Pet grooming becomes especially important during the summer because the season brings unique changes that can impact your dog’s skin, coat, and overall comfort. Pretty much anywhere you live will see much hotter temperatures in the summertime, but many areas also experience a large increase in humidity. This combination of heat and humidity makes your dog more susceptible to overheating, hot spots, and skin irritation.
However, those aren’t the only factors to consider when thinking about your dog’s grooming needs. Think about your activities during the summer. Warm summer days often mean spending more time outdoors hiking, swimming, kayaking, and exploring.
It’s important to consider how your dog’s grooming routine will support those adventures and help keep them comfortable all season long.
Why Dogs Shed More During the Summer
Think of your dog’s excessive shedding like taking off your own winter coat on a warm day. When the days get longer and the temperature gets warmer, dogs start blowing out the thick winter coat they used for insulation during the colder months.
This shedding process is signaled by longer daylight hours. Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in daylight (much like plants!), and those longer periods of sunlight signal to their bodies that it’s time to shed their winter coat. As a result, many pet owners may start to notice a lot more fur around the house during late spring and summer.
The Truth About Shaving Double-Coated Dogs
You should never shave a double-coated dog.
Many people think shaving their Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or other double-coated breeds will keep them cooler or will help to decrease the shedding. In reality, the base coat helps to lift the top coat to increase airflow and keep your dog cooler. That double coat also acts as protection against the sun and elements.
As for the shedding, shaving your dog does nothing to prevent or reduce shedding. Rather, it just leaves short, prickly hairs behind that can be more difficult to manage.
If you’re concerned about your dog staying cool or shedding excessively during the summer, we recommend regular brushing and professional grooming to keep the coat functioning as efficiently as possible.
How Heat, Humidity, and Swimming Can Affect Your Dog’s Skin & Coat
Just like with people, all those summer activities can really have an impact on your dog’s skin and coat. Let’s unpack all that can happen during the summer months.
The heat and humidity during summer can easily lead to overheating, but it also creates ideal conditions for parasites, bacteria, and fungi. It’s important to know that this is the peak season for fleas and ticks. That humidity can also trap moisture against your dog’s skin, making them more susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections.
This extra moisture can also make them more prone to hot spots (dermatitis), particularly in high-rub areas such as under the collar. On top of that, humidity and trapped moisture can also lead to faster matting, which can exacerbate any discomfort!
As for swimming, going out in chlorinated pools or in saltwater oceans can strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and your dog’s skin a little itchy. If your pup is not thoroughly dried after, that trapped moisture can lead to dermatitis or bacterial infections as well. If your dog enjoys swimming, we recommend removing collars after water activities and thoroughly rinsing and drying them before they settle in for the day.
Signs Your Dog May Need More Frequent Grooming During Warmer Weather
When deciding whether your dog needs more frequent grooming during the summer, there are a few signs to watch for.
Is your dog shedding more or matting?
Airflow is extremely important in the warmer summer months, so keeping your dog well-groomed is especially important.
Does your dog smell?
Let’s be honest. Dogs are outside more during the summer months and can get into some…funky things. Sometimes that smell is not due to anything your dog did. Bacterial and yeast infections will create a very strong, sour smell. Regular grooming can help prevent or alleviate this, after a visit to the vet, or course.
Is your dog itching or scratching more?
This is most likely due to seasonal allergens like grass or pollen. And, unfortunately, all that scratching can lead to…you guessed it…bacterial infections!
Keeping your dog clean and groomed can help alleviate these issues.
Is your dog scratching their ears or shaking their head?
Ears are a great place to trap moisture and dirt, making them hyper-prone to infections. It’s important to regularly clean your dog’s ears to keep them healthy.
How Professional Pet Grooming Keeps Dogs Comfortable All Summer Long
Professional pet grooming will help relieve your dog of all that excess hair post-winter. It blows out and lifts up the coat while also removing dirt and debris, allowing the coat to work most efficiently. For those long-haired dogs, grooming can keep your dog’s hair short and manageable for all those summer adventures.
Additionally, the dog groomers at Impawsible Pups are trained to watch for potential issues such as fleas, ticks, skin irritations, hot spots, matting, and the early signs of infections. Catching these concerns early can help prevent them from becoming larger problems later.
Summer Grooming Tip For Care at Home In-Between Grooming Appointments
If you’re particularly active during the summer, but can’t make it to the groomer every week, there’s still plenty you can do to groom your pup at home. The number one thing you can do for your dog is to brush them regularly. Brush out the dead, matted hair and keep that air flow going.
We also recommend rinsing away debris such as sand, dirt, leaves, and grass after outdoor adventures. This doesn’t necessarily require a full bath, but it does give you an opportunity to remove common irritants before they cause problems.
If your dog gets wet, it’s equally important to make sure they dry completely. For everyday summer humidity, providing a cool, air-conditioned environment is often enough. After swimming or extended water play, remove wet collars or harnesses, towel dry thoroughly, and allow your dog to finish drying in a low-humidity environment.
Keep Your Dog Comfortable All Summer Long
Whether your dog spends the summer hiking, swimming, exploring trails, or relaxing in the backyard, seasonal grooming plays an important role in their comfort and health. If you’re evaluating your Impawsible Pups pet grooming needs in Richmond, Virginia, regular brushing, proper coat maintenance, and professional grooming can help your dog stay happy, healthy, and comfortable throughout the season.
