Seasonal Care

Summer Grooming Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool

By the Pampered Paws team, Schaumburg, IL

Chicago-area summers can get hot and humid, and our dogs feel it just like we do. The right grooming routine helps your pup stay cool, comfortable, and healthy all season long. Here are our favorite summer tips from the Pampered Paws grooming table.

Brush more often to beat the heat

Loose, dead fur traps heat and holds moisture against the skin. Regular brushing removes that undercoat, improves airflow, and helps your dog stay cooler. For double-coated breeds especially, a good de-shedding session before the hottest weeks makes a real difference.

Do not shave a double coat

It sounds cooling, but shaving a double-coated dog can actually backfire. That coat insulates against heat and protects skin from sunburn, so shaving it down can leave your dog more exposed, not less. Instead, ask your groomer for a de-shed and a tidy trim that keeps the protective coat working the way it should.

Keep baths and trims on schedule

Summer means more outdoor play, which means more dirt, pollen, and lake water. Regular baths keep the skin healthy and the coat fresh, and a light trim around the paws, belly, and sanitary areas helps your dog stay clean and comfortable. Dogs with hair over their eyes will also appreciate a trim so they can see clearly on sunny walks.

Protect those paws

Hot pavement can burn paw pads quickly. A simple test: press the back of your hand to the sidewalk for seven seconds, and if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog. Walk during the cooler morning or evening hours, and keep the fur between the paw pads trimmed so it does not trap heat and debris.

Care for ears after water fun

Swimming and baths can leave moisture in the ears, which can lead to infections. Gently dry your dog's ears after they get wet, and mention any head shaking or odor to your groomer so we can help keep those ears clean and healthy.

Hydration and shade come first

Grooming helps, but nothing replaces fresh water and shade. Always give your dog plenty to drink, provide a cool place to rest, and never leave them in a parked car. Watch for signs of overheating like heavy panting, drooling, or sluggishness, and get them somewhere cool right away if you see them.