Grooming tips to keep dogs and cats cool in late summer
As summer comes to a close, it's crucial to help your furry friends stay cool and comfortable. Dogs and cats shed more in warm weather, and the right grooming routine can help them shed extra fur to beat the heat.
Late summer grooming for dogs
Regular brushing is the cornerstone of your dog’s cooling grooming routine. Brushing removes dead and loose hair, lightening their coat and providing heat relief.
Most dogs should be brushed several times per week, but double-coated breeds often need daily brushing. These breeds have two layers of fur—a dense, soft undercoat covered by a coarser, slicker top coat.
Dog grooming tips for late summer and fall
Brushing: As fall arrives, continue regular brushing to manage shedding and keep your dog's coat healthy.
Bathing: A bath with cool (but not too cold) water can be refreshing for your pet! Bathing also helps remove some loose hair from your dog’s coat.
However, don’t rely on bathing as your primary de-shedding and cooling method, because bathing your dog too often can dry out their skin, causing itchiness and irritation. Every few weeks or once a month is just about right for most dogs.
Cutting hair: Since dogs’ heat discomfort appears to come from their coats, it might seem logical to give them a short haircut. This is true, up to a point. While fur can trap heat, it also acts as insulation, shielding your dog from extreme temperatures and offering vital sun protection.
Keep your dog’s coat short in the fall to help prevent dirt and mud from clinging to their fur, making post-walk cleanups quicker and less messy.
Dogs should never be shaved to the skin unless recommended by your veterinarian for medical reasons. Shaved dogs have a higher risk of overheating, sunburn and even skin cancer.
Late summer grooming for cats
Regular brushing: Continue regular brushing as fall approaches to manage shedding and maintain your cat's healthy coat. Regular brushing can also help cats (especially long-haired breeds) stay cool while preventing matting and hairballs.
Bathing: While cats usually take care of their grooming needs, an occasional cool bath on hot days—if they’re cooperative—can help remove loose fur and provide heat relief.
With these grooming tips, your pets will stay cool and comfortable as we enjoy the last few hot days of summer and transition into fall!
