Summer grooming involves more than a quick comb and bath; it includes brushing, trimming, and bathing for your dog’s health. Below are some helpful tips to make your furry friend happy and comfortable for the summer season:
- Professional groomers are recommended for trims and cuts, especially in summer.
- Schedule a meet and greet with groomers and get community recommendations to find a good fit.
- Groomers are part of a dog’s wellness team, assisting with coat care and answering grooming questions.
- Daily brushing reduces shedding, keeps hair shiny, prevents ingrown hairs, and stops matting in long coats.
- Brushing helps owners spot mats, lumps, scratches, and parasites early.
- Mats worsen in summer due to dry hair; regular brushing prevents them.
- To remove soft mats, use a leave-in conditioner, slicker brush, and rat-tail comb, working gently from the edge to the root.
- Double-coated dogs shed their undercoat in summer to stay cool, requiring specific grooming.
- Use a wide-tooth comb, undercoat rake, and slicker brush to manage the undercoat during shedding season.
- Summer trims help dogs beat the heat, but should be done by professionals.
- Avoid shaving all hair off, especially for breeds like Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians, as thick undercoats protect against heat.
- Utility cuts are popular in summer, keeping the body short with some fluff on the legs for easier maintenance.
- Professional groomers can teach owners how to perform utility cuts at home with practice.
- Summer baths are essential to check for cuts, bumps, and fleas, especially after dogs play in grass or dirt.
- Use dog-specific shampoo for baths, never human shampoo, to avoid skin irritation.
- Grooming tools include:
- Pin brushes for healthy, mat-free coats; bristle brushes for short, smooth coats.
- Undercoat rake for breaking up mats and removing undercoat.
- Wide-tooth comb for loosening undercoats and general grooming.
- Slicker brush with metal bristles for detangling and finishing.
Source: AKC Pet Insurance Sep 9, 2022
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