Many dog owners feel that clipping their dogs fur will make them feel cooler in the hot summer months.

While single-coated breeds such as Poodles, Kerry Blue Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs and Bichon Frises can be repeatedly clipped short because the shaving process does not change the texture of their hair, it is not the same for double-coated breeds. Breeds such as retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds and Pomeranians are double-coated, and shaving can actually pose risks.

The American Kennel Club shares these tips to help keep your dog cool.

- A double coat is made up of two layers: a soft undercoat and an outer layer, or “guard hair.” The undercoat acts as insulation, keeping the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The outer layer allows air to circulate after he sheds his undercoat.

- Many double-coated dogs have pale pink skin and are therefore susceptible to sunburn. The guard hairs in a double coat reflect the sun’s rays, protecting the skin against sunburn and even skin cancer.

- Shaving a double-coated breed down will change the texture and color of the dog’s coat over time.

- Keeping your dog well-groomed and free of large mats is the best way to manage your dog’s coat any time of the year, but especially in the summer. Never use scissors to cut out a mat, as you may cause an unintentional gash on your dog’s skin. The best way to deal with a mat is to try to gently break it down using your fingers or a special tool. Run a wide-tooth comb through it followed by a fine-tooth comb.

- Dogs sweat primarily from the bottom of the paws, so keep the hair trimmed in between the pads to help keep your dog cool.

- Whenever your dog will be in the heat, think about sun protection, dehydration and duration of the time spent outside. Keeping your dog out of the sun during excessive heat is much safer than letting him outside. Never leave any dog unattended in a closed area, (especially vehicles) in heat over 60 degrees.