Keeping Your Dog’s Coat Happy All Summer Long

Summer can be a challenging season for dogs, especially when it comes to their skincare needs. With the heat and humidity that summer often brings, having all that extra fur can be a bit of a nuisance. Here are a few tips to help avoid common dog skin problems, keep your dog happy, and his coat healthy, all summer long.

Haircuts are a great way to keep your dog cool this summer! Not only do new hairstyles keep it fun and exciting aesthetically, but they are also necessary to keep him healthy. They even make bath time with the right pet shampoo a little easier! A thick fur coat could lead to skin irritations like hot spots and heat rash, which could potentially lead to more severe infections long-term. A short hairdo can ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible during the hottest season of the year.

Additionally, short hair allows you to keep a closer eye on their skin for other potential issues that summer heat often stirs up, even with a shorter hairdo. Summer is bug season, and if you needed another reason to keep that fur in check, finding nasty critters is a lot easier when hair is short and well-maintained. The presence of fleas, ticks, and mites all spikes during the summer months while you and your dog are outdoors, taking advantage of the longer days and warmer nights. Keep your dog fresh, protected, and healthy, and trim that fur this summer!

Don’t blame the dog, he doesn’t have any thumbs! Keeping your house at a reasonable temperature is a crucial step in keeping your dog cool. While it is important to be energy conscious, be conscious of how much more energy it takes your dog to stay cool with all that fur. Maintaining a consistent temperature in the house will allow your dog to better acclimate to temperatures that may be a little warmer than usual, ensuring that their coat stays healthy. Keeping your home somewhere between 70 and 80 degrees is an excellent way to stay energy efficient while making sure that your furry friend can beat the heat…but don’t be surprised if you catch him lying on the air conditioner grate in the hallway. 

You may have heard that dogs don’t sweat, but that’s not exactly true. Dogs have sweat glands in their paws and on their nose, and they use panting as their primary source of self-regulated temperature control. Your dog’s coat acts as a thick layer of insulation, which makes it much more challenging to cool down quickly. As such, it is vital for the health of their coat and their general well-being to avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Typically, early to mid-morning and evening are the best times to take a walk to avoid overheating or participate in other dog-friendly exercises. Too much activity in direct heat could lead to things like dehydration, irritated and dry skin, and even heat stroke. Stick to cool grassy areas where there is plenty of shade and the ability to lie down, as the grass will help cool your dog’s fur from the outside in. 

One of the best things to promote a healthy coat this summer is to provide plenty of fluids. Your puppy needs to stay hydrated to maintain that healthy glow, so always make sure there is plenty of water around for your dog. Try to get in the habit of bringing water with you when you and your pup leave the house, so you never have to rely on some other water source that might not be readily available. In typical weather conditions, a dog should drink one ounce of water for every pound of body weight. However, in hot weather and after moderate exercise, water intake should increase substantially. 

When it comes to dog grooming, baths are an essential part of keeping your pet‘s coat healthy and clean, but there is a fine line between good grooming and too much bath time for your canine. You should never bathe your dog once a week; unless he is really stinky, bathing every three weeks is optimal. Your dog’s skin produces natural oils that help keep its skin healthy and hydrated. When you bathe your dog too much, it causes a decrease in the natural oil production of your dog’s skin and inevitably dries him out, leaving him at risk for skin irritation and hair loss. A good practice for the hot summer is to incorporate things like leave-in conditioners that will both add moisture to your dog’s coat and leave him smelling fresh and clean.

Your dog’s coat is both durable and sensitive. Extreme temperatures, like the ones experienced during the summer, can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin and fur. Taking preventative measures like the dos and don’ts listed above will help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and your furry friend happy, even during the dog days of summer. 

Sources: 

1. https://fullmoonpet.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-summer-dog-grooming/
2. https://www.rover.com/blog/should-i-give-my-dog-a-summer-cut-your-guide-to-summer-grooming-for-dogs/
3. https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/grooming/summertime-grooming-tips-for-your-dog
4. https://thebark.com/content/dog-grooming-tips-summer
5. https://www.entirelypets.com/5-tips-for-summer-dog-grooming.html