These dog grooming tips couldn’t come at a better time; summer is just around the corner, and that means more walks, more adventures, and usually a much messier dog!
Between shedding fur, muddy paws, itchy skin, and the occasional eau de wet dog, warmer weather can bring plenty of grooming challenges for owners to tackle. Add in insects, hot pavements, and extra time spent outdoors, and it’s easy for even the fluffiest good boy or girl to end up looking a little ruff around the edges!
The good news is that just a few simple grooming habits can help keep your dog fresh, comfortable, and tail-waggingly happy all summer long – so read on for six practical tips to help you both breeze through the summer season!
Why dog grooming tips matter more in warmer weather
Grooming during summer is about far more than keeping dogs looking tidy. As temperatures rise, thick or matted coats can trap heat against the skin, making dogs feel uncomfortable and increasing irritation.
Warmer weather also means more walks, muddy adventures, and time spent outdoors, which often leaves dogs covered in loose fur, pollen, grass seeds, and dirt. Regular brushing helps remove debris, improves airflow through the coat, and reduces matting during heavy shedding season.
Summer conditions are also ideal for fleas, ticks, and other seasonal pests. Grooming sessions give owners a chance to check the skin, spot irritation early, and catch any unwelcome hitchhikers before they become a bigger problem.
In short, regular grooming helps dogs stay cooler, cleaner, healthier, and much more comfortable throughout summer!
6 dog grooming tips to keep your furry bestie fresh this summer!
#1. Brushing away loose fur
Brushing is one of the best ways to keep your dog cool and comfortable during summer. Loose fur can quickly build into tangles and mats, trapping heat and making hot days even more uncomfortable.
During shedding season, brush more often to keep coats light and breathable. Short-haired dogs may only need a few sessions each week, while thicker coats often benefit from daily brushing. Using the right tool helps; slicker brushes, grooming gloves, and undercoat rakes all have their moment to shine.
Keep grooming sessions calm and rewarding with praise or a small treat. A happy dog is always easier to groom, and regular brushing also gives you a chance to spot skin issues before they become a bigger woof-worthy problem.
#2. Bathe smartly, not constantly
Summer adventures usually mean muddy paws, sandy coats, and that simply unmistakable “wet dog” smell. Even so, bathing too often can dry out the skin and strip natural oils from the coat.
Only bathe your dog when genuinely needed, and always use a dog-safe shampoo. Human products can upset the skin and leave dogs feeling itchy rather than fresh.
After bath time, dry thoroughly around the ears, skin folds, and collar area where moisture can linger. Keeping baths relaxed and stress-free helps dogs see grooming as less of a drama and more of a spa day.
#3. Dog grooming tips for cleaner ears in summer
Swimming, humid weather, and outdoor play can all lead to moisture building up inside your dog’s ears during summer. Left unchecked, this can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort.
Check ears regularly for redness, odours, excess wax, or head shaking. Gently drying the outer ear after swimming can help keep problems at bay.
When cleaning is needed, use a pet-safe ear cleaner and avoid poking deep into the ear canal. If irritation sticks around, it’s best to let the vet sniff out the issue properly.
#4. Keep paws summer-ready
Summer can be tough on paws. Hot pavements, rough ground, grass seeds, and sharp stones can all irritate before owners even notice there’s a problem.
Check paws after walks for cuts, swelling, cracks, or anything stuck between the toes. Trimming excess fur around the paw pads can also help stop debris from tagging along for the ride.
A quick wipe with a damp cloth after walks helps remove dirt and pollen. On very hot days, stick to cooler morning or evening walks to avoid turning walkies into a game of “the floor is lava”.
#5. Tidy eyes, face & tear marks
Facial grooming helps keep dogs comfortable as well as clean. Breeds with flatter faces or long facial fur can quickly collect tear stains, food residue, and general build-up around the eyes and muzzle.
Gently wiping the face with dog-safe tear stain products helps prevent irritation and keeps things fresh. Because the area is sensitive, patience and a calm approach are key.
Short, positive grooming sessions help dogs become more comfortable with handling over time and help avoid any dramatic puppy Oscar performances.
#6. Stay ahead of fleas, ticks & doggy odours
Summer is peak season for fleas, ticks, and other tiny troublemakers. Regular grooming and coat checks make it easier to spot problems before they become a full-blown itch-fest.
After walking through grass or woodland, check around the ears, belly, neck, and toes where ticks often hide. Excess scratching, nibbling, or redness can also signal irritation.
A healthy coat should smell reasonably fresh even during summer. Persistent odours, however, may point to an underlying skin issue worth checking with a vet, especially if your dog smells less “fresh pup” and more “forgotten gym bag.”
Keep summer grooming simple with VETIQ
Keeping your dog fresh, comfortable, and happy through summer doesn’t have to be a grooming marathon. With a few simple routines, regular coat checks, and the right pet care products, it’s much easier to stay ahead of shedding, muddy paws, doggy odours, and seasonal pests before they become a real pain in the tail!
The VETIQ Hygiene & Grooming range helps make summer care simple and stress-free, with practical solutions designed to support healthy skin, glossy coats, and everyday comfort, including:
- VETIQ Flea Guard Tablets – natural support against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and stubborn doggy odours
- VETIQ Flea Guard Granules – an easy daily meal topper that helps repel seasonal pests while supporting healthy skin and coats
- VETIQ Ear Cleaner Solution – a gentle, alcohol-free option for keeping ears clean, fresh, and wax-free
- VETIQ Tear Stain Remover – a safe and gentle way to keep faces, eyes, and muzzles clean and bright
Explore the VETIQ Hygiene & Grooming range today and give your four-legged bestie everything they need for a fresh, fuss-free, tail-wagging summer!
Dog grooming tips for summer FAQs
Q: Why do dogs smell worse during summer?
A: Dogs can develop stronger odours during summer because of heat, moisture, swimming, muddy walks, and increased outdoor activity. Regular brushing, proper drying after baths, and grooming products designed to reduce doggy odours can help keep coats fresher.
Q: What are the best dog grooming tips for summer?
A: Regular brushing, checking paws after walks, cleaning ears carefully, wiping around the eyes and face, and staying alert for fleas and ticks. These habits help dogs stay cooler, cleaner, and more comfortable in warm weather!
Q: How often should dogs be brushed during shedding season?
A: During shedding season, owners should brush their dogs more frequently to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Thick-coated breeds may benefit from daily brushing, while short-haired dogs often only need brushing a few times each week.
Q: Can dogs be bathed too often in summer?
A: Unfortunately, yes! Bathing dogs too often can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation. Owners should only bathe dogs when genuinely needed and always use a dog-safe shampoo.
Q: Why is paw care important during summer?
A: Hot pavements, rough ground, grass seeds, and sharp stones can all irritate paws during summer. Regular paw checks help us spot cuts, swelling, or debris early and keep dogs comfortable during walks.
Q: How can dog owners help prevent fleas and ticks in summer?
A: Regular grooming, coat checks, and checking areas like the ears, belly, neck, and toes after walks can help prevent flea and tick problems. Products like VETIQ Flea Guard Tablets and VETIQ Flea Guard Granules can also help repel seasonal pests naturally.
Q: What are the signs that a dog’s ears may need cleaning?
A: Redness, unpleasant odours, excess wax, scratching, or head shaking. Using a gentle product like VETIQ Ear Cleaner Solution can help keep ears clean and fresh.
Q: How can tear stains be removed safely from dogs?
A: Tear stains can be cleaned using gentle, pet-safe products designed for use around the eyes and muzzle. VETIQ Tear Stain Remover helps remove stubborn stains while remaining safe and non-irritating for pets.
Q: What grooming products help support healthy dog skin and coats?
A: Grooming products that support healthy skin and glossy coats often include ingredients like B vitamins, zinc, and yeast. The VETIQ Hygiene & Grooming range is designed to support coat condition, reduce odours, and improve everyday comfort for dogs during summer!
