. Consistently Provide Cool Water For Your Corgi
Being ready and planning ahead is essential for keeping your dog comfortable in the summer months. When the weather becomes nicer, it’s vital to think of trying to keep your Corgi safe in the high temperatures in addition to having fun.
The goal is to lessen the chance of heatstroke and to maintain the health and happiness of your dog. To help you enjoy the heat while keeping your dog safe, there are some things you can do.
Your dog will immediately become cooler when submerged in cold water since it cools him off internally. Additionally, cold water is more certain to be drunk by your dog.
However, during the summer, the water in your dog’s bowl can rapidly get warm. You can quickly drop the temperature of the water in your dog’s water bowl by putting ice cubes in it.
As an alternative, think about purchasing a freezable water dish, which has a gel-like ice pack within. The bowl will cool the water when you add more. Ice cubes, in this case, won’t be needed anymore.
What happens if you are not at home? When you need to give your dog a drink on the road, think about utilizing a collapsible bowl as well as a dog water bottle.
2. Give Your Dog A Place To Relax In The Shade
Whenever it involves dealing with heat, pets do not possess the same capabilities that people do, and they also have the added load of a fur coat.
Their major method of cooling off is through panting, while the coat does aid in wicking away sweat and protecting the skin to a certain extent. This is insufficient in hot weather without access to plenty of water as well as the ability to find shade.
Unfortunately, heat stress as well as heat stroke are widespread in pets because owners sometimes fail to realize how important it is for them to maintain temperate temperatures.
The ideal situation is for your pet to be inside on hot, sunny days when the air conditioner or fan is operating.
In hot or unpleasant weather, pets cannot be left alone; therefore, throughout the day or whenever you’re away, keeping them inside is the best alternative.
Consider how much shade there will be, and how you could improvise or prepare properly, whether you’ll be out for a stroll or enjoying a day at the seaside.
It might be a good idea to find a new route for your daily stroll that has lots of large tree cover and cool grassland for rest pauses.
Generally speaking, parks as well as other green spaces are fantastic options for finding shade, whether it be from man-made buildings or from natural canopies.
If you cannot protect your Pembroke from the sun’s heat, provide it with a place to rest in the shade, or avoid going out at all when the weather is too hot.
3. Allowing Your Corgi To Be Indoors If The Weather Outside Becomes Oppressively Hot
Sometimes, it is best to let your dog be indoors as much as possible. Many Corgi owners report that their dog is much more energized and happy when it not just stays, but lives indoors.
A Corgi’s coat which has multiple layers of fur can be well adjusted to hot, as well as cold days. But a dog’s skin is something that cannot get adjusted when the sun is too strong.
Sadly, all dogs may be predisposed to skin cancer, when spending time excessively on a hot, sunny, summer day. Sunscreen may help to a certain degree, but we recommend that your dog stays indoors from 12 to 5 PM. Some things are better to be avoided.
Having the AC conditioner turned on helps you, as well as your dog. No one enjoys particularly hot or cold weather.
Whenever the weather is too hot to bear, please allow your Corgi to be indoors, by your side.
As much as you need the shade and the cooler temperatures, your Corgi needs it too.
4. Walk Your Dog In The Colder Afternoon And Evening Periods
Your fluffy Corgi will be thankful to you if you skip the walks on the warmest parts of the day. Hot summer days are something that all of us enjoy but overheating on the warmest parts of the day is not a good option.
The body temperature may rise when your Corgi is exposed to hot weather, resulting in some unwanted consequences.
We advise that you reschedule your daily walks and keep them mostly around the early morning as well as the night time. That is when the temperatures are a bit easier to bear, and therefore it is a great way to keep your dog cool.
5. Don’t Leave Your Corgi In A Car, Unattended. Just, Don’t.
On a warm day, you just shouldn’t leave your dog inside a parked car. Dogs mostly use panting to regulate their body temperature. Whenever a dog is extremely overheated, panting is ineffective at keeping them from becoming too hot.
When it’s warm outside, a car’s interior temperature can rise quickly and will be substantially higher than the ambient temperatures. On a hot day, dogs left in a car alone can rapidly get overheated, have heatstroke, or perhaps even pass away.
Even for a short period of time on a warm day, we do not advise leaving your dog unattended. Heat exhaustion can occur suddenly and be lethal.
Even if you keep the window open, are parked in the shade, or cover your window with a cover, the temperature in the car can always increase to dangerously high levels.
6. Keep The Cute Corgi Paws Trimmed
When the weather gets warmer outside, several pet owners will discover that their Corgi is considerably happier following a paw trim. Dogs do perspire through their paw pads, but unlike humans, they do not perspire all over their bodies.
Trimming your pet’s paw pads is a good idea. Dogs sweat through their feet, which most people are unaware of, therefore it’s crucial to periodically clip the hair surrounding their paws to keep them comfortable and avoid accidentally getting debris.
Following time spent outdoors, a dog’s paws should be examined for thorns or ticks; nibbling as well as licking its paw is a sure symptom of discomfort.
Regular nail trimming is necessary for both cats and dogs, and it’s a simple procedure once your and your furry pet become accustomed to it.
We are aware of how scary this job can be for some people, and we also realize that even if your pet isn’t accustomed to it, they will detest it even more. However, maintaining clipped nails is a crucial aspect of grooming and it also must be done, together with paw trimming.
When Is It Acceptable To Shave My Corgi
In some cases, the advantages of shaving your Corgi may outweigh the drawbacks. A few examples of this are when a dog is extremely matted, when an elderly dog has health issues, before surgery, or in specific regions of all Corgis.
It Is Okay If You Shaved A Corgi That Was Neglected
If you have ever rescued a Corgi out of a rescue or shelter, chances are such that their matted fur is simply one of the issues that you could be facing while attempting to give your Corgi a better life.
The objective in this case is to provide your rescued dog with a significantly better life while causing as little further suffering as is humanly possible.
Working with a professional groomer is essential in this situation, to determine whether it is possible to carefully cut away some of the mats from the dog’s coat so that regular brushing can resume.
Seniors May Require Special Care
You and your Corgi may need to invest a significant amount of time and effort into transitioning your dog’s winter coat to a summertime coat.
Shaving your dog can be a preferable option if it’s impossible for them to sit through a lengthy grooming session due to age, canine arthritis, or other issues that can cause grooming to be more uncomfortable.
Always take into account the dog’s age and condition when doing this. If so, you should take measures to keep the dog indoors or away from the elements, so she doesn’t overheat or get sunburned.
The summertime shave of your lovely 14-year-old Corgi will for sure make it feel a lot more comfortable.
There Are Some Body Parts That You May Shave
We refer to your dog’s complete body when we talk about shaving them. Although shaving their complete body is rarely a smart idea, there are some areas of their bodies which can benefit from being shaven.
- The hair that covers the foot pads. As they walk on it, the hair won’t matt as a result, keeping them cooled and comfortable.
- The region of the groin. This is significant for hygienic and cleaning reasons because they typically have much less growth here.
- The fur around the anus. This one is typically a no-brainer if they’re frequently getting excrement stuck to their bottom. Sometimes it’s sufficient to simply trim the hair on their bottom rather than completely shave it.
How Fast Will My Shaved Corgi’s Fur Grow Back?
As we’ve talked about, sometimes it’s impossible to avoid shaving your Corgi.
When their groomer ignores their instructions or possibly misinterprets them and shaves your Corgi without consent, some owners have been really unpleasantly surprised. Having a half-shaved dog may seem funny, but the concerns may go deeper.
Your next concern may be whether your dog’s hair will sprout back and what you should do if you accidentally shaved it, despite understanding the damage it would cause or if you were forced to do so for medical or other reasons.
Of course, the hair will regrow but probably not with the same texture. While there are actions you can do to assist your Corgi’s hair in getting back to normal, it might take a year or longer.
It will take much longer for them to grow their fur back to its full-length and it becomes less likely that they will ever do the more occasions they are shaved.
Important Reminder: If your pet Corgi has had their head shaved, take extra care to keep them away from the sun and preserve their skin.
When their dogs have to be outside in the sun, some owners may cover them with a thin t-shirt. Sunscreen is another option for protecting your dog’s skin.
How Can I Help My Corgi’s Coat To Grow Back Faster?
You first need to understand that this will be a long process. Our Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a dog breed which has multiple layers of fur, just like the Husky.
If your dog has been in a certain situation which required them to be saved, such as surgery requirements, or just making your elderly Corgi more comfortable, there are some ways to help your Corgi grow their coat faster.
Regular Brushing
At least three to four times per week, brushing is necessary.
The undercoat will be kept under control as a result, and the topcoat will be encouraged to regrow at a more equal rate.
Additionally, it’s crucial to prevent mats from developing because your dog’s hair may be more susceptible to them due to the undercoat’s softer texture. Make sure to choose some of the best brushes for Corgis and sensitive skin types.
When your dog starts growing the fur regularly, it would be a good option to start line brushing. Using a soft wire brush and the hair’s direction as a guide, line brushing begins at the bottom of the fur and moves upward. In order to fluff up their dogs for dog shows, professionals do this.
It removes any tangles and dead hair from the fur. This gives the coat a delightfully smooth, vivacious appearance.
Taking Baths More Often
If your Corgi has been shaved, it might be a smart option to bathe him more frequently, perhaps once every two weeks or perhaps even once a week. Regular brushing can also assist.
Keeping their skin from becoming dry can be accomplished by using an oatmeal shampoo.
Just be careful to keep a close eye on the skin and reduce washing every 3 to 4 weeks if it appears to be sensitive or dried out after washing too frequently.
There are different Shampoos for different dog breeds, and different needs that a dog may have. Therefore, I recommend looking at the 10 safest and best Shampoos for Corgis.
Omega-3 Fatty acids Supplements
Fish oil helps your dog in numerous other ways besides just promoting hair development!
Adding a fish oil supplement improves the condition of their hearts, encourages a silky coat, lessens dry, scaly skin, and can ease allergies and joint problems.
However, you should check the recommended dose of Fish oil supplements for your pet. Everything that you supplement your dog with should be dosed correctly.
It may possibly aid in immune system boosting and aid in the battle against skin cancer.
Excellent Dog Food
The most crucial element in aiding a dog’s rapid hair growth is maintaining a healthy dog.
The more their organism can devote resources to mending their damaged coat, the healthier altogether they become.
Having the highest quality meals is the first step in this process. You can consult your veterinarian when it comes to the best type of high-quality dog food for your Corgi, however, many vets suggest implementing a raw food diet.
I would definitely recommend feeding your Corgi right, therefore looking more deeply into the Corgi feeding chart!
Remedies made from herbs
Remedies made from herbs can help both humans and their pet companions. All of the medication is made out of plants, plant extracts and etheric oils, which leads us to the conclusion that homemade remedies can work as well.
Some dog owners report success with weekly applications of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the dog’s coat.
Because of its antibacterial characteristics, it will keep your dog’s coat free of parasites and dangerous germs that could stop hair growth on the skin.
You’ll need to combine 1/8 cup vinegar with 1/8 cup water together in a spray bottle. Spray your dog thoroughly, then brush it in before letting it air dry. Apply a weekly spray. Loose hairs will fall out, and the dog’s natural long hair will start to grow.
Time and perseverance
I dislike saying it, but patience and time will do the most to encourage your dog’s hair to regrow. Do your utmost to prevent them from ever needing to have their coats shaved.
Make absolutely sure that your groomer understands why it’s not acceptable for your dog to have such types of coats by giving very specific instructions or having a discussion with them in advance regarding double coated canines.
From having shorter hair to regrowing long hair will take time. You need to be aware of this, so that you won’t lose patience. Regular brushing and dog grooming will help stimulate the hair follicle.
Final Word
Even one shave could permanently harm a dog’s coat and leave it more uncomfortable. Many dog owners assume that shaving is helpful for the pet, particularly to stay cool in the summer.
Many short-haired breeds of dogs can be shaved without any issues, but there are still hazards associated with the procedure, and it is not required for the dog’s welfare or wellbeing. Sadly, a shaved Corgi may become an unhealthy Corgi.
Your Corgi may develop crusty scabs appearing all over the skin, which is highly uncomfortable for the dog and may be problematic health-wise.
However, due to the issues that can arise from harming their perfectly balanced coats, long-haired dogs with double coats must never be shaved. Never shave dogs like Corgis, Siberian Huskies, or any dog that loses big chunks of fur (part of its undercoat) periodically.
There are many ways of maintaining your dog’s double coat in the summertime, as well as many ways to keep your dog cool. However, shaving your dog is not one of the ways to keep them cool in the summer heat.
Rescheduling your dog’s walks, having the AC turned on, keeping the dog indoors and providing them fresh and cool water will do the trick.Shaved Corgis can accumulate many health issues, such as skin infections, and allergies, all the way to skin cancer. Therefore, we suggest that you shave your Corgi only if that is the only way out.
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