While these steps may help a dog, the best treatment is prevention. In order to prevent overheating, some owners may shave their dogs or trim their fur excessively. This isn't always a good idea. The hair coat may appear to be a burden for a dog however, it can also keep the animal comfortable by trapping cool air next to the skin, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the hot outside air to the body of the dog. Dogs with long or thick coats that have problems with matted hair are often good candidates for clipping.
Matted hair can cause skin irritation and is undesirable.
Owners that do not have time to adequately remove mats and debris from their dog's coat may prefer to have the coat clipped short. After a short clipping, and if the dog is outdoors, owners need to be careful of sunburn. Sunscreen may be applied to the dog's skin, however it is necessary to consult a veterinarian to find out which ones are safe. Keep dogs indoors, in air conditioning, on very hot days. Do not leave dogs in a car during the summer.