A Visitor asked the following question on 6/6/2006
I have an eleven year old male sheltie. He has a very full coat and I have him groomed every five weeks. My question, I live in southwest florida and during the hot months he suffers, I have to keep a fan on him to keep him cool. We have tile floors and air conditioning but he still pants even when he is asleep. Should I shave him for the peak months? I hate to do it because he is so beautiful, but I fear for his health more. Thanks for any answers
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8/3/06
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HI,
I think his panting could also be caused by weight, (if he is overweight he will have a harder time with breathing even without coat) and possibly other health problems.....What does your vet say?
The sheltie coat is supposed to insulate them from the heat as well as the cold, and when ever possible I would have to say save the coat, if you shave him at this age it will most probably never come in nice again.
You can take his body temperature and see if it is elevated and then speak with your vet. Has he always done this in the heat of August?....My suggestion though would be to continue doing what you are doing to keep him cool and keep his coat intact
All the best
Bella
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Bella
Belmark Shelties
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8/3/06
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HI,
I think his panting could also be caused by weight, (if he is overweight he will have a harder time with breathing even without coat) and possibly other health problems.....What does your vet say?
The sheltie coat is supposed to insulate them from the heat as well as the cold, and when ever possible I would have to say save the coat, if you shave him at this age it will most probably never come in nice again.
You can take his body temperature and see if it is elevated and then speak with your vet. Has he always done this in the heat of August?....My suggestion though would be to continue doing what you are doing to keep him cool and keep his coat intact
All the best
Bella
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Bella
Belmark Shelties
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