Should You Change How You Groom Your Dog In Hot Weather?

by Sarah

Sunshine and heat might be something humans look forward to in the summer months, but often our dogs don’t feel the same way. 

The vast majority of dog owners are aware of encouraging more drinking, the importance of shade and taking walks at cooler times of the day. However, the warmer weather can also impact grooming for your dog. 

Grooming schedules vary from breed to breed; however, grooming in the summer months, while still essential, requires a different approach. 

Professional dog grooming can make sure your dog, whatever the age, breed, size or coat type, can stay comfortable when the temperatures rise across London. 

What can a groomer do to help your dog stay cool?

Trimming paws

Dog paws have thick pads of skin with a vascular heat exchange system designed to deal with both hot and cold temperatures. Paws are one of the ways dogs can cool down, as they also have sweat glands – the only place dogs can sweat. 

Trimming the excess fur on the paws will assist with heat loss through the paws and reduce the amount of debris and matting in and around the pads. 

A shorter cut

For curly, single-coated breeds, a shorter trim may be recommended by your dog groomer. 

Deshedding over shaving

Although it seems counterintuitive, particularly for longer or double coats, very short clipping or shaving can expose sensitive skin to the sunlight and remove the insulating layer that protects them. 

Instead, your groomer may recommend deshedding as a way of aiding the dog’s biological response to heat. This will thin out a coat that would most likely be shed all over your home anyway. 

Hand-stripping might be used for more wiry-coated breeds instead of clipping.

Undercoat brushing

Huskies, Retrievers, German Shepherds, Malamutes, and dogs designed for the cold can struggle in the hot weather due to their double coats.  

Using rakes or slicker brushes, a groomer can thin out that thick, insulating layer that double-coated dogs have. This will let them cool off more easily without exposing their skin to too much UV. 

Taking extra care in the grooming process

In the salon, a groomer will take extra care to make sure your dog doesn’t overheat or dehydrate in hotter temperatures. Water and dryer temperatures will be lowered.

Clipper blades, which are likely to get even hotter, will have to be oiled more regularly, and more time will be needed to cool and clean between clients. These precautions mean treatments may take longer than usual.

What grooming can owners do to help their dogs in hot weather?

You can help your dog stay cool by adding some extra grooming to your dog’s daily or weekly routine.

Soothing hot paws

Paws can get burnt and sore on hot pavements and sand, so apply a little cooling balm to the pads to help protect them. 

Extra brushing

Help your dog shed matted fur and trapped heat by giving them more brushing than usual between trips to the groomer. 

Pet sunscreen

Vulnerable areas like ears and noses can be prone to sunburn, so consider applying a pet-safe sunscreen if your dog is likely to be outside a lot. For breeds with sparse, short or pale fur, it is worth applying to the body as well.