Summer Coat Care for Dogs and Cats
Is your dog or cat shedding everywhere and scratching more as the weather warms up? A healthy coat is key for keeping pets cool and comfortable in summer, yet many owners don't know the right way to do dog grooming.
This guide will show you easy, proven tips with basic grooming tools and tricks for double coats, undercoats, and even those stubborn pet hairs stuck to your sofa. Keep reading if you want a happy pet—and less time vacuuming!
Key Takeaways
- Most double-coated breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers should not be shaved in summer. Their thick coats help keep them cool and protect their skin from sunburn.
- Signs of overheating in pets include heavy panting, red or blue gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and lying on cold surfaces. Watch closely during hot weather to keep them safe.
- Regular brushing (daily for long-haired breeds; 2–3 times per week for short-haired) removes loose fur before it covers your home and helps prevent painful mats.
- Professional grooming costs $40–$150 per session in Canada but is safer for tricky coats or stressed pets. At-home tools from brands like Wahl can handle basic trims if used carefully.
- For shiny fur, use omega‑3 rich foods (like fish oil), gentle shampoos such as argan oil blends, and conditioning spray to soothe skin during the shedding season.
Is a Summer Haircut Necessary for Dogs and Cats?
After learning about the basics, it’s time to tackle summer haircuts. Shaving is discouraged for most breeds like golden retrievers, siberian huskies, and old english sheepdogs. Their double coats work like built‑in climate control; they trap cool air near the skin and block sun rays.
Removing too much fur can lead to overheating or even leave your pet sunburnt.
Pet hair goes through phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Sudden trims might disrupt these cycles and cause slower regrowth. Some long-haired breeds like maltese or shih tzus may benefit from a light trim by groomers, but chopping off everything isn’t needed for most pets.
Always check with vets before using those clippers; many times, brushing does more good than cutting during hot months.
How to Recognise Signs of Overheating in Pets
Some pets shed more than others after a summer trim, but all face heat risks. Watching for overheating keeps your dog or cat safe and cool as a cucumber.
- Excessive panting kicks in first; dogs and cats both do this to lower their body temperature, since sweat glands are only on canine foot pads.
- Lethargy follows; pets may slow down, act withdrawn, or flop onto cold tiles or hardwood just to escape the heat.
- Vomiting may happen if a pet’s core temperature spikes; keep an eye out for upset tummies during muggy days.
- Diarrhoea can join the party; while not fun to discuss, it’s real for overheated animals.
- Seeking cool surfaces becomes common; pets might glue themselves to floors, tubs, or even park their belly near an air purifier or vent if things get too stuffy.
- Gums sometimes turn bright red or dull blue; unusual gum colour usually hints at trouble with oxygen flow during heat stroke.
- Reluctance to get up shows serious distress; play stops and naps stretch longer when your schnauzer or Persian cat is too hot.
- Staring blankly into space is also a warning sign; glazed eyes often come right before worse symptoms in affected animals.
Grooming Tips for Summer Coat Care
Summer brings loose fur everywhere, so grab your vacuum cleaner and air purifier, try some omega-3 rich foods for healthy hair growth, upgrade shampoos to soothe the follicle, and keep reading for smart tricks that'll help cool your furry best friend.
Regular brushing to remove loose hair
Loose hair clings to sofas, jumpers, even coffee mugs. Daily brushing snags these stray hairs before they land in every corner. The telogen phase is a natural part of pet hair growth—old hairs loosen and fall out.
If you skip regular brushing during this time, mats can form fast, especially on breeds like Alaskan Malamutes or Persian cats.
The Groom Professional Soft Slicker Brush gets deep into the coat without hurting sensitive skin. “Every stroke means less fur on your floors,” as many groomers say. For double-coated breeds such as Alaskan Huskies or Schnauzers, brushing helps cool them in hot weather by clearing dense undercoats.
Keep an air purifier and vacuum cleaner handy—the battle against shed hair takes teamwork!
Light trimming for long-haired breeds
Light trimming makes caring for breeds like Scottish Terriers or Chinese Crested dogs much easier in the summer. Trimming keeps hair tidy, helps air move through fur, and cuts down on knots.
Long coats can trap heat, so even a quick snip with professional tools like the Wahl KM10 Professional Clipper or Andis Pulse ZR II Cordless Clipper gives relief without risking sunburn.
The hair grows in cycles called the anagen phase, so cutting too close can upset this natural process. Skip shaving to the skin—leave some length for sun protection and comfort. Don’t forget to check for mats near ears, paws, and tails before using clippers.
Smart trims mean your furry friend stays cooler while still looking sharp at playtime in June or July!
Coat Care for Different Breeds
Different breeds shed, mat, and tangle at their own pace—curious how your furry buddy stacks up against the rest? Keep reading to get the scoop!
Double-coated breeds
Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, chow-chows, and retrievers have thick double coats. These dogs need extra brushing in summer to remove the loose undercoat. Trapped hair can hold heat close to their skin, making it hard for them to cool off.
Regular use of an undercoat comb helps pull out this dead fur fast. Set aside time every few days with a good brush and a vacuum cleaner nearby. It might look like you shaved a sheep when done.
Skipping deep brushing leads to mats and shed clumps everywhere—sofa, car seats, even your soup bowl! Some pet parents try light trimming but skip shaving; losing that underlayer can mess up how these breeds handle hot or cold weather.
Using air purifiers at home helps catch flying fur during heavy shedding months too. Curious if short-haired pets need the same pampering? The next section covers what works for those lower-maintenance coats.
Short-haired breeds
Unlike double-coated breeds, short-haired pets like Beagles, British Shorthairs, or Boxers shed less fur but still need regular coat care. A soft bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt works best for these animals.
Brushing two to three times each week helps remove dead hair and stops mats from forming. This also spreads natural oils across their skin, which can make coats shine without looking greasy.
Pet owners with vacuum cleaners might sigh in relief after each session since there’s always loose fur hiding somewhere. Adding omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements or switching to foods rich in EFAs helps keep those coats healthy and reduces shedding during summer months.
Bathing should stay simple; use gentle shampoo and rinse well so even the most laid-back Bulldog keeps smelling fresh all season long.
Can You Groom Your Pet at Home or Should You Use a Professional?
Deciding between home grooming and hiring a professional? Let’s lay it all out, side by furry side.
| At-Home Grooming | Professional Grooming |
|---|---|
|
Cheaper long-term, especially with multiple pets. Handy for basic upkeep, like brushing or nail trims. Good for pets who hate car rides or new faces. Clippers work best for matted fur, never scissors, for safety’s sake. Some cats and dogs squirm or nip during trims, making it tricky. Home tools from brands like Wahl or Conair Pet can help. Mistakes can happen, like missed mats or uneven haircuts. Not all coats are simple. Huskies, Persians, or poodles need more skill. Vets suggest a brush-out at least weekly in summer. Pet parents who learn proper methods keep coats healthier. Online guides and videos by groomers, like Erin McCarthy, are useful. |
Professionals handle all breeds, from Yorkies to Maine Coons. Trained groomers use clippers to remove mats, never scissors. Certified experts, like those from Fear Free, reduce pet stress. Pros know double coats can’t be shaved, only thinned. Advanced equipment, such as high-velocity dryers, adds comfort. Appointments cost $40–$150 per session, depending on breed and coat. Safety is priority; groomers spot skin issues early. Professional salons use products, like hypoallergenic shampoos. Groomers follow current standards from Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Some cats and nervous dogs may still get stressed, but experience helps. More thorough results for tricky coats or seasonal shedding. |
Conclusion
Keeping dogs and cats comfy in summer is simple with good coat care. A soft slicker brush, argan oil shampoo, and a conditioning spray work wonders. Watch for signs of overheating; quick action can make all the difference.
Even short brushing sessions help keep skin healthy while limiting shedding. Your pets will thank you—they might not say it out loud, but their happy tails speak volumes! For even better results during coat changes, consider using a professional-grade de-shedding tool to remove loose undercoat safely and efficiently. And if your dog enjoys outdoor play, a portable splash pool for pets is a great way to keep them cool while they stay active.