Summer Grooming Tips for Dogs: Stay Cool and Comfortable

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Summer brings long walks, swims and sunshine, and it also brings heat, parasites and skin problems. A few grooming adjustments keep your dog healthy.

Brush more

Regular brushing removes dead hair and allows air to reach the skin. For double coats, extra attention during seasonal shedding helps. See double-coat grooming and dog blowing coat.

Do not shave without advice

Shaving a double coat removes protection from heat and sun. See should you shave a double-coated dog. Some single-coated dogs, such as Poodles and Yorkies, can be trimmed shorter, but leave at least an inch to protect the skin.

Protect skin from the sun

Thin-coated dogs, pale or pink skin, noses and ears are prone to sunburn.

• Use shade and avoid midday sun.
• Apply a dog-safe sunscreen to exposed areas. Ask your vet about suitable products, since zinc oxide and some ingredients are unsafe if licked.
• Consider sun-protective clothing.

See dog sunburn and skin cancer.

Look after paws

Hot pavement, sand and artificial turf can burn pads. Test the surface with the back of your hand for seven seconds. Walk on grass or at cooler times. See dog paw pad care guide and dog hot weather safety.

After swimming

Rinse salt, chlorine and algae from the coat, dry well and dry ears. See how to groom a dog after swimming and how to clean a dog's ears.

Bathing

Bathe as needed with a gentle shampoo, and avoid over-washing. Dry thoroughly to prevent hot spots. See how often to bathe a dog and dog hot spots.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are more active in summer. Check your dog after walks and follow your vet's prevention advice. See dog flea allergy dermatitis.

Keep your dog cool

• Provide shade and fresh water at all times
• Use cooling mats or a paddling pool
• Exercise early morning and late evening
• Never leave dogs in parked cars

Heatstroke signs

Heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting or collapse. This is an emergency, so move your dog to a cool place and call your vet immediately. See dog heatstroke.

Face and eyes

Keep hair out of the eyes, trim if needed and wipe away dust and pollen. See how to clean dog eyes safely.

A summer checklist

• Brush several times a week, daily for heavy shedders.
• Check for fleas, ticks and grass seeds after every walk.
• Keep nails trimmed, since dry ground makes nails more brittle.
• Offer water at every stop, and carry a collapsible bowl.
• Walk early or late and avoid hot pavement.
• Check skin for redness on the nose, ears and belly.

Short-nosed breeds and heat

Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers and other flat-faced dogs overheat much faster than other breeds, because they cannot pant efficiently. They need air conditioning, short outings and constant watching. Grooming is secondary, but keeping skin folds clean and dry helps prevent summer infections. See how to get rid of dog smell.

Cooling products

Cooling vests, mats and bandanas can help when used properly. Wet them with cool, not icy, water, and check that your dog is not overheating underneath. They are not a replacement for shade, water and common sense.

The takeaway

Brush, protect skin and paws, rinse after swims and manage heat. Safe summer grooming is about comfort, not a bare coat.