Summer is in full swing! The days are longer, the weather is hotter, and we’re taking our life outdoors as much as possible, and of course, that includes our pets too! From camping to hiking, picnicking to beach-bumming, we’re soaking up the sun and taking our pets along for the ride. By this time in the season, most of us have traded in our heavy sweaters and boots for lighter, cooler clothes, but what does that mean for our pet’s summer grooming routine?

As many of us rotate our summer skin and hair care products into our routines, it’s important to adapt our grooming habits to the season for our pets too. Here are a few things to consider to keep your pet comfortable this summer.

Bathe your pet

You want the memories of your summer adventures to linger, but not the smell. Mud, grass, water, insects… these are just a few things that your pet might be picking up and bringing back home after a romp in the park or a day at the beach. To combat odor and debris, bathe your pet as necessary. Depending on their type of fur and skin, twice a month is probably adequate. Bathing more often than that can strip your pet’s skin of natural oils and leave your pet itching and uncomfortable. If your pet exhibits signs of skin dryness, it’s a good idea to include a skin health supplement in their diet.

Less fur is not always better

Rising temperatures have most of us shedding layers until we’re comfortable. If we’re more comfortable wearing less, shouldn’t our pets be, also? Not necessarily! Our pet’s coats were designed specifically for them by nature and actually help our pets regulate their body temperature. Cutting or shaving their coats interferes with their natural abilities to keep themselves cool. Cats are especially good at regulating their body temperatures, and really gain no benefit from being shaved.

Sometimes shaving is the answer

Some dogs have thicker, heavier fur, though, and do benefit from a good shave. If your dog seems miserable in the heat, has a matted coat, or spends a lot of time in the water, shaving can help alleviate their discomfort. It’s important to keep in mind that when we say “shaving,” we are definitely not suggesting a close shave. Leave at least an inch of hair. This will help protect your pet from sunburns and keep them warm in the chilly evenings. If you’re considering shaving your dog, it’s best to hire a professional. The money you will spend on professional grooming is well-worth it to avoid an accidental cut or clipper burn.

Protect from parasites

With your pet’s increased outdoor time comes increased exposure to potential parasites. Make sure you’re keeping up with your pet’s flea, tick, and heartworm preventative. It’s far easier to prevent these parasites than it is to deal with them once they’ve infested your pet and your home- so don’t slack on this!

Please share this post