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Summer is a season of outdoor adventures, from long walks and hikes to afternoons at the lake and games of fetch in the backyard. While these activities are great for your dog's physical and mental well-being, the combination of heat, humidity, sun, and water can take a toll on their coat and skin.
A few simple grooming habits can help keep your dog comfortable throughout the hottest months of the year.
Brush Regularly—Even if Your Dog Doesn't Shed Much
Brushing isn't just about reducing loose hair around your home. During the summer, regular brushing helps remove dead hair, dirt, and debris while preventing mats from forming.
Matted fur can trap heat and moisture close to the skin, making it more difficult for your dog to stay cool and increasing the risk of skin irritation. Even dogs with shorter coats benefit from routine brushing, while breeds with thick or double coats often need more frequent grooming.
Aim to brush your dog several times a week—or daily if they have a long or heavy coat.
Think Twice Before Shaving Your Dog
When temperatures soar, it may seem like shaving your dog's coat would help them stay cooler. However, for many breeds, especially those with double coats like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, and Australian Shepherds, shaving can actually do more harm than good.
A double coat acts as natural insulation, helping regulate body temperature in both hot and cold weather while also protecting the skin from sun exposure.
Instead of shaving, focus on removing loose undercoat through regular brushing and professional deshedding when appropriate. If you're unsure what's best for your dog's coat type, ask your veterinarian or professional groomer for guidance.
Rinse After Swimming
Many dogs love spending time in pools, lakes, or at the beach during summer.
After swimming, rinse your dog's coat with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, algae, or other debris that can dry or irritate the skin. Be sure to dry the coat thoroughly, especially around the ears and between the toes, where moisture can linger.
If your dog swims frequently, avoid bathing with shampoo after every swim unless recommended by your veterinarian. Too much shampoo can strip away natural oils that help keep the skin and coat healthy.
Protect Those Paws
Hot pavement, sand, and even artificial turf can become dangerously hot during the summer months.
Check your dog's paw pads after walks for signs of irritation, cracks, cuts, or burns. Keeping the fur between the paw pads neatly trimmed may also help prevent debris from becoming trapped.
Whenever possible, walk your dog during the cooler hours of the morning or evening and choose grassy or shaded paths instead of hot pavement.
Watch for Summer Skin Problems
Warm weather creates ideal conditions for several common skin issues. Check your dog's skin regularly for:
- Hot spots
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Redness or irritation
- Ticks and fleas
- Burrs or plant material caught in the coat
Early detection can help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.
Support Skin & Coat Health from the Inside Out
Healthy skin and a shiny coat begin with good nutrition.
A complete, balanced diet provides the nutrients your dog needs to maintain healthy skin throughout the year. Supporting digestive health is also an important part of your dog's overall well-being, as the gut microbiome plays a key role in immune function.
If your dog experiences digestive changes during periods of travel, boarding, or other summer activities, speak with your veterinarian about ways to help support their digestive health.
Enjoy a Safe & Comfortable Summer
With a little extra attention to grooming, you can help your dog stay comfortable while enjoying everything summer has to offer. Regular brushing, proper coat care, paw checks, and routine skin inspections all go a long way toward keeping your dog healthy through the hottest days of the season.