6 Top Tips for Grooming Your Dog in the Summer

When the weather heats up, many dog owners worry about their pets' comfort under thick fur. Unlike us, dogs cannot shed layers at will, so good summer grooming is vital to help them stay cool and comfortable without compromising their natural protection.

This guide shares six top tips for summer dog grooming, including the pros and cons of clipping coats, bathing advice, and essential checks to keep your dog healthy during warmer months. Responsible grooming helps prevent heat stress and skin issues, ensuring your canine companion enjoys the season safely.

1. Understanding Your Dog's Coat and Its Role in Summer

Some dog breeds, like the German shepherd and the Siberian husky, have thick, double-layered coats designed to insulate against cold. Surprisingly, these coats also protect their skin from the sun and can help keep them cool by trapping air and reflecting heat away.

Before deciding to clip or shave your dog, remember that removing this natural insulation can sometimes increase the risk of sunburn or overheating. Understanding your dog's breed-specific coat needs is essential for safe summer grooming.

2. Regular Brushing to Remove Loose Fur

Brushing your dog at least every other day during the summer removes loose hair that might otherwise cause discomfort or matting. This practice encourages airflow through the coat, helping your dog stay cool and reducing shedding indoors.

Breeds with low-shedding or curly coats, like the Labradoodle and Cockapoo, also benefit from daily grooming to prevent knots and mats which can trap heat and irritate skin.

3. Clipping and Shaving: What You Should Know

Deciding whether to clip your dog’s coat is a decision best made with their breed, lifestyle, and coat type in mind. For example, the Border terrier often suits a neat clip in summer and regrows its coat quickly.

However, shaving dogs with double coats is generally discouraged as it can disturb the natural insulating properties of their fur and impact the coat's regrowth. If you opt for clipping, seek professional groomers experienced with your dog's breed for the safest approach.

4. Bathing Benefits and Best Practices in Summer

Summer is an ideal time for bathing your dog, which refreshes their coat, removes dirt and allergens, and can provide a cooling effect. Bathing also helps to dislodge loose hair, further assisting in keeping your dog comfortable.

It’s important to bathe your dog properly—use dog-appropriate shampoos and ensure water is lukewarm, not too cold, to avoid shocking their system. Avoid over-bathing; once every 2–4 weeks is typically sufficient unless advised otherwise by your vet.

5. Checking Paws and Ears for Summer Hazards

Summer greenery brings an increase in grass seeds and small debris that can irritate your dog's paws and ears. Daily checks during walks can prevent painful embedment and infections.

Look carefully between your dog’s paw pads and inside their ears, removing any foreign items gently. Regular cleaning and care can prevent discomfort and potential vet visits.

6. Claw Care: Maintaining Healthy Nails

With more walks on soft grass and increased activity during summer, your dog's nails may stop wearing down naturally. Keep an eye on nail length, trimming or filing as necessary to prevent overgrowth, splitting, or discomfort.

Professional groomers can help with nail care during grooming appointments. Long, untrimmed nails can affect your dog’s gait and lead to other health issues.

Summary

Summer grooming requires balancing your dog's comfort with the need to protect their natural coat functions. By understanding whether your dog’s coat should be clipped, maintaining a regular grooming schedule, bathing appropriately, and checking paws and nails, you can ensure a happy, healthy dog all summer long.

Remember, responsible grooming is also about maintaining your dog's overall health, so consult your vet or professional groomer if you’re unsure about any aspect of your dog's summer care. Enjoy the sunny days with your canine friend safely and comfortably!