Summer Dog Grooming Tips: Keep Your Dog Cool

Summer dog grooming tips can make a big difference in how your dog feels in the warmer months. Like people, dogs can experience heatstroke, sunburn, skin infections and dehydration as temperatures rise. Whether you are in Europe, Asia, America or Australia, similar grooming challenges await you in warm regions.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), regular grooming will alleviate summer health issues while supplying comfort and elegance to your dog. A little appropriate grooming can go a long way to keeping your dog comfortable as the summer temperatures rise.

Summer heat can be rough on your dog’s skin and coat❗

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Grooming in summer is not simply cosmetic, from a therapeutic and protective point of view, it’s important for the animal’s thermoregulation as well as skin protection. Dogs don't sweat, at least not like humans,  they rely more to panting and on the sweat glands in their paws to regulate their temperature. If your pet’s coat is dirty, matted or thick it will hold heat close to the skin and adds to the likelihood of overheating, skin infections or parasites.

Any dirty or matted coat will not insulate against heat or UV rays. Reducing dead hair and keeping the skin clean to avoid hot spots, fungus growth and discomfort.

“One of the easiest ways to avoid summer emergencies is to maintain healthy skin and coat,” says Dr. Lisa Lippman, DVM.

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How to Groom Your Dog for Summer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Summer grooming is all about cleaning, brushing and thinning your dog’s coat and checking his skin. Certain grooming activities are beneficial no matter what breed or coat type, but some things should be avoided as you help your dog overcome the heat; a typical summer regimen may include regular brushing out, gentle bathing routines, suitable trimming of the coat, thorough drying, and skin checks for common seasonal problems such as hot spots, parasites or sunburn.

Step 1: Brush Out Loose Fur and Mats

Brushing out shedding hair that would otherwise clog the airflow. It one the other hand prevents painful mats, increases the blood circulation and maintains healthy skin.

Step 2: Bathe Your Dog With a Gentle, Cooling Shampoo

Baths wash away dust, pollen and allergens that collect on your dog’s fur during outside playtime. Use shampoos that contain aloe vera or oatmeal to help soothe the area.

Step 3: Trim or Thin the Coat Carefully

Thinning out the extra undercoat without cutting too close, it also helps promote better air flow and provides some protection from sunburn.

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly to Prevent Hot Spots

Bacteria grows when moisture is held near the skin. Thoroughly dry after baths or swims at all times.

Step 5: Check Paws, Ears, and Skin for Summer Problems

Also check the ears for any infection, the paws for hot surfaces burns, and the skin for any ticks, fleas, or irritations.

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Whether you should give your dog a summer cut will largely depend on their breed, coat type and lifestyle. Trimming can reduce the weight of a heavy or matted coat, which can help certain dogs stay cooler, but it’s not the right choice for every breed.

Many dogs with a single-layered coat, such as the Poodle, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Bichon Frise will appreciate a shorter coat during summer. A well done cut can also prevent tangling, keep the skin ventilated, and make it easier to groom.

However, double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Border Collies should not be shaved or too extensively trimmed. Their fur provides them with temperature control, it insulates them from the heat of summer and cold of winter. Shaving can cut through the protective coat, leaving them susceptible to sunburn.

If you have to trim them, always keep at least 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) of fur to shade the dog from direct summer rays. Before making drastic coat changes talk to a professional groomer or vet if your dog has special health needs like sensitive skin or allergies.

"Structure of a coat matters more than thickness. “Shaving is not always the solution,” says Dr. Madison Lopp.

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Choosing the right grooming tools also makes summer pet care for your dog more efficient and comfortable. Products should be specific to your dogs coat type, skin condition and the weather in your area.

High-quality dog grooming products for summer include:

• Brushes and Combs: Use slicker for flatter fur, undercoat rake or deshedding tool to remove loose hair. For breeds with long fur, this may be steel combs to stop the fur becoming matted.
   
• Shampoos and Conditioners: Choose mild, soothing shampoos formulated for dogs. Soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or oatmeal help calm skin that’s been blown up by summer. Stay away from products with heavy chemicals or synthetically fragranced products.
   
• Clippers and Trimmers: Thinning is safe using a professional grade clipper with multiple blade settings that will not cause skin to over heat. Blades should always be kept clean and cool during use.
   
• Drying Tools: Pet-safe blow dryers with cool settings, or ultra absorbent microfiber towels, make it easy to dry your pet down promptly, in turn, this reduces their chances of having hot spots.
   
• Paw Balms and Sun Protection: Dog-friendly paw balms protect against hot pavement burns, and canine friendly sunscreens will shield your pet from sunburn on the nose, ears and other sensitive spots.

Grooming is only part of the formula for protecting your dog in the summer. Warm weather also creates other risks that drivers must be aware of.

First, make sure your pet has fresh, cool water. Dehydration can be rapid, especially in cases of exercise or travel. Set out several bowls in your home or yard and refill them frequently.

Second, do not walk your dog during the hottest hours (typically 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Early morning or late evening walks are much safer. Surfaces such as sand, asphalt and concrete can quickly heat up and burn sensitive paw pads.

Third, protect against sunburn. Dogs with short coats, white fur or exposed areas (such as noses and bellies) are especially at risk. Rub a vet-approved dog sunscreen and look for shady spots when outside.

Lastly, always keep in mind not to leave your dog in a parked car. Even with cracked windows, temperatures can spike more than 20 C (close to 68 F) in less than 15 minutes, leaving them at risk of dying from heatstroke.

"Heatstroke is preventable but fatal, preparation saves lives," warns Dr. Mike McClenahan.

1. Can I bathe my dog every week in summer?
Only if needed. Bathing too often can cause dry skin, if you bathe weekly, use a mild shampoo.

2. Is shaving safe for double-coated breeds?
No, their coats provide insulation from the heat and sunburn, and shaving can result in long-lasting injury.

3. Do all dogs need sunscreen?
Not all of them, but some dogs with bare skin or light fur should protect their skin from the sun.

4. Can swimming replace bathing in summer?
No, they need to be rinsed down by rinsing off the chlorine and saltwater to prevent damage to the skin and coat.

5. How do I know if my dog is overheating?
Symptoms can include heavy panting, drooling, red gums, weakness or vomiting. Consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect this.

Dog grooming in summer is about more than looking nice, it’s essential for comfort and health, and for minimising health risks. Your dog’s summer care regimen includes brushing, safe trimming and protective bathing, protection from sun and heat, and safety precautions.

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