Summer means warmer days, longer walks and, for many pet parents, a lot more fur finding its way onto the couch, your clothes and just about everywhere else. That’s where a good summer coat guide can come in handy.
When temperatures start climbing, you might also wonder whether all that fur is making your pet too hot. Should you give them a shorter cut? Shave their coat? Or is a good brush all they really need?
Your pet’s coat does more than keep them warm. Depending on their breed and coat type, it can also help protect their skin and play a role in regulating their body temperature.
So, before reaching for the clippers, our summer coat guide covers what you need to know about shedding, shaving, grooming and keeping your pet’s coat in good condition during the warmer months.
Why does your pet shed more in summer?
Finding more fur than usual around your home as the seasons change isn’t necessarily something to worry about.
Dogs and cats naturally shed old or unnecessary hair, and some pets experience more noticeable seasonal shedding as temperatures and daylight hours change.
How much your pet sheds depends on their breed, coat type, environment and general health. A sudden increase in fur around the house doesn’t automatically mean it’s time for a dramatic summer haircut.
Instead, it might be time to give their grooming routine a little more attention.
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up around your home and can help prevent tangles and matting, particularly in pets with longer or thicker coats.
Does your pet need a summer haircut?
Not every pet needs a haircut when summer arrives.
A pet’s coat isn’t simply a winter jacket that needs to come off when the weather gets warmer.
Many dogs have a double coat, with a softer undercoat beneath a layer of protective outer hair. This coat provides insulation and protection from environmental elements.
Shaving a double-coated dog can interfere with the way the coat naturally functions and grows. In some dogs, the coat may also grow back differently or take a long time to return to its previous condition.
Cats generally don’t need a summer shave either. They have their own ways of regulating their temperature and will often seek out cooler places when they get uncomfortable.
Before booking a summer haircut, consider your pet’s breed, coat and individual grooming needs.
When might shaving be necessary?
There are some situations where clipping or shaving part of your pet’s coat may be appropriate. While a summer coat guide can help with general grooming, your pet’s individual needs should always come first.
Severe matting is one example. Matted fur can pull on your pet’s skin, trap moisture and make grooming uncomfortable or even painful. If mats can’t be safely brushed out, clipping the affected area may be necessary.
A vet may also need to shave an area for an examination, treatment or medical procedure.
Certain breeds and coat types can have specific grooming requirements too. If you’re unsure about your pet’s coat, speak to your vet or an experienced professional groomer before getting the clippers out.
The goal of any summer coat guide should be maintaining a healthy, comfortable coat rather than simply making it shorter because it’s summer.
Double-coated dogs need a little extra consideration
If your dog has a thick, fluffy coat, giving them a shorter summer look can seem tempting.
But thick doesn’t automatically mean too hot. In fact, understanding how double coats work is an important part of a summer coat guide.
Double-coated breeds naturally shed parts of their undercoat. Regular brushing can help remove this loose fur while keeping the protective outer coat intact.
This is where the right grooming tools can make a difference. A brush or comb suited to your dog’s particular coat can make it easier to remove loose fur, tackle small knots and keep their coat maintained.
Not sure what kind of coat your dog has? Ask your vet or groomer before making any major changes. Your summer coat guide should always be adapted to your dog’s individual coat type.
Sometimes all that summer fluff needs is a really good brush.
What about long-haired cats?
Long-haired cats can require a little more grooming, especially if their coats are prone to tangling or matting.
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and can stop small knots from becoming bigger mats. Grooming sessions also give you a chance to check your cat’s skin and coat for anything unusual.
For long-haired cats, regular brushing should be a key part of your summer coat guide, particularly during periods of heavier shedding.
If your cat develops severe matting that can’t be safely brushed out, don’t try to cut close to their skin with scissors. Cats have delicate skin, and accidental cuts can happen more easily than you might expect.
A vet or professional groomer can advise you on the safest way to deal with difficult mats.
For an otherwise healthy cat with a well-maintained coat, regular grooming may be all they need to get through the warmer months.
What happens if you shave your pet too short?
Going too short can create its own set of problems, which is why knowing how much fur to remove is an important part of any summer coat guide.
Your pet’s fur provides a layer of protection for their skin. Removing too much of it can leave their skin more exposed to sunlight and environmental irritation.
Pets can get sunburnt, particularly in areas with little fur or exposed skin. Animals with lighter skin and coats may be especially vulnerable to sun exposure.
There are also risks involved with the shaving process itself. Clippers can become hot and may cause irritation or burns when used incorrectly, while a pet moving suddenly can result in accidental cuts.
That quick DIY summer trim might not be quite as easy as the video made it look.
If you’re not confident about clipping your pet safely, leave the haircut to a professional and focus on keeping their coat brushed and maintained at home.
Discover how often should you groom your pet.
Build a summer grooming routine
A good summer coat guide isn’t only about whether or not to shave your pet. For most pets, keeping up with regular grooming is the important part.
Brushing removes loose fur and helps prevent knots and mats. It can also give you an opportunity to notice changes to your pet’s skin or coat.
How often you need to brush depends on your pet. Some short-haired breeds require relatively little maintenance, while long-haired and double-coated pets may need much more regular attention.
Bathing can form part of the routine too, but don’t overdo it. Washing your pet too frequently or using products that aren’t suitable for animals can irritate their skin.
Choose shampoos and grooming products made specifically for pets and follow the product instructions.
Keeping a few grooming essentials at home means you’re ready when shedding season really gets going.
Discover cat grooming tips.
Keeping your pet cool goes beyond their coat
A good summer coat guide isn’t only about brushing, shedding and grooming. Keeping your pet comfortable during warmer weather means looking at their whole summer routine.
Make sure your pet always has access to fresh drinking water and somewhere cool and shaded to rest.
Try to avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Early mornings and cooler evenings can be better times for walks and outdoor adventures.
If you’re heading out together, remember to take water along. A portable water bottle or travel bowl can make staying hydrated on the go much easier.
Hot surfaces deserve attention too. Pavements and paving can become extremely hot in direct sunlight and may be uncomfortable or harmful to your pet’s paws.
And never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise dangerously quickly.
Watch for signs your pet is getting too hot
Knowing how to recognise when your pet may be struggling with the heat is just as important as looking after their coat.
Possible warning signs can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting or collapse. Cats may also pant when severely overheated, which shouldn’t be ignored.
Heatstroke can be a medical emergency.
If you think your pet may be overheating or showing signs of heatstroke, move them away from the heat and contact a veterinarian for advice immediately.
Keep an eye on changes to their coat
Another important part of your summer coat guide is knowing what’s normal for your pet. Regular grooming isn’t only about keeping them looking good. It’s also an opportunity to become familiar with what their skin and coat normally look and feel like.
Unexpected hair loss, excessive scratching, bald patches, irritated skin, sores or significant changes in shedding can sometimes indicate an underlying issue.
If you notice something that doesn’t look right, speak to your vet rather than simply shaving or covering the affected area.
Your summer coat guide takeaway
Ultimately, there isn’t one grooming routine that works for every dog and cat.
Your pet’s breed, coat and individual needs should guide how you look after their fur throughout summer. Regular brushing, appropriate grooming products, fresh water, cooler walks and shady places to relax can all help make the warmer months more comfortable.
And when your pet’s summer essentials need a top-up, the Onepet Store has you covered with grooming and hygiene products, walking gear, toys, treats and everyday pet care essentials.
A little preparation means less worrying about the fur and more time enjoying summer with your furry family member.
Your Petstore Family,