Summer Bad Hair Days

What to do about doggie and kitty hair in the extreme heat and humidity of July and August? This new worry had never concerned me until Sammi and her "mop" entered my household. After all, my rescued cats had short hair, which they shed all over the place to lighten their load, and seemed content to lie on the kitchen tile floor to keep cool. Not a one has ever died from heat prostration.....Then, I two friends tell me that they had to have their Maine Coons put under anesthetic in order to be shaved, in an effort to endure the extreme heat. I know MC's have great heavy coats (presumably to withstand those bitter temperatures in northern New England), but to go through all that, and end up looking "naked"! How embarassing.....
One of the staff at the library has her Sheltie, who has great, long, beautiful hair, given a crew-cut for summer. However, one cool, June day, I suggested a sweater for shivering Merry. Poor thing, had been used to the equivalent of a raccoon coat!..... Meanwhile, my lively Shih Tzu is wandering around in what looks like a very shaggy white and tan bath mat. Her bangs are held back with a very spiffy barrette, but the rest of her hair, and there's lots, requires a whole lot of brushing, that's for sure. I'm tempted to get her a very short, puppy cut. After all, she's only six months old, so it would be appropriate. However, I'm wondering if her hair gives her a certain feeling of security, like a baby drags around a piece of blanket. I have a feeling once it gets into the 90's and I can't keep her in air conditioning all the time, I'll give up admiring her "cuteness" and opt for anything that will keep that cute little pink tongue from hanging out while she pants. We'll see.....