Summer Grooming Tips: Keep Your Pet Cool and Comfortable
📅 Published: December 06, 2024| ⏱️ 6 min read | 🏷️ Seasonal Guide
Rising temperatures stress pet skin, paws, and hydration levels. Follow this hot-weather grooming plan to minimize shedding, prevent burns, and keep dogs and cats chill all season.
Heat-Smart Coat Care
Coats insulate against heat as well as cold, so resist the urge to shave double-coated breeds. Instead, focus on frequent brushing and airflow.
Line Brushing
Brush in small sections, lifting the coat to the skin to remove trapped undercoat. Do this every other day during peak shedding.
Targeted Trims
Trim sanitary areas, paw pads, and feathering that drags through puddles. Leave at least one inch of coat elsewhere for sun protection.
Cooling Rinses
Use lukewarm water and a moisture-restoring conditioner once a month to remove salt, chlorine, or lake residue.
Myth to skip: Full-body shave
Shaving can damage guard hairs and make pets prone to sunburn. Opt for deshedding tools, not the clippers, unless your vet or groomer advises otherwise.
Paw Protection Checklist
- Test asphalt with the back of your hand for five seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is unsafe for paws.
- Apply paw balm before and after walks to create a barrier against heat and salt.
- Trim fur between paw pads so debris does not mat and trap heat.
- Rinse paws with cool water after each outing to remove allergens, fertilizers, and pool chemicals.
- Rotate booties or breathable shoes for long hikes or beach days.
Hydration & Skin Support
Grooming is a great time to monitor hydration cues:
- Check gums—they should be slick, not tacky.
- Use leave-in conditioners with aloe, oatmeal, or coconut water to reduce dryness from AC units.
- Add a splash of low-sodium bone broth or frozen fruit ice cubes to water bowls to encourage drinking.
Parasite Prevention Plan
| Risk | What to Do | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas & Ticks | Use vet-approved topical or oral preventatives; comb after hikes. | Monthly prevention, daily checks. |
| Foxtails & Burrs | Inspect between toes, armpits, and ears; keep coat tidy. | After every outdoor adventure. |
| Ear Infections | Dry ears thoroughly after swimming; use drying drops if recommended. | Each swim session. |
| Hot Spots | Clip hair around moist sores, keep clean, see vet if spreading. | Check weekly, treat immediately. |
Pool & Beach Grooming Tips
- Rinse chlorine or saltwater ASAP to prevent itchiness and coat discoloration.
- Dry ears and folds thoroughly to avoid yeast buildup.
- Brush once the coat is 80% dry; wet brushing can cause breakage.
- Apply UV-safe leave-in spray on light-colored noses and sparsely haired areas.
Hot-Weather Grooming Schedule
Use this sample weekly cadence as a starting point:
- Monday: Full-body brush + paw balm.
- Wednesday: Quick brush + hydration check + wipe down.
- Friday: Undercoat rake or deshedding tool + ear check.
- Sunday: Bath or rinse (if needed) + nail trim.
Know the Warning Signs
Stop activity and call your vet if you spot:
- Panting that does not slow down after five minutes indoors.
- Bright red or pale gums, glassy eyes, vomiting, or wobbling.
- Pads that look darker, blistered, or have raw spots.