Summer Grooming Tips: Keeping Your Dog Cool and Comfortable

As temperatures rise, your dog’s grooming needs change. What works in winter can cause problems in summer—and some well-intentioned summer “solutions” can make things worse.

This guide covers smart summer grooming practices that actually help keep your dog comfortable.

The Great Shave Debate: Should You Shave Your Dog?

This is the most common summer grooming question—and the answer depends entirely on your dog’s coat type.

Single-Coated Dogs: Okay to Clip Short

Dogs with single coats (one layer of fur) can benefit from shorter summer cuts:

• Doodles, Poodles, and poodle mixes
• Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus
• Schnauzers, Bichons

These breeds don’t have the protective undercoat that regulates temperature. A shorter cut reduces overheating and makes maintenance easier.

Double-Coated Dogs: Don’t Shave

Shaving double-coated breeds can actually make them hotter.

These breeds have a double coat (soft undercoat + protective topcoat):

• Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers
• Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds
• German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds
• Border Collies, Corgis
• Pomeranians, Chow Chows

Why not to shave them:

• The undercoat actually insulates against heat (not just cold)
• The topcoat protects against sunburn and UV damage
• Shaved coats may not grow back properly (post-clipping alopecia)
• Removing the coat removes natural temperature regulation

What to do instead: Regular brushing to remove loose undercoat (deshedding). This allows air circulation while preserving protective coat function.

Summer Brushing: More Important Than Ever

Regular brushing matters more in summer because:

• Removes loose undercoat that traps heat
• Prevents mats (which hold moisture and cause hot spots)
• Allows skin to breathe
• Distributes natural oils for coat health

Summer Brushing Schedule

Coat Type	Summer Frequency
Double coat (shedding season)	Daily
Curly/doodle coats	Every 1-2 days
Long, silky coats	Every 2-3 days
Short coats	Weekly

Focus on Undercoat Removal

For double-coated breeds, use an undercoat rake or deshedding tool in addition to regular brushing. This removes the dense undercoat without damaging the protective topcoat.

Smart Summer Cuts

If your dog’s coat can be cut, consider these summer-appropriate styles:

For Doodles and Poodle Mixes

• Summer cut: 1/2 to 1 inch all over
• Puppy cut: Even length, easy maintenance
• Kennel cut: Very short (good for swimming dogs)

For Other Single-Coated Breeds

• Keep at least 1 inch of coat for sun protection
• Don’t go completely bald—some fur prevents sunburn
• Consider a “sanitary trim” to keep problem areas short

Areas to Keep Trimmed

• Paw pads — Hair between pads collects debris and can burn on hot pavement
• Belly — Keeps cool when lying on floors
• Sanitary area — Prevents hygiene issues
• Around ears — Improves airflow, reduces infections

Preventing Summer Skin Problems

Hot Spots

Hot spots spike in summer due to heat, humidity, and swimming. Prevent them by:

• Drying thoroughly after swimming or baths
• Regular brushing to prevent mats
• Keeping coat clean
• Checking for irritants after outdoor play

See our complete hot spots guide for treatment information.

Sunburn

Yes, dogs can get sunburned—especially:

• Light-coloured or white dogs
• Dogs with thin coats
• Hairless breeds
• Areas with sparse fur (nose, ears, belly)

Prevention:

• Pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas
• Avoid peak sun hours (10am-4pm)
• Provide shade
• Don’t shave double-coated dogs (coat provides protection)

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more active in summer. Keep your dog on preventive medication year-round, but be especially vigilant in warm months.

Swimming and Water Play

Many dogs love water in summer. Keep their coat healthy with these practices:

After Swimming

1. Rinse with fresh water — Removes chlorine (pools) and salt (ocean)
2. Dry ears thoroughly — Moisture in ears leads to infections
3. Brush out tangles — Water causes mats in curly coats
4. Dry coat completely — Especially the undercoat in double-coated breeds

Ear Care for Swimmers

Dogs who swim frequently are prone to ear infections. Use a drying ear solution after every swim, and check ears regularly for redness or odour. See our ear cleaning guide for technique.

Summer Paw Care

Hot Pavement

Pavement can burn paw pads on hot days. Test with your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws.

• Walk early morning or evening
• Stick to grass or shaded areas
• Consider dog booties for unavoidable hot surfaces
• Check pads for damage after walks

Debris and Grass Seeds

Summer means more outdoor time and more chance of debris in paws:

• Check between toes after walks
• Remove grass seeds promptly (they can burrow into skin)
• Keep hair between pads trimmed short

Summer Bathing

Dogs may need more frequent baths in summer due to:

• Swimming
• More outdoor activity
• Rolling in things
• Increased oil production

Summer Bathing Tips

• Use cool (not cold) water—refreshing on hot days
• Rinse thoroughly to remove shampoo residue
• Dry completely, especially undercoat
• Don’t over-bathe—every 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient unless needed

See our complete bathing guide for technique.

Hydration and Coat Health

A well-hydrated dog has a healthier coat. In summer:

• Always provide fresh, cool water
• Bring water on walks
• Consider adding ice cubes to water bowl
• Watch for signs of dehydration (dry gums, lethargy, loss of skin elasticity)

Professional Summer Grooming

Consider booking professional grooms more frequently in summer for:

• Deshedding treatments (removes undercoat efficiently)
• Summer cuts
• Deep cleaning after beach or lake trips
• Sanitary trims

Book in advance—groomers are busy in summer!

The Bottom Line

Smart summer grooming is about working with your dog’s natural coat, not against it. Regular brushing, appropriate (not excessive) cutting, and attention to skin health will keep your dog comfortable through the hot months.

The biggest mistake? Shaving a double-coated breed thinking it helps. It doesn’t—and can cause lasting coat damage. Brush instead.

For breed-specific summer coat care, check our grooming guides: Cavoodle | Labradoodle | Groodle

Related Reading

Continue exploring our grooming guides:

• Breed-Specific Grooming and Care: A Complete Guide for Australian Dog Owners
• Grass Seeds and Dogs: The Hidden Danger Every Australian Dog Owner Must Know
• Understanding Dog Skin Allergies: Types, Symptoms, and Management

Ready to book a professional grooming session? Book your appointment or view our services.