Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. Dogs don’t sweat in as many places as humans, but there is some heat exchange that occurs through the skin. It will depend on where you live, what activities your dog partakes in, and whether shaving seems to help her.

Some dogs can have trouble growing hair back, so if you are very concerned about appearance I wouldn’t do it. Make sure you watch for signs of heat stroke such as lethargy and vomiting. Slowly acclimate the dog during hot months and do not take him/her out in the hot parts of the day. If you have any concerns about heat stroke, ask your vet.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

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Give your Labradoodle a summer cut

A shorter coat can help your dog stay clean and cool during the summer months. But be careful not to shave your Labradoodle all the way down. A close shave can leave your dog susceptible to sunburn. Be sure to take your pup to a quality groomer for a safe and stylish summer trim.

Your dog`s coat actually acts as an insulator. However, this insulating layer can backfire during continuously hot weather, as it can make it harder for dogs to lower their body temperatures. Without the insulating layer, dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, so don`t shave your dog down to the skin.
Dogs cool down a lot differently than we do, and shaving really has no big impact on cooling them down. Dogs rely on panting to control most of their temperature regulation. They also rely on vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) to help them cool off, especially on their ears and face.
Labradoodles have thick fur which means they really feel the heat on a hot day. Providing your Labradoodle with a shaded area where they can escape the heat of the day is important. The sun is at its hottest during the middle of the day so it is imperative during this period your dog has shelter.
While some Labradoodles love nothing more than staying cozy inside with their families, more than a few dogs in this breed line love cooler temperatures. Some might even love to run around outside in the snow, especially if they`ve never seen it before.
In general, it is best to not shave your Labradoodle`s face, head, or tail. These areas can be trimmed if needed, but shaving is not recommended. The basics of Labradoodle grooming can help you keep your Labradoodle healthy and happy.
Bathing: Australian Labradoodles need bathed and brushed out approximately once a month. Puppies can be bathed as needed. Use a natural, gentle dog shampoo/conditioner that rinses out thoroughly.
Skin Problems: When a dog`s coat is cut too short, ingrown hairs can develop that can cause painful bumps or lesions. If the dog is already prone to skin problems such as dryness or sensitivity, shaving will only make those problems worse.
Generally, at temperatures above 89° Fahrenheit, most dogs are at risk of heat stroke and you should avoid walking your dog when it`s 90°F or hotter. For many dogs, outdoor activity at temperatures above 82°F can be dangerous, and for some dogs even temperatures in the 70°-77° range can be too hot.
Not every type of dog needs help staying warm. Huskies, for example, will do much better in the cold than a chihuahua. In general, dogs with thick coats will be more naturally insulated against the cold than short-haired dogs.
Counterintuitively, fur can help an animal cope in the heat. “Fur actually insulates the body in cold weather and helps prevent the body from taking on too much heat in warm weather,” says Jones. “Fur acts as a thermal regulator to slow down the process of heat absorption.”
Dogs may feel embarrassed after a haircut. This feeling of shame and embarrassment is natural. One of the reasons for this feeling is their drastic change or the owner`s reaction and laughter to the dog`s new appearance. When you don`t cut your dog`s hair regularly, and suddenly groomer cuts it very short.
Labradoodles are notorious for having their color change or fade as they grow into adult dogs. The Poodle genetics present in Labradoodles typically result in fading of the rich coat colors seen in labradoodle puppies. Fading can cause the adult coat to be several shades lighter or even a different color.
Summer Cut

This practical haircut keeps your Labradoodle cool in warmer weather with the body fur length typically cut to half an inch. You can also opt to keep your pup`s face and tail fur longer if you prefer. This look totally embodies “short hair, don`t care!”

Despite being social breeds, adult Labradoodles can be left alone occasionally for up to eight hours. A labradoodle puppy shouldn`t be left alone for more than two hours if it`s under six months old. This means labradoodle puppies may be a less-than-ideal choice for busy people or families often gone from the home.
Labradoodles Love People

These dogs thrive on company; they love adults, children, groups, and even other pets. These dogs, like Goldendoodles, are extroverts of the dog world. If they don`t get enough socializing, these dogs are more likely to be depressed and bored and may develop negative behaviors.

General Labradoodle Grooming BODY Cut

Thin all mats with thinning shears, brush or pull the matts out, trim with scissors all over to the desired length Or shave the dog down to about an inch all over the body (not knees to feet, head, or tail) and let it just grow out (number 10 blade and E comb) .

Most labradoodles require grooming every six to eight weeks. That`s frequent enough to keep knots and tangles away. At the same time, that schedule will preserve the natural oils that keep the coat healthy. Of course, you could require more frequent grooming if your dog has especially thick hair.
Australian Labradoodle Grooming Instructions

Eyelashes should not be cut and eyebrows should slightly flop over. The top of the head should round off to the ears and stay long and floppy. There should NOT be a notch at the top of the ears where they meet the head as is done with a poodle.

Figure that your pup can hold its bladder and bowels one hour for each month of age, and then add one more hour. A three-month old puppy, for example, should be able to wait to do its business for one to three hours, plus one, or four hours.
Healthy adult Labradoodles will sleep between 12-14 hours per day. Labradoodle puppies should be expected to snooze for 20 hours every day. Unlike humans both adult and puppy Labradoodles rarely enter deep sleep (REM) so they need extra light sleep to be properly rested.
Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers. Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming.
Clipping fur doesn`t help with the heat or shedding. Instead, it can destroy your dog`s coat permanently and cause more discomfort. Your dog`s natural guard coat and undercoat have a purpose in helping to regulate his body temperature and protect him from severe weather conditions.
Some of the reasons why your dog is acting funny after a grooming session include the fact that it is a strange feeling (especially if it is the first visit to the groomer). Another is the sense of powerlessness and hopelessness they feel. They feel as if a fundamental part of their identity has been taken.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. I heard that Labradoodles don’t cool off through their fur/skin, so short haircuts aren’t necessary for summer months. Is this true?
ANSWER : A. Dogs don’t sweat in as many places as humans, but there is some heat exchange that occurs through the skin. It will depend on where you live, what activities your dog partakes in, and whether shaving seems to help her.

Some dogs can have trouble growing hair back, so if you are very concerned about appearance I wouldn’t do it. Make sure you watch for signs of heat stroke such as lethargy and vomiting. Slowly acclimate the dog during hot months and do not take him/her out in the hot parts of the day. If you have any concerns about heat stroke, ask your vet.

Q. I believe my dog has demodex mites, how can I be sure?
ANSWER : A. Unlike most skin parasites, demodex mites do not live on the skin, they live in the hair follicles, therefore it is not possible to spot them on hair or skin. Deep skin scrapings must be performed and it is necessary to visualize the mites under a microscope.

Demodicosis is most commonly seen in puppies and young dogs. Localized forms, which usually affect the skin on face and/or legs, often do not require treatment and symptoms resolve spontaneously.

On the other hand, generalized forms of Demodicosis affect the whole body, causing skin crusting, irritation and hair loss. These forms require treatment, in many cases during several weeks, or even months.

There are various treatment options depending on the severity of symptoms. Demodicosis can be treated with shampoos and other topical skin preparations, spot-on medications, tablets or anti-parasitic injections.

Finally, generalized Demodicosis in adult dogs is the most serious form as it results in suppression of the dog’s immune system. This form of Demodicosis develops secondary to internal diseases like hypothyroidism, Cushing

Q. My cat has a major rash on her back it looks like red bumps an some have even turned into scabs.
ANSWER : A. Skin disorders can be particularly vexing to diagnosis and treat. One of the most common causes of skin rashes in cats is allergic dermititis caused by the bites of fleas. Some cats are very sensitive to the bite(s) of fleas and will react with excessive itching, scratching, and scabby bumps particularly on the lower back and nape of neck. Finding fleas on your cat is a pretty good indicator that fleas are causing the skin irritation. Unfortunately, NOT finding fleas doesn’t rule out an allergy to fleas, as it takes only one bite from a flea to cause a reaction in sensitive cats. Moreover, there are many other possible causes for skin rashes in cats, including thyroid disease, fungal diseases, bacterial or viral infections, and irritation from chemicals in the enviroment (scented litter, fabric sheets, air freshners, floor and carpet cleaners, etc.).
A trip to the veterinarian is your first step in treating skin disorders. Your vet will examine your cat, checking for fleas and other external parasites and also looking at the distribution pattern of the rash which will help your vet to determine what might be causing the rash. If necessary, your vet may take hair or skin samples for analysis. Blood work may also be necessary if your vet suspects thyroid diseases or another metabolic disorder.

Q. For the past few months my dog has slowly licked most all of his hair off his legs and lower belly. The skin is now dotted with red sore spots.
ANSWER : A. Skin problems can have a variety of causes, sometimes more than one. It is important to have the problem checked by your vet to determine if there is a medical cause for your pet’s skin issues and treat accordingly.

In pets of all ages, fleas, food allergies and exposure to chemical irritants such as cleaners and soaps can be a cause. Any one of these may not be enough to trigger the breakouts, depending on how sensitive your pet is, but a combination can be enough to start the itch-scratch cycle. Finding out the cause and eliminating it is the best course of action. With flea allergies, if your pet is sensitive enough, a single bite can cause them to break out scratch enough to tear their skin.

Check for fleas with a flea comb. Look for fleas and/or tiny black granules, like coarse black pepper. This is flea feces, consisting of digested, dried blood. You may find tiny white particles, like salt, which are the flea eggs. Applying a good topical monthly flea treatment and aggressively treating your house and yard will help break the flea life cycle.

If you use plastic bowls, this is a possible cause for hair loss, though this tends to be on the chin, where their skin touches the bowl while they eat. If you suspect this to be the culprit, try changing the bowls to glass, metal or ceramic.

Food allergies are often caused by sensitivity to a protein in the food. Hill’s Science Diet offers some non-prescription options for sensitive skin as well as prescription hypoallergenic foods for more severe cases. Royal Canin carries limited protein diets that may also offer some relief. Your vet can recommend a specific diet that will help.

Q. My dog has dry crusty patches on her skin and she scratches till fur is gone, what can it be?
ANSWER : A. Crusting of the skin, itching and hair loss can all be caused by a number of things, most commonly skin infections (from bacteria, yeast or fungi) or from external parasites. Checking for parasites such as fleas and ticks and then treating them can help the skin. However, if a secondary infection or primary skin infection has occurred (hair loss, redness, itching, hot to the touch or oozing debris) then it is best to have it examined by your local vet. Antibiotics and medicated shampoos will usually help the skin to recover and heal. Until you can get to your vet it is best to prevent your dog from scratching or chewing at the area with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar or T-shirt so that she cannot introduce any bacteria into the skin from her tongue or nails.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog Skin & Coat Disorders

Q. What can i do for my puppy? She has really dry flaky skin, she’s a 4 months old Chihuahu
ANSWER : A. Dry and flaky skin can be caused by a large number of things ranging from too-frequent of bathing, allergies or external parasites and illness. If your dog is already on medication to prevent external parasites, it may just be that you are actually bathing your puppy too often.

Bathing more frequently than once every few weeks can actually strip the skin and coat of its natural oils, leading to dry skin and a “dandruff” appearance. Bathing less often and using a soothing shampoo such as oatmeal or sensitive skin can help some. In between baths, a pet wipe or baby wipe can be used to clean dirty areas while allowing the skin and coat to regain its natural oils.

If the skin problem persists, or additional symptoms such as redness, itching or hair loss occur, it may indicate a more serious condition which should be examined by your local vet.

Q. Is Folliculitis curable? Vet has me using hydrocortisone cream.
ANSWER : A. Folliculitis is usually a symptom of something underlying, as the inflammation is usually bacterial in origin. Systemic diseases that can lead to bacterial folliculitis include endocrine disorders (such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease in dogs) and disorders of the immune system.

Skin disorders causing bacterial folliculitis in dogs include: canine acne, acral lick granuloma, skin fold pyoderma, interdigital pododermatitis (interdigital cysts), idiopathic furunculosis of German Shepherd Dogs, pyotraumatic folliculitis, and callus dermatitis, among others. In both dogs and cats, allergic skin disease is perhaps the most common cause of bacterial folliculitis. Parasitism and fungal infection of the skin are also common causes.

The diagnosis of bacterial folliculitis is typically made upon visual inspection and often after undertaking one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Skin scrapings for mites

Skin cytology

Fungal culture

Wood’s lamp examination for fungus (ringworm)

Bacterial culture and sensitivity

Skin biopsy and histopathology

If the medication your vet prescribed does not improve the skin’s condition, make a recheck appointment with your vet for further diagnostics or ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist for a more extensive workup.

Q. Hi I have a female Shepherd mix, she is itching and losing fur on her side and legs? Current on flea meds no fleas
ANSWER : A. Skin problems can have a variety of causes, sometimes more than one. It is important to have the problem checked by your vet to determine if there is a medical cause for your pet’s skin issues and treat accordingly.

In pets of all ages, fleas, food allergies and exposure to chemical irritants such as cleaners and soaps can be a cause. Any one of these may not be enough to trigger the breakouts, depending on how sensitive your pet is, but a combination can be enough to start the itch-scratch cycle. Finding out the cause and eliminating it is the best course of action. With flea allergies, if your pet is sensitive enough, a single bite can cause them to break out scratch enough to tear their skin.

Check for fleas with a flea comb. Look for fleas and/or tiny black granules, like coarse black pepper. This is flea feces, consisting of digested, dried blood. You may find tiny white particles, like salt, which are the flea eggs. Applying a good topical monthly flea treatment and aggressively treating your house and yard will help break the flea life cycle.

If you use plastic bowls, this is a possible cause for hair loss, though this tends to be on the chin, where their skin touches the bowl while they eat. If you suspect this to be the culprit, try changing the bowls to glass, metal or ceramic.

Food allergies are often caused by sensitivity to a protein in the food. Hill’s Science Diet offers some non-prescription options for sensitive skin as well as prescription hypoallergenic foods for more severe cases. Royal Canin carries limited protein diets that may also offer some relief. Your vet can recommend a specific diet that will help.

If there is no relief or not enough, consider getting your pet checked by a veterinary dermatologist and having allergy testing done.

Read Full Q/A … : Leerburg