Summer Grooming Tips for Dogs and Cats

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities for pets to get dirty. A good summer grooming routine can help dogs and cats stay comfortable while keeping their skin, coats, paws, and ears healthy.

Here are some simple grooming tips to keep your pets looking and feeling their best all season long.

Brush Regularly

Summer shedding can leave loose fur everywhere. Regular brushing helps remove dead hair, dirt, and debris while reducing mats and tangles. For long-haired pets, brushing may need to become more frequent during heavy shedding periods. Regular grooming is especially important for pets with thick or dense coats.

Don't Shave Your Pet's Coat

It may seem like shaving a pet will help them stay cool, but a healthy coat provides protection from the sun and can help insulate the skin. Instead of shaving, ask your veterinarian or professional groomer about an appropriate summer trim for your pet's breed and coat type.

Check for Ticks and Other Pests

During the summer, parasites and biting insects are more abundant and active than during colder, dryer weather. In addition, dogs and cats often spend more time outdoors during summer, increasing their exposure to ticks, fleas, and other pests. 

After outdoor adventures, check your pet's coat and skin, paying particular attention to areas such as:

• Around the ears

• Under the collar

• Between the toes

• Around the neck

• Under the legs

• Between the legs

• Around the tail

Talk with your veterinarian about appropriate flea and tick prevention for your pet.

Keep Paws Clean

Summer walks can expose paws to hot pavement, grass, dirt, and other irritants. Your pet’s paw pads might even get burnt if the roads are too hot! Check your pet's paw pads regularly for cracks, blisters, redness, cuts, or foreign objects. Wipe paws after outdoor activities and avoid walking on surfaces that are too hot.

Pay Attention to Ears

Swimming and summer humidity can contribute to moisture buildup in the ears, which may increase the risk of ear infections or mites. After swimming or wet weather, gently dry the outside of your pet's ears. Don't insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal. If you notice odor, redness, discharge, excessive scratching, or head shaking, contact your veterinarian.

Bathe When Necessary

In addition to your dog’s regular grooming routine, they may need an occasional bath after swimming, playing outside, or getting particularly dirty. Use a pet-safe shampoo rather than human shampoo, which can be irritating to a pet's skin. Cats generally do a good job grooming themselves and don't usually need regular baths unless recommended by a veterinarian or groomer. Always rinse thoroughly and dry your pet completely after bathing.

Check for Mats

Mats can trap moisture, dirt, and heat against the skin. They can also become uncomfortable and may hide skin irritation or parasites. Many pets’ coats will be more prone to matting in the summer when humidity is high and seasonal allergens and parasites lead to more scratching. Don't try to cut out severe mats with scissors, as it's easy to accidentally cut the skin underneath. A professional groomer or veterinarian can safely handle difficult matting.

Keep Nails Trimmed

Summer is a good time to check your pet's nails regularly. Overgrown nails can affect walking and may become caught on outdoor surfaces. Trim only as much as you are comfortable doing safely. If your pet dislikes nail trims or has dark nails that make the quick difficult to see, consider having a professional groomer handle them.

Be Prepared for Summer Rain

Summer rain can leave your pet's coat damp, muddy, and more prone to tangles. After a rainy walk or outdoor adventure, gently towel-dry your dog or cat, paying special attention to their paws, belly, and areas where moisture can collect. For dogs with longer coats, brush through the fur once it's dry to prevent mats from forming. Check between the paw pads for mud, grass, or other debris, and gently clean and dry the area.

Make Grooming a Summer Routine

A few minutes of grooming several times a week can help you spot problems early while keeping your pet comfortable. While brushing or handling your pet, look for unusual lumps, bumps, skin irritation, parasites, wounds, or changes in their coat. If something looks unusual or doesn't improve, check with your veterinarian. With regular brushing, healthy skin care, clean paws, and plenty of attention, your dog or cat can enjoy summer feeling fresh, comfortable, and ready for the next adventure.