Summer Grooming Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool

Summer hits dogs harder than it hits us. They can't shed a layer, and most have no idea why they're miserable when the temperature spikes. What they do have is a coat that either helps regulate their body temperature or works against them, depending on how well it's maintained.

What you do with that coat this summer makes a real difference.

Brush More Often Than You Think You Need To

Summer is peak shedding season, and loose dead undercoat doesn't just end up on your couch. It traps heat close to the skin and blocks airflow through the coat. Brush a few times a week, and consider a professional deshedding treatment at the start of the season to clear out winter undercoat faster than brushing alone will manage.

Don't Shave a Double Coat

If you have a husky, golden retriever, German shepherd, or similar breed, resist the urge to shave them down for summer. Double coats insulate in both directions, trapping cool air and blocking UV rays in warm months. Shaving disrupts that system, and some coats don't grow back quite right afterward.

What actually helps is thorough brushing and professional deshedding. Remove the dead undercoat, leave the guard hairs, and the coat does its job. For single-coated breeds like poodles or Shih Tzus, a shorter summer cut can genuinely help. A groomer who knows your dog's coat type will tell you which camp your dog falls into.

Bathe More Frequently, But Do It Right

Heat and humidity accelerate oil and odor buildup, and more outdoor time means more dirt. Once a month is the baseline, but active dogs often need more. The trap is over-bathing with the wrong products, which strips natural oils and causes dry, irritated skin. Use a shampoo suited to your dog's coat type and rinse thoroughly. Product left in a thick coat is a common source of summer skin irritation. A Bath & Brush service handles all of it correctly, which is why many owners make it a monthly summer routine.

Paw Care Gets Overlooked Every Summer

Pavement holds heat in a way grass doesn't. The quick test is if you can't hold your bare hand flat on the surface for five seconds, it's too hot for paw pads. Early morning and evening walks are the easiest fix on hot days.

Beyond heat, summer means more exposure to sand, rough terrain, and debris that gets trapped in the hair between paw pads. Check paws after walks for cracking, redness, or tenderness, and keep that paw pad hair trimmed. Nail grinding, smoother and better tolerated than clipping for most sensitive dogs, is worth adding to a summer grooming appointment while you're at it.

Don't Skip Ear Cleaning

Dogs who swim or spend time in humid conditions are more prone to ear infections in summer. Moisture trapped in the ear canal creates exactly the environment bacteria need. Keep ears dry after water exposure and add ear cleaning to your regular grooming appointment. It's easy to forget until there's a problem, and at that point it's usually a vet visit.

Signs Your Dog Needs a Professional

Some things are hard to fix at home, and summer tends to make them obvious:

• Matting close to the skin that can't be brushed out without causing pain

• A coat that smells off right after bathing

• Excessive scratching suggesting irritation underneath the fur

• Visible redness, flaking, or hot spots

Molly's Dog Care groomers offer free consultations to assess what's going on and recommend the right approach. For dogs who've had rough experiences at chain grooming salons, the difference in environment is usually noticeable immediately.

Book Your Dog's Summer Grooming Appointment

Your dog can't tell you when their coat is trapping heat or their paws are sore from the pavement. Regular grooming through the summer months is one of the more straightforward ways to keep them comfortable when the weather is working against them.

Find your nearest Molly's and book a grooming appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Grooming

Should I shave my dog in summer to keep them cool? 

For double-coated breeds, no. Shaving disrupts the coat's natural insulation and UV protection and can permanently change how the coat grows back. Regular brushing and deshedding are the right call. For single-coated breeds, a shorter trim can help, and a groomer can advise what's right for your specific dog.

How often should dogs be groomed in summer?

Every 4 to 6 weeks for most dogs, more frequently for heavy shedders or dogs spending a lot of time outside. Regular brushing at home between appointments makes a significant difference.

How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog's paws? Hold the back of your hand flat on the pavement for five seconds. If you can't hold it there, it's too hot. Stick to early morning or evening walks on hot days.

Can grooming help prevent heat stroke?

It supports temperature regulation through better airflow, but it isn't a substitute for shade, water, and limiting outdoor time during peak heat. Flat-faced breeds and dogs with heavy coats need extra caution regardless of grooming routine.

What's included in a summer grooming appointment at Molly's?

Options include Bath & Brush, full Cut & Style, deshedding, nail trimming or grinding, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Services vary by location, and a free consultation is available to figure out what your dog actually needs.