Dog Grooming Tips For Summer: 8 Essential Practices

Summer brings warmer temperatures that can challenge dogs’ comfort and health, making proper grooming essential for cooling, hygiene, and protection. While many owners consider haircuts to beat the heat, not all breeds benefit equally, as dogs primarily cool through panting and paw pad sweating rather than fur reduction. This guide covers safe grooming practices, breed-specific advice, and heat safety measures to ensure your dog thrives in summer.

Should You Give Your Dog a Summer Haircut?

The instinct to shave a dog’s fur short during summer is common, but it’s often misguided for many breeds. Dogs with

double coats

, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pomeranians, Alaskan Malamutes, Corgis, and Retrievers, should never be shaved down. Their undercoat acts as insulation against heat and cold, while the top coat protects against sun and bugs. Shaving removes this natural barrier, increasing risks of sunburn, skin damage, overheating, and poor regrowth.

Dr. Brian Collins from the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center explains that dogs cool mainly by panting, not sweating through fur, so short cuts don’t aid cooling. Instead, light trimming, brushing, and bathing maintain coat health without harm. For severely matted fur—such as in water-loving dogs like Samoyeds that swim often—shaving may be a last resort to prevent circulation issues, but prevention through regular care is key.

What Is Deshedding and Why Is It Important?

**Deshedding** is a professional grooming process that removes the thick undercoat dogs naturally shed in summer to regulate temperature. Unlike regular brushing, deshedding uses specialized tools to pull out dead hair from the base, reducing loose fur around the home and improving airflow to the skin.

Adrienne Preuss, owner of Animal Loving Care grooming center, recommends deshedding treatments combined with exfoliating baths for heavy shedders. This prevents matting and allows the coat to function efficiently. At-home, use a slicker brush twice weekly to penetrate both coat layers, removing dead hair without damaging follicles. Regular deshedding keeps double-coated dogs cooler by clearing blockages that trap heat.

Which Breeds Can Get Summer Haircuts?

Not all dogs need to avoid trims.

Single-coated breeds

with continuously growing hair, like wiry Terriers, Afghans, Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Doodles, benefit from summer clips. These dogs shed less and can overheat if fur grows unchecked.

• Curly-haired breeds (Poodles, Doodles): Light shaving in high-heat areas and daily combing prevent matting, similar to human curly hair care.
• Long-haired breeds: Trim furnishings around the stomach, legs, and paw pads to aid paw sweating and reduce tick harboring in wooded areas.
• Double-coated breeds: Skip full cuts; opt for brushing and monthly professional baths to clear undercoat buildup.

Celebrity groomer Jess Rona emphasizes that even double-coated dogs like Huskies, Labradors, and Australian Shepherds need extra summer grooming, not shaving, to breathe easily. Pair trims with year-round flea/tick preventatives for safety.

Summer Brushing and Bathing Routines

Regular maintenance is crucial regardless of breed. Brush

double-coated dogs

twice weekly with a slicker brush to remove dead undercoat and promote cooling. For single-coated dogs, daily combing avoids tangles.

Bathing keeps skin healthy but avoid over-washing, which strips natural oils. Use lukewarm water, pet-friendly shampoo, and thorough rinsing. Post-swim baths with fragrance-free, moisturizing shampoo prevent bacterial irritation. Dry by patting with towels or low-heat dryers, rewarding with treats for positive experiences.

Professional monthly baths for heavy shedders clear packed undercoats, as Rona notes, ensuring skin respiration.

Protecting Paw Pads in Hot Weather

Hot pavement can burn paw pads, causing blisters and pain. Test surfaces with your hand—if too hot for 5 seconds, it’s unsafe for paws.

• Walk early morning or evening in shade.
• Trim fur between toes and pads for better cooling.
• Apply paw wax for protection.
• Provide cooling alternatives like grass or sand.

General Summer Heat Safety Tips

Beyond grooming, prioritize holistic heat management:

• Hydration: Offer fresh, cold water constantly; add ice cubes.
• Environment: Use fans, AC, shaded areas, and cooling mats.
• Exercise: Short, cool-time walks; avoid hot cars.
• Monitoring: Watch for heatstroke signs like excessive panting, lethargy, drooling—cool immediately and vet if needed.
• Swimming: Great relief, but rinse salt/chlorine and brush after.

Flea, Tick, and Hygiene Checks

Summer boosts parasites. Check fur daily post-outdoors, focusing on ears, armpits, groin. Use preventatives year-round. Trim long fur to spot pests easier.

Clean ears/eyes weekly per vet advice to prevent infections. Nail trims prevent cracks on rough terrain.

Tools and Professional Help

Invest in breed-appropriate tools:

Tool	Best For	Tips
Slicker Brush	Double coats	Long pins reach skin; brush 2x/week.
De-shedding Tool	Heavy shedders	Professional or at-home for undercoat.
Comb	Curly/single coats	Daily to prevent mats.
Paw Wax	All breeds	Protects from hot ground.

Consult vets or groomers for personalized plans. Facilities like those recommended by experts offer safe deshedding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I shave my double-coated dog for summer?

No, it risks sunburn and poor regrowth. Brush and deshed instead.

How often should I brush my dog in summer?

Twice weekly for double coats; daily for curly/long hair.

Is deshedding the same as shaving?

No, deshedding removes dead undercoat without cutting live fur.

What if my dog’s fur is severely matted?

See a groomer; shaving may be needed as last resort.

How do I protect paws from hot sidewalks?

Walk cool times, use paw wax, trim pad fur.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Heavy panting, lethargy, vomiting—cool and vet ASAP.

These practices ensure your dog stays cool and stylish. Adapt to your pet’s needs and consult professionals for best results.