3 essential summer dog grooming tips that keep your pet cool and happy

Summers can be challenging for your four-legged friend. High temperatures limit outdoor play, causing mental stress and, worse, physical health risks. 

Studies show dogs are vulnerable to dehydration, foot pad burn, heat stroke, and sunburn in hot weather.

Heatstroke in particular is a silent danger: it creeps up with few warnings and can lead to seizures, organ failure, and even death. 

You cannot fight the heat, but you can prepare for it.

Proper summer grooming is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog safe all summer long.

Breed-specific advice

Not every dog needs the same summer grooming routine. Your dog’s coat type should guide your approach:

Double-coated breeds

Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds.

Never shave. Their undercoat insulates against heat.

Focus on daily brushing and undercoat raking to prevent matting and improve airflow.    

Short-haired breeds

Beagles, Labs, Boxers.
Less brushing is needed, but sun exposure is a real risk.
Use dog-safe sunscreen on exposed areas, such as the nose and ear tips.

Long-haired breeds

Shih Tzus, Maltese, Afghan Hounds.

Regular trimming (not shaving) keeps hair from trapping heat.

A professional ‘summer cut’ is a great option.  

Curly/wavy coats

Poodles, Doodles.
Prone to matting when damp.
Brush after every outdoor session and schedule monthly grooming appointments to maintain coat health.

Tip 1: Brush your dog’s coat often

During summer, daily (or twice-daily) brushing is the goal.

Thick coats mat easily when your dog rolls in grass or mud to cool off, and those clumps trap heat and moisture — making things worse.

Brushing removes loose fur, improves skin circulation, and prevents flea and tick infestations.

Recommended tools

• Undercoat rake
• Slicker brush
• De-shedding glove
• Pet hair roller
• High-suction vacuum

Tip 2: Trim (don’t shave) your dog’s hair

Shaving is a common misconception. While it might seem like it would help your dog stay cooler, removing the coat entirely exposes sensitive skin to sunburn and overheating. 

Instead, trim or cut the hair shorter to reduce trapped heat without eliminating the skin’s natural protection.

Warning: Avoid shaving double-coated breeds entirely. Their undercoat regulates body temperature in both heat and cold. 

Shaving can disrupt this mechanism and cause permanent coat damage.

Tip 3: Schedule monthly baths

A cool bath is refreshing, and most dogs love the water — but resist the urge to bathe more than once a month. 

Over-bathing strips your dog’s natural skin oils, leaving skin dry and vulnerable to infections. Monthly baths keep your dog clean without causing harm.

Use a gentle, dog-formulated shampoo, and consider a lukewarm (not cold) rinse to avoid shock, especially for older dogs.

Summer grooming checklist

✓  Brush coat daily (or twice daily for thick/double-coated breeds)

✓  Use an undercoat rake to prevent matting and improve airflow

✓  Trim hair shorter — avoid shaving, especially double-coated breeds

✓  Schedule monthly baths with a gentle, dog-safe shampoo

✓  Apply dog-safe sunscreen to short-haired or exposed skin breeds

✓  Keep water fresh and available — 1-4 oz per pound of body weight daily

✓  Offer frozen fruit treats for hydration and enrichment

✓  Watch for signs of heat stroke: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy

Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical fields has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He also likes writing engaging articles on technology and digital marketing-related issues. 

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