Do you know your doggo needs?

Did you know that while trimming your pooch's fur may seem like an ideal solution to stay cool, it's actually a bad idea? That's what we found out from Shaheen Shahani, Managing Partner of Shampooch - a family-run daycare, boutique hotel and a grooming salon based in Dubai.  
"A lot of people believe that shaving dogs with thick coats will help them stay cool in the summer. We don't recommend this. Rather than getting the clippers out, we suggest hand-stripping thick-coated dogs to ensure that their insulating bottom coat is protected. This helps them easily regulate their body temperature and reduce the risk of sunburn in the summer," she says.
Shahani shares titbits of essential information for pet owners, especially with the heat in Dubai is at its peak. Excerpts:
Identify your breed: It's important to be aware of your dog's breed to provide the best care this season. Different breeds react differently to high temperatures. For example, snub nose dogs like pugs and bulldogs have more difficulty breathing in humid air while short hair, mix breed dogs cope well in the heat.
Ensure cool water is always available: With soaring temperatures, it is vital that owners monitor their dogs closely and make sure that they have easy access to clean, cool water. Putting ice cubes in their water bowl is also a good way to do this.
Grooming is essential: Brush your dog's coat daily to help keep it clean, and bathe no more than once every two weeks to avoid damaging their natural oils in the long run. Experts also recommend taking a dog for grooming every four to six weeks. Of course, this varies from breed to breed and lifestyle. Groomers can additionally spot skin and ear issues, and alert owners so that they can take their dog to a vet. 
Opt for convenience: Too hot to take your pooch out for a grooming session? Choose a mobile service like Shampooch for a personalised pamper experience at your doorstep - from hand-scissored haircuts, baths and deshedding to nail trims, ears and eyes cleaning, and hand-stripping.
Walk at the right time: When it comes to walking your dog, it's always best to do so before sunrise and after sunset. The reason for this is the sun can heat up your walking path and burn your dogs' paws or cause discomfort. Alternatively, you can take it to a renowned doggy daycare to let it play to its heart's content in safe, temperature-controlled ambience.
Keep it short: At times, dogs find it more difficult to breathe in the heat and humidity, which is why it is important to keep walks as short as possible. Always make sure to test the temperature of the ground by placing the back of your hand on it. If it is too hot for your hand, then it is too hot to walk your dog.
- farhana@khaleejtimes.com