Is it cruel to shave your dog?

A photo of a completely shaven husky, with only its head untouched, was posted to social media last week and has started some outrage.

Once the photo went viral on Twitter, many people debated over whether shaving dogs is bad for their coat.

>>It’s so hot I shaved my dog, and cried for days at my mistake

Some Twitter users described the photo as “horrible” and “upsetting,” while others thought it was comical.

A grooming expert, Teri DiMarino, told TODAY that for husky breeds it is better not to shave them because they have what is called a "double coat."

Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur: the bottom layer that is dense and fluffy, and the top layer which is stiffer.

A veterinarian also told TODAY that shaving your dog could cause the hair to take a long time to grow back, and even cause hair loss.

Here are some Twitter reactions to the photo: