Caring for Your Dog’s Summer Coat
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy outdoor activities and the lovely warm weather. However, the warm season and the bathing that often follows can also bring certain challenges when it comes to taking care of your dog's coat. Keeping the coat clean, free of tangles, and well-groomed is more important for some dog breeds than others. In this article, you'll get Petli's useful tips regarding coat care in the summer.
Preventing tangles through regular brushing
During summer, most dogs shed infrequently, but there can be exceptions. In late summer, when temperatures begin to cool down, some dogs may start to shed more undercoat. If temperatures then rise again, the dog may begin to shed, which can result in tangles and discomfort for your dog. To avoid this, it's important to brush your dog's coat regularly. Brushing helps remove dead hair and prevents the coat from becoming tangled. A tangled coat can trap heat and may cause "hotspots" (moist eczema). To learn more about this process, check out 8 Tips: how to speed up your dog's shedding.
Haircuts: not always the best solution
Depending on the breed of the dog, clipping or shaving may be an important part of summer coat care. Some dogs, especially those with long or thick fur, may need to be clipped to stay cool during the warm months. However, it’s important to be cautious and consult a professional dog groomer to determine what type of clipping is appropriate for your breed. Some breeds have coats that function as sun protection, so clipping them too much can damage their natural barrier against the sun's rays.
Washing and bathing in moderation
Summer heat can make your dog sweat and get dirtier than usual. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, your dog may also bring in more dirt and debris. Regular bathing can help keep the coat clean and fresh. But make sure to use a dog-friendly shampoo that suits your dog's skin type and avoid excessive use of shampoo, as it can dry out the skin.
Caring for your dog's coat after a saltwater bath
If your dog swims a lot in saltwater, it can also dry out the coat and skin, which may lead to itching. To avoid this, consistently rinse your dog off after swimming in saltwater. You can also use a conditioning spray specifically designed to moisturize and help detangle knots. For more information on the potential risks of salt water, read Salt water and dogs - risks, symptoms and solutions.
Protect your dog's skin from the sun
Just like us humans, our dogs may need to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun, especially shaved dogs, those with thin fur and little or no undercoat, as well as hairless breeds. Some dogs can be sensitive to sunburn. Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, providing shaded areas, and using sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs can help protect your dog’s sensitive skin. Also read about how dogs cope with the summer heat in How dogs cope with the summer heat.
Finally, the
Taking care of your dog’s coat in the summer is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and comfortable in the warm weather. By brushing regularly, clipping when necessary, using the right shampoo, applying conditioner when needed, and protecting against the sun, you can help maintain a clean and well-groomed coat for your dog. Remember that every dog is unique, so it may be beneficial to consult a professional dog groomer for individualized advice and recommendations for your dog's summer coat care. Don't forget to adjust your dog's diet during the summer, check out Dog's summer menu - how to customize your dog's food this summer for more tips.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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