Summer Grooming for Dogs: Keeping Them Cool

When summer hits, your dog’s grooming needs change. The warmer months can be tough on your dog, especially if they have a thick coat or long fur. Without the right grooming routine, your dog could face overheating, dry skin, sunburn, or even dehydration. Summer grooming isn’t just about keeping them clean—it’s essential to help them stay cool and healthy.

Proper grooming ensures your dog’s coat is comfortable and breathable, reducing the chances of overheating. It also helps to prevent irritation from sweating, keeps their skin protected from the sun, and reduces shedding. Keeping up with grooming can prevent many problems, making summer much more enjoyable for your dog.

Yes, trimming is a good idea during the hot months. However, it's important not to shave your dog completely—especially for double-coated breeds. Shaving removes their natural insulation, which actually helps them stay cooler in the heat and protects them from sunburn.

How to Trim for Comfort:

• Double-Coated Dogs (like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Malamutes): Trim the excess hair around their belly, paws, and underarms, but leave the top coat to preserve their protection.

• Short-Haired Breeds (like Beagles or Boxers): Trimming helps remove the loose hair that can cause discomfort, especially around their paws and belly.

• Long-Haired Breeds (like Shih Tzus or Collies): Regular trims help prevent mats and tangles, and keep their coat manageable.

Tip: Regular trims also reduce shedding, keeping your home cleaner and your dog cooler.

Hydration is a top priority when the weather heats up. Dogs can easily become dehydrated, especially if they’re playing outside or walking for long periods. Dehydration can cause serious health problems, so making sure your dog always has water is key.

How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated:

• Provide Water Everywhere: Make sure your dog has constant access to clean water, both indoors and outdoors.

• Portable Water Bottles: On walks or hikes, always bring a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl. Dogs often need water after even short play sessions or walks.

• Ice Cubes & Frozen Treats: Freeze water or broth into ice cubes, or buy dog-safe frozen treats to help cool them off and keep them hydrated.

💧 Tip: If your dog isn't drinking enough water, try adding wet food to their meals. This can help boost hydration levels, especially during the hot summer months. If you're concerned about dehydration or other heat-related health issues, you can use Dosty’s symptom checker to track symptoms. This tool helps identify potential health concerns and provides expert advice on how to address them quickly and effectively.

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from sunburn, especially those with short or thin coats, or light-colored fur. Areas like the nose, ears, and belly are the most vulnerable to sun damage. That’s why sun protection is just as important as hydration and trimming.

Sun Protection Tips:

• Use Dog-Specific Sunscreen: Apply a pet-safe sunscreen on areas with thinner fur, like their nose, ears, and belly. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

• Create Shade: Ensure your dog has a shaded area to relax in when they’re outside. You can even get a cooling mat to help them stay cool indoors.

☀️ Tip: Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when your dog is outside for long periods.

A simple checklist can help ensure you’re not missing any important grooming steps this summer:

• ✅ Trim your dog’s coat to remove excess fur while keeping enough for protection.

• ✅ Brush regularly to remove loose hair and prevent tangles (especially during shedding seasons).

• ✅ Always provide fresh, clean water—take water with you on walks and outdoor adventures.

• ✅ Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas like the nose, ears, and belly.

• ✅ Check paws for burns after walks, especially on hot surfaces.

• ✅ Use cooling mats or sprays to help regulate body temperature during heat waves.

Keeping track of grooming tasks can be tricky with a busy schedule. Regular brushing, trimming, and hydration checks are essential during the summer months. If you're worried about forgetting grooming sessions or hydration reminders, Reminder function can help you stay on top of your dog’s grooming schedule. Set reminders for brushing, bathing, and hydration so you never miss an important task to keep your dog comfortable and cool.

Ear Care: Dogs with floppy ears (like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds) are more prone to ear infections during the summer. Regular ear checks and cleaning can prevent moisture buildup that leads to infections. For more tips on ear care and grooming, check out our grooming guide for helpful steps.

Paw Protection: Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws. Make sure to check their paws regularly, and consider using paw balm for added protection.

Parasite Control: Summer is flea and tick season. Ensure your dog is on a regular flea and tick preventative treatment, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.

Summer grooming is all about helping your dog stay cool, safe, and comfortable during the hotter months. By trimming their coat, ensuring proper hydration, and protecting them from the sun, you can reduce the risk of discomfort and health problems. Staying on top of your dog’s grooming routine will ensure they enjoy the summer just as much as you do.

1. How often should I trim my dog’s coat in summer?

Trim your dog’s coat every 4-6 weeks during the summer months. For long-haired breeds, grooming may be needed more frequently to prevent mats and tangles.

2. Can I shave my dog in the summer to keep them cool?

Shaving is generally not recommended, especially for double-coated breeds. It’s better to trim the coat and remove excess hair while keeping the natural protection intact.

3. How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration include dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and sticky skin. If you notice these signs, offer water immediately, and consult your vet if symptoms persist.

4. Should I use sunscreen on my dog?

Yes, especially for dogs with light-colored or short coats. Apply sunscreen on areas like the nose, ears, and belly to prevent sunburn.

5. How can I reduce the risk of sunburn on my dog?

Avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours, use sunscreen, and make sure your dog always has access to shaded areas.