Macaroni seems depressed after his summer cut!

[Elizabeth Vitale]

We adopted Macaroni about 8 months ago, & he's 5 years old.  He lived on a farm, & had some trims, but never a full summer cut -- he's seemed "down in the dumps" since then (a few days, which have also been really rainy, but he doesn't usually mind that too much).  I wonder if there's any connection.  Anyone notice that with their Doodles?   It's a little late to ask this, but what kind of cut is recommended for the hot weather?  I tried to find out before doing it, had noticed him panting a lot more on hotter days.  I hope I did the right thing!

 

Thanks!!

 

Liz

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I think this is very normal-it feels weird to them. I think maybe it's spring fever-stop with the rain already!

[Paul & Michele]

Molly & Bailee have their summer cuts.  I gave it to them back in Feb. simply because the snow would stick to them then in the spring and summer if there is water anyplace even a drop they find it so it is easier to bathe them and keep them clean with the summer cut.  I do it my self and try to leave it at least an inch long and then in Sept we start letting it grow out til after the holidays. They do always act a little strange when it gets cut off in the spring for the first time though.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

I think the owners' reactions are more extreme than the doodles' after a haircut... my dogs sometimes act like they're cold after getting groomed, but attributing feelings of shame and depression is a bit much. They adjust quickly. If it's really cold outside, I put a sweater on them but otherwise, I think they are much better off without their long and matty hair in the summer!!

[Elizabeth Vitale]

Thank you everyone for all the insights, & for sharing your experiences. Every single comment is so helpful!! 

The sun came out yesterday, & I know I felt better, & I think Macaroni perked up a bit too.  I was

also home most of the day, & he loves to not be alone.  This site is great!!

[Sharon & Monty]

What?  YOU HAVE SUN?  OMG.......... We want that.  It has rained 3/4 of April and May is turning out the same way.  I cant take it anymore!

[Sharon & Monty]

Sometimes it not the cut, but the stress of being at the groomers and getting all that trimming and primping done.  I know that Monty takes issue to cuts, but sometimes he has been there several hours and simply is sick and tired of all that and wants nothing to do with us touching and fussing over him afterwards.

[Sami Lee]

It's only a little post clip stress.  It will stop eventually. Dogs do not sweat through their skin as we do, but rather through their feet and panting. Keeping the coat in optimum condition is the best and safest thing to do all year. If the coat is tangled or matted at all, it can't do it's job properly.  Clipping down once in a while won't hurt anything, and sometimes it is a great way to give you and your pooch a "reset" where it is easier to maintain the coat.  If one is going to reset the coat, I wouldn't go any shorter than a 7 blade unless there is severe matting. :) Your fur baby will be ok, but don't feed into the stress with lots of "poor baby" and "I'm sorry" talk. act as if nothing is new, and your pooch will soon believe it if you do :)  As for being at a groomer's stressing him, the more often they go, the less they stress.  Pick a groomer you feel comfortable with :)