Why Special Summer Dog Grooming is Necessary
Summers in India can be brutal, especially for dogs with long and thick fur coats. Just like us, our dogs can feel overheated, itchy and develop rashes. It is more common in dogs whose skin and coat aren’t maintained properly in the summers. That makes regular summer grooming of dogs at home a necessity for their health and wellbeing.
Proper grooming can keep your dog cooler this summer. Additionally, it can help you spot skin issues and parasite infestations early on. Grooming your dog at home is a great way to bond with them and it’s essential for the well-being of your dog.
Expert Tips for Summer Dog Grooming at Home – Don’t’s
Don’t Shave Your Pet or Give Them a Zero Cut
One of the biggest misconceptions about summer grooming of dogs is that they require a shave or zero cut to escape the heat. The truth is quite contrary. Fur helps dogs trap the air and keeps them cooler during the summer months.
Especially double coated breeds such as the Labrador, Husky, Golden Retriever, and long-haired breeds such as the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu require at least an inch of hair on their body during the hottest of the hot summers. Their fur acts as a natural insulating layer. It keeps sunburn and overheating at bay.
A zero cut or shave can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburns. Our veterinarians advise against shaves and zero cuts in all seasons unless your dog has a particular skin problem. Even then, the shave should be restricted to the infected area only!
Don’t Leave Your Dog Wet After a Bath
Always bathe your dog in lukewarm water and never in cold water. And towel dry them so at least 90% of the moisture is soaked by the towel only. Drying dogs incompletely and leaving them to naturally dry because “it’s anyway too hot outside” is a common mistake.
Moisture trapped in the fur can cause fungal infections, hot spots and pododermatitis.
Use a pet-safe dryer, or even a human one with heat control features. Do not use a nozzle on their face and ears. Always use the dryer on the lowest heat setting or cool. Focus on fully drying their belly, paws, armpits and ears. Yeast infections (Malassezia) is very common in damp skin – leading to foul odour, itching and painful rashes.
10 Expert Tips on Summer Dog Grooming at Home
- Regular Brushing
- Weekly deShedding
- Bathing Once in 14 Days
- Occasional Trimming
- Parasite Prevention
- Dental Care
- Daily Paw Cleaning
- Monthly Hygiene Trim
- Facial Trim
- Dog-Safe Sunscreen
The 10 Expert Tips on Summer Dog Grooming at home:
1. Regular Brushing
Brush your dog regularly in the summer to keep their coat breathable and mat-free. Brushing removes the loose hair, dirt and dry skin. That will prevent itching and skin irritation. It also stimulates natural skin oil production that keeps their skin healthy and coat shiny.
If you have a medium to long-haired breed, such as a Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Saluki or even a Shih Tzu, use a slicker brush. For shorter coats like that of an Indie, Labrador Retriever or Beagle, use a curry comb/brush.
Brush daily, in the direction of the hair growth. Tangles and mats trap heat and moisture. Brushing daily will keep their coat clean and tangle-free.
2. Deshed Weekly
It’s natural for dogs to shed their undercoats during their summer. It is especially prominent for double coated breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Husky, Chow Chow and Malamute. Dog parents often mistake this as “excessive shedding” in dogs and opt for a zero cut.
However, removing these clumps of hair using a deShedding tool like a Furminator can help your dog trap cool air and regulate body temperature better. You should deshed your dog once a week. It can help prevent matting, skin sensitivity, skin infections and overheating.
3. Bathing Once in 14 Days
The frequency of your dog’s bath will depend upon their lifestyle, coat and breed. Most long-haired dogs who spend a significant amount of time outdoors may require weekly baths. Short-haired dogs who remain indoors mostly may require a bath every two weeks.
Irrespective of the frequency of their baths, use a mild, dog-specific shampoo that conditions their fur and doesn’t strip their skin of moisture.
Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with lukewarm water. Any residue can cause itching, dandruff and allergic reactions. And overbathing can strip the natural oils off your dog’s coat leading to dryness, irritation, dandruff and skin infection. Always dry them properly after a thorough rinse.
4. Give Them a Trim
Give your dog a gentle trim around their belly, paws, armpits and the back of their legs. It can improve airflow and maintain hygiene. It can also reduce the risk of tick and flea infestations.
Always use blunt-ended scissors or a trimmer with a guard comb for avoiding nicks and cuts. Avoid going too short – remember, your dog’s fur helps keep them warm. A simple monthly trim at home can keep your dog cool without compromising coat functions.
5. Prioritize Parasite Prevention
Summer is the prime time for ticks and fleas. Parasite prevention and control should go hand in hand with summer grooming of dogs. You can opt for vet-recommended spot-on treatments, tick collars, oral chews and repellent sprays to keep parasites away from your dogs.
You should pair summer grooming with parasite prevention – check the tick-prone areas including under the tail, between the toes, under the paws, inside the ears, armpits and around the neck.
6. Daily Dental Care
Dental hygiene should be an integral part of summer dog grooming. Hot weather can increase the risks of bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup and gum infection. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush to brush your dog’s teeth at least on alternate days.
Never use human toothpaste – human brands contain xylitol and fluoride, which are very harmful for dogs. Good dental hygiene can support the overall health of your dog including their heart and kidney health.
7. Clean Paws Daily
In the summers dogs’ paws face two major challenges – burns and tick attachment. Wipe their paws with a damp cloth daily. You can also use dog-safe wipes on your dog’s paws.
Keep checking your dog’s paws for cuts, burns and ticks daily after walks. Use grooming combs to check for stuck debris. Invest in a soothing paw butter that can help heal dryness and cracks.
8. Give Them a Hygiene Trim
Summer grooming of dogs is incomplete without a hygiene trim at least once a month. It involves trimming the fur around your dog’s genitals, belly and anus. It can prevent trapping of unwanted moisture and maintain cleanliness.
Always use small, blunt-tipped scissors while giving your dog a hygiene trim. If your dog is squirmish or hyper energetic, you should opt for professional services at least for their hygiene grooming. A hygiene area grooming can significantly reduce the chances of rashes and UTIs in dogs.
9. Trim the Fur Around Their Eyes & Ears
Trimming facial hair especially in long-haired breeds where the hair reaches their eyes is a part of year-round grooming and it is particularly important during the hotter months. Breeds like Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and Cocker Spaniels require trims around their eyes and muzzle.
A correctly executed facial trim can prevent eye irritation, discharge and ear infections.
If you are trying this for the first time at home, ask for help. Someone should hold your pupper while you work with a comb as a guard and a pair of small blunt-end scissors. Keep the hair short, but at least half an inch from the skin. It will prevent tear stains and bacterial buildup.
10. Invest in a Dog-Safe Sunscreen
Just like humans, dogs also require protection from UV-A and UV-B. While all dogs require protection from the harmful rays of the sun, those with short coats and light coloured fur are especially prone to sunburns.
You need a spray-on, vet-approved sunscreen made for dogs. Do not use human sunscreens on your dog as the chemicals and herbal additives can be toxic to dogs. Apply on the exposed areas such as the nose, ear tips, belly and paws.
Additional Expert Tip for Summer Dog Grooming at Home:
Know When to Ask for Professional Grooming Help
Even with the best efforts we often lack the expertise required to provide hygiene cuts and facial grooming to our dogs. There’s no shame in admitting that. Your dog may dislike baths, be scared of the trimmer or be too energetic for a proper trim. If you are unable to bathe or groom him by yourself, you should definitely ask for help from the best dog grooming team near you.
Opt for grooming services that include free post-grooming check-ups. Bathing and haircuts can reveal parts of your dog’s skin that couldn’t be seen before – revealing bruises, rashes or redness. Getting a veterinarian’s opinion on the same day can help you and your dog relax!
Summer Grooming of Dogs at Home: A Necessity
Summer dog grooming is not a luxury but a necessity. It is an important part of every dog’s wellness, irrespective of their breed, age, size and coat type. Summer grooming makes dogs feel clean, comfortable and cool – just like daily bathing makes you feel!
Summer grooming is vital because –
- It prevents skin infections, parasite infestations, and overheating—all common during hot and humid months.
- It improves your dog’s mood and comfort, reducing restlessness, itching, and irritation.
Invest time in going through the expert tips for summer grooming of dogs – a happy and clean dog is always a healthier dog. And remember, ask for professional help with your dog’s grooming whenever you need it.