Hot Weather Dog Grooming Tips
As temperatures rise, many dog owners start looking for ways to help their dogs stay cool and comfortable. While grooming plays an important role in summer care, there are also several steps owners can take to protect their dogs from the dangers of hot weather.
Planning Grooming Appointments During Hot Weather.
If your dog is due a grooming appointment, consider booking during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and later afternoons are often more comfortable for both dogs and owners.
plan grooming carefully
If your dog is due a grooming appointment, consider booking during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and later afternoons are often more comfortable for both dogs and owners.
When travelling to and from the salon:
- Bring fresh water for your dog.
- Whenever possible, drive rather than walk to appointments.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
- Use cooling mats, damp towels or paddling pools at home to help your dog stay comfortable during heatwaves.
Protecting Your Dog's Paws
Hot pavements can become dangerously hot during summer months and may cause burns or discomfort. Before heading out for a walk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5–7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Regular grooming can also help keep paws healthy by:
- Trimming excess fur between the paw pads for better traction and cleanliness.
- Checking for cracks, burns or foreign objects.
- Recommending paw balm where appropriate to help protect and moisturise paw pads.
Should You Shave Your Dog in Summer?
One of the biggest misconceptions owners have is that shaving every dog short will help them stay cooler. In reality, the best approach depends on your dog's coat type.
Double-Coated Breeds
Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies and Siberian Huskies have double coats designed to help regulate body temperature.
Their coats act as insulation against both heat and sunlight. Shaving these breeds can remove that natural protection and may actually make it harder for them to regulate their temperature.
For many double-coated dogs, a professional de-shedding treatment is often more beneficial than clipping the coat short. Removing excess undercoat allows air to circulate closer to the skin while maintaining the coat's protective qualities.
Continuously Growing Coats
Breeds such as Poodles, Cockapoos and Shih Tzus often benefit from a shorter, practical summer trim.
A well-maintained shorter coat can improve comfort and make grooming easier during warmer weather. However, it's important to leave enough coat length to help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and sunburn.
Summer Grooming Helps Dogs Stay Comfortable
Regular grooming throughout the summer months helps remove loose coat, improve airflow, reduce matting and keep the skin healthy. Combined with sensible precautions around heat, hydration and exercise, grooming can play an important role in helping your dog enjoy the warmer weather safely.If you're unsure what grooming style is best for your dog's breed and coat type, speak to a professional groomer who can recommend the most suitable approach for keeping them comfortable while protecting their coat and skin. All appointments are handled directly by Gracious Grooms. To book an appointment, you simply need to register on Grace’s booking system. This is a quick and simple process, requiring only minimal information, and helps ensure appointments, preferences, and communication are handled efficiently. Find out more on her website.