Summer grooming dos and don’ts

  

As the days turn from warm to hot, you may be wondering how to groom your pet to keep them cool this summer! You may be tempted to shave your pet to help keep them cool—after all, that fur coat must be so hot…right? In this article we’ll provide you with grooming dos and don’ts for your pet’s ’do!

 

Do
Do brush your pet frequently. Regular brushing removes dead and loose hair, which can lighten the load. Brushing also removes mats. Mats can be troublesome because they hold moisture, leading to skin irritation or hot spots. Pets shed much of their undercoat in the summer months. You help the process along with regular brushing. 

Note: The breed you have will determine how often you’ll need to brush your pet. Double-coated breeds, such as golden retrievers, old English sheepdogs and Australian shepherds, need to be brushed once a day and typically need a bit more attention to maintain their soft, silky undercoat. Most other breeds—and cats—can be brushed a few times a week.

Do bathe your pet. Bathing helps remove dead hair, allows you to thoroughly inspect the skin for hot spots, fleas, ticks or irritation and helps to cool your pet on a hot summer day. Be sure to use specially formulated dog shampoos and conditioners to maintain the oils needed to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Keep the water cool but not cold!

Do give your pet a summer ’do if their hair is long and thick. Pets only sweat through panting (cats usually only pant when they’re overheated) and their sweat glands in their paw pads. A haircut (just a trim!) by a professional groomer can help keep your pet cool by allowing some of the excess body heat to get out. 

Don’t
Don’t shave your pet! While it may seem like a great idea to get rid of their furry coat to help cool them off, your pet’s coat actually acts as an insulator, helping to keep them cool on a hot summer day and warm in the cold winter months. Shaving the coat down to the skin can interfere with their ability to regulate their temperature, leaving them at risk for overheating and even heatstroke. Bare skin also increases the risk of sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. In addition, shaving double-coated dogs can cause permanent hair loss, irritation leading to hot spots and razor burn.

Don’t bathe your pet too often. Bathing your pet too frequently can strip their skin and hair coat of protective oils, which can cause itchiness and dry out the coat. Once every few weeks or once a month is often enough for a full bath. For spot cleaning between baths, speak to your veterinarian about leave-on sprays that condition and clean the coat.

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