It is a well-known fact within the animal medical community and experienced grooming salons that shave-downs of fur-bearing dogs may lead to alopecia (hair loss) and skin disease. These dogs fall under the category of "Coat Funk" that is caused by or triggered by the shave down of the fur-bearing dog. Examples are: the Black Skin Disease, Alopecia X, Sebaceous Adentis and Post Shaving or Post Clipping Alopecia to mention a few.
Shave-downs of fur-bearing dogs should only be done for medical reasons and with written directions from the veterinarian. Cosmetic choices such as owner wants to reduce shedding or make the pet feel more comfortable in summer heat are unacceptable reasons to have the pets hair shaved down.
If a dog is shaved for cosmetic purposes and develops "Coat Funk" it is assumed that the groomer caused the disease. This is why it is important to have a written request from the veterinarian before performing any shave-down of fur-bearing dogs. Groomers should also have the owners sign a waiver exempting the groomer from any skin and/or coat damage post shave down.
Experienced groomers should and would instead suggest the regular bathing and brush outs of the pet will help with the shedding and the pet being hot during the summer weather. This helps to keep out packing of hair and dirt which do not allow the skin to breath.
see article on Shave-Down of Fur-Bearing Dogs Triggering skin disease and lawsuits by Animal Medical Center of Bradenton Florida.
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