Summer is on its way, and with it comes the heat. While we can easily dress for the hot weather, our pets need some help keeping cool. One of the easiest ways to keep your pet safe during the summer months is proper grooming. Follow our home grooming tips to keep your pets comfortable all summer long.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that pets need to be shaved in the summer. This simply isn’t the case. Dogs’ coats are thick or thin for a reason. Your dog’s skin is sensitive to the sun, just like yours.
Dogs can easily get sunburn, which can lead to other skin problems like skin cancer. If you plan on shaving your thick-haired dog, leave at least an inch of fur to protect their skin from the sun.
Also, it’s best to consistently brush your thick-haired dog to remove excess winter fur. This will not only help your pet cool down, but you’ll be saved from all the excess hair they normally shed.
However, if your dog’s hair becomes matted or knotted, it’s time for a cut. Mats are a breeding ground for fleas and ticks in the summer.
Regularly checking your dog for ticks and fleas is another important part of pet grooming. Make sure to look around your pet’s ears. Around and in the ears are a tick’s favorite nesting places.
You can cut their hair yourself, but we recommend seeing a professional groomer. It’s a good idea to take your dog to the groomer every six to nine weeks. Of course, this can vary from dog to dog, depending on the breed.
Do not shave your cat. Your cat already has good control of its body temperature. Cats also groom themselves constantly, so it’s best to leave your cat alone. Provide enough water and shade to keep your cat cool, and you won’t have to worry about grooming.
One of the most important parts of pet grooming in the summer is a bath. It’s best to brush your pet before giving it a bath to get rid of excess hair and dead skin. A bath will help their coat stay shiny and groomed. Not only will a consistent bath schedule keep your pets clean, it will keep them healthy, too.
In the summer months, your pets will be exposed to fleas and ticks. Giving your pets baths regularly with flea and tick shampoo can help protect them from the pests. Also look for skin soothing shampoos to help with sunburn and irritated summer skin. Before you start any shampoo treatments, always consult with your pet’s veterinarian.
Another important part of grooming is nail trimming. It is required of some dog owners, depending on how active the pet is outside, to trim their dog’s nails. Having proper nail trimmers for your pet is important to ensure safe grooming. See the article How to Use Dog Nail Clippers for helpful directions.
For more help keeping your pets safe during summer, check out our articles on flea and tick prevention and pet safety summer tips.
