Summer Grooming Hacks: Keep Your Pet Cool, Comfortable, and Shed-Free
How Warm Weather Impacts Different Breeds—and What You Can Do About It
As the temps rise in Central Ohio, so does the fur on your floors. Summer grooming isn’t just about keeping your pet looking fresh—it’s essential to their comfort, skin health, and overall well-being.
At Healthy Pets of Ohio, we’re here to help you navigate the season with expert grooming tips for all coat types. Whether your pet is double-coated, curly, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered.
How Summer Heat Affects Different Coats
Double-Coated Breeds (Huskies, Retrievers, Shepherds)
These breeds have a dense undercoat that insulates in winter and sheds heavily in summer.
DO: Brush daily with an undercoat rake to remove dead fur and allow airflow.
DON’T: Shave these breeds—doing so can damage their coat and make them more prone to sunburn.
Curly or Wavy Coats (Poodles, Doodles, Bichons)
These coats trap heat and mat easily in humidity.
DO: Keep up with regular trims and detangle mats before bathing.
Safe Summer Cut Tip: A short trim (not a shave) helps with cooling and cleanliness without risking sunburn.
Short-Haired Breeds (Boxers, Beagles, Pit Bulls)
They shed more than you’d think—and they’re prone to sunburn!
DO: Use a de-shedding tool weekly and consider pet-safe sunscreen for pink-nosed or light-skinned pups.
Brushing Tips to Beat the Shed
- Brush Before Bathing: Wet mats get tighter—always detangle first.
- Use the Right Tools:
- Slicker brushes for curly coats
- Undercoat rakes for shedders
- Rubber curry brushes for short hair
- Go Slow: Gentle, consistent strokes are better than aggressive pulling.
Is a Summer Cut Right for My Pet?
Not every pet needs (or benefits from) a shave. But a trim can:
- Help reduce mats and tangles
- Improve airflow through thick coats
- Make post-swim cleanup easier
Ask our team or your groomer what’s safe and breed-appropriate before going short. Some breeds rely on their coat for sun and heat protection.
Bonus Summer Grooming Hacks
- Dry shampoo sprays help between baths—especially for dogs who roll in mystery substances at the park.
- Wipe paws after walks to remove allergens and lawn chemicals.
- Brush cats, too! Long-haired breeds like Maine Coons benefit from weekly brushing to avoid mats and heat stress.
Want Help Managing the Summer Fur Storm?
Our Healthy Pets of Ohio team is happy to recommend grooming tools, techniques, and even referrals to trusted local groomers if needed.
Schedule a Summer Wellness Check
Grooming and skin care go paw-in-paw. During a wellness visit, we can check for:
- Hot spots
- Skin irritation
- Fleas/ticks
- Seasonal allergies
👉 Book your pet’s summer checkup today at one of our 8 convenient locations!
www.healthypetsofohio.com