As your dog starts to shed his winter coat and the weather warms up, it’s time to start thinking about all the fun things summer brings: playing in the water, late evening walks in the warm air, and even a “pupsicle” or two.
It also means it’s time to make sure your dog is groomed properly for the season. Andis Grooming Educator Tammy Siert provided us with the following tips to make sure your dog is ready for some (safe) fun in the sun.
#1 – Brush, brush, brush!
Maintaining your dog’s coat is an essential part of keeping your dog’s skin healthy. The key to keeping your dog free from skin problems that are caused or aggravated by knots and tangles is to brush, de-shed, rake, and comb your dog regularly. It is especially important to make sure you are brushing your dog on a regular basis if he is being bathed frequently or loves to swim.
#2 – Keep your dog’s nails short
During the summer months your dog will be outside more so making sure their nails are short is important so they don’t crack or break. Use nail trimmers to cut off the tip of the nail at a 45-degree angle, and then use the Andis EasyClip 2-Speed Nail Grinder to smooth the tips of the nails. Keeping your pet’s nails short also allows them to walk properly on their pads. You can also use a paw balm to help protect their pads from the hot pavement.
#3 – Remove excess undercoat
By removing all the dead undercoat from your pet with a brush, rake, or comb, you are allowing him to stay cool in the hot summer months. The Andis Slicker Brush is a great tool for this. In doing so, the air will circulate to your pet’s skin instead of holding in moisture.
#4 – Hydration is key
Dogs, like humans, are made up of 80% water. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your pet hydrated during the scorching summer months. Replenish their water bowl frequently and if you have a pet that is fussy, try to make drinking fun for them. Find out what your dog likes, whether it be running through a sprinkler or drinking from a water bottle.
#5 – Don’t shave double-coated breeds
Some dog breeds, such as Retrievers and Pomeranians, have a double coat (a soft undercoat and a rougher topcoat), which greatly increases shedding as summer approaches. You might be tempted to shave your dog, but this beautiful double coat allows your dog to regulate his body temperature, so don’t shave it! Instead, give your dog a haircut using a longer comb attachment with the clipper or thin your dog’s coat using a de-shedding tool like the Andis Deshedder.
