Nope — shaving is n’t always the result .

Edwin Tan / Getty Images

As the weather start to heat up up , your dog will be looking for ways to keep cool . One of the best ways to aid your pooch stay well-off during the summer months is to stay on top of the best summertime grooming practices . Grooming want diverge from dog to dog , so staying informed about what ’s best for your breed is important .

teenager girl laughing while applying shampoo on her toy poodle pet dog outside

Photo:Edwin Tan / Getty Images

We speak with Kristin Morgan CPDT - KA , CBCC - KA , Senior Program Manager , Canine Training & Grooming atPetSuites of Americato get answers to your most pressing summer grooming interrogative .

Does My Dog Need a Summer Haircut?

While it may seem like a no - brainer to have your dog shaved down during the toastiest month of the yr , think again . For some dog breeds , having a shaved pelage can cause more harm than skilful .

" Double - coated dogs , likehuskiesandGerman shepherds , should not be shaved because their coats regularize temperature and protect their tegument from sunburn , " say Morgan . Instead , she offers an choice . " Using a de - shedding tool to remove superfluous undercoat will reduce shedding and help with airflow . "

diffident if your dogtooth is a double - coated doggo ? utter with your vet , research your dog ’s breed , or verbalize to a groomer for their advice .

How Often Should I Groom My Dog in the Summer?

Morgan allege you should be after to have your dog groomed at least every 4 - 6 weeks in the summertime , calculate on how much sustentation their coat requires , and some strain may require more frequent training .

" breed with longer or heavyset pelage , such asgolden retrieversorshih tzus , may require more frequent training to prevent mat and manage shedding , " enjoin Morgan .

And if your weenie loves to chill off in a backyard kitty pool or nearby pool , ensure to give their coat a once - over with a towel post - swim , and a brush if they ’re super curly , to prevent residuary moisture from leading tohot spot . The same advice goes for dog parents who survive in a more humid clime .

" If you live in a humid climate , always do your honorable to completely dry out your dog after anywater - related activeness , " Morgan says . " heel with treble coat commonly get moisture trapped close to the peel that can precede to tegument contagion and raging spots . "

And regardless of firedog breed , everyone needs a bath . You shouldpop your detent in the bathtubevery 3 - 4 week in the summertime , Morgan says , depend on how active they are outdoors . Just be trusted to only bathe when necessary and to use products made for your pup .

" Be conservative not to over bathe , as it can unclothe natural vegetable oil from [ your dog ’s ] coat , " Morgan says . If you experience in a dry environment , use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner . sulphate - innocent shampoo are a great choice if your firedog requires more even baths , Morgan says , as they are specially formulated to preventdry skin .

Summer At-Home Grooming

If you prefer to leave dog grooming to the professionals , frequent summer grooming appointmentscan add up . But do n’t rub — there ’s a lot of train you may do at home , including :

For more strain - specific summer train tips , you’re able to always connect with your veterinarian or a professional groomer to help further cut your bounder ’s grooming function to their pauperization .