The summer is in full swing. With the season comes the unique challenges and opportunities of caring for your pets in the heat. More than just an aesthetic concern, grooming is key to keeping your furry friend comfortable, healthy, and cool as temperatures rise. It’s about the safety and well-being of your pet as well! With these grooming tips and other ideas, your pet will feel cool and happy all summer long.
Trimming: A Little off the Top… Or Maybe More?
Trimming your pet’s hair in the summer isn’t just about making them look cute. It’s a practical way to help them stay cool. A quick trim can help cats and dogs beat the heat. Here’s what to consider:
- Consider taking your pet to a professional groomer for a summer cut, especially if they have a long or thick coat.
- Don’t shave your pet completely, as fur also protects them from the sun.
- Always leave at least an inch of hair to prevent sunburn.
Stylish Summer Grooming: Hair Styles for Your Pet
Just as we change our hairstyles according to the season, our pets can benefit from a summer-friendly trim. However, it’s not all about appearance. The right haircut can also help your pet stay cool and comfortable during the hot months.
Summer Hair Cut & Style Ideas for Your Pet:
- The Lion Cut: This is a popular cut for long-haired cats and some small dog breeds like Poodles. The body is shaved short, leaving the head, legs, and tail tip longer while mimicking a lion’s mane. Remember, never shave down to the skin. Always leave a bit of fur for protection.
- The Puppy Cut: Ideal for many dog breeds, the puppy cut is all about even trimming. The fur is cut to the same length all over the body. This style is low maintenance and helps keep your pup cool.
- Teddy Bear Cut: Another favorite among small dog owners, this style involves trimming the body and legs to a short length, while the hair on the head is left a bit longer, giving the dog a cute, plush teddy bear look.
- Trimmed Belly: For dogs with a thick undercoat, consider asking your groomer to trim the belly area. This can help keep them cool when lying on cool surfaces without significantly altering their overall look.
- Brush-outs: For dogs with double coats like Huskies or Golden Retrievers, rather than a haircut, they need regular brush-outs. This removes the loose undercoat and helps air circulate to the skin, keeping them cooler.
Regular Brushing: More Than Just a Hair Affair
While haircutting is important in the summer, don’t forget about brushing your pet as one of the important grooming tips. Regular brushing is an absolute must, not just for maintaining a shiny coat but also for regulating your pet’s temperature.
- Brush your pet at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
- Use a brush suitable for your pet’s fur type.
- Regular brushing will also give you a chance to check for fleas, ticks, and other parasites that are more prevalent in summer.
Ear Care: An Ounce of Prevention
Many pets, especially dogs, can be prone to ear infections in the summer due to increased swimming and outdoor activities. Keep in mind that ear infections generally will not go away on their own, and they are also painful. Please contact us at Main Street Veterinarians if you suspect that your cat or dog has an ear infection.
To prevent ear infections in pets, consider the following:
- Clean your pet’s ears regularly with a vet-recommended solution.
- Try to keep your pet’s ears dry as much as possible.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation or infection, such as excessive scratching or a bad smell.
Bathing: Keep it Fresh
While you don’t want to bathe your pet too often and risk drying out their skin, the summer months might require a few extra baths. Here is some advice when it comes to correctly bathing a dog or cat:
- Use a mild, pet-friendly shampoo that will clean without stripping away essential oils.
- For dogs, a good rule of thumb is to bathe them no more than once a month unless they get particularly dirty.
- Always thoroughly rinse your pet’s coat to ensure no shampoo residue is left behind.
Other Ways to Keep Pets Happy and Healthy in the Summertime
Grooming is a big part of pet care. However, you don’t want to overlook some of the basics. If you are looking for ideas beyond grooming tips, we have you covered here at Main Street Veterinarians of Stone Mountain!
Stay Hydrated: Water is Essential
Just like humans, pets need to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months. But hydration isn’t only about drinking water; it also involves skin and coat health.
- Always ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water.
- Consider investing in a pet fountain to encourage your pet to drink more.
- Use pet-friendly moisturizing shampoos to help keep their skin hydrated.
Water-Friendly Fun: Keeping Cool in the Pool
Pets can overheat quickly in the summer, but introducing them to water activities can be a fun way to keep them cool.
- Consider getting a kiddie pool for your pet to splash around in.
- Always supervise your pet around water to ensure they’re safe.
- For dogs, try incorporating water toys for added enjoyment.
Paw Protection: Don’t Forget the Feet
Hot pavement and sand can be damaging to your pet’s paws, making foot care an essential part of summer grooming.
- Invest in pet-friendly sunblock for your pet’s nose and paw pads.
- Consider dog booties if you’ll be walking on particularly hot surfaces.
- Regularly check your pet’s paws for signs of cracking or burns.
Parasite Prevention: Beware of Bugs
Summertime often means a surge in pesky parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that can pose health risks to your pets. Furthermore, summertime is definitely not the time to slack off on flea and tick prevention. If you need assistance, please contact our office for prevention options.
- Keep up with regular flea and tick treatments, as recommended by your vet.
- Use bug repellent products that are safe for pets.
- Check your pet’s coat regularly for signs of these pests, especially after walks or playtime outdoors.
Dental Care: A Bright Summer Smile
Pets need dental care too! A healthy mouth is an important part of your pet’s overall wellness, especially in the summer when they might be more active and eating differently.
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly using pet-friendly toothpaste.
- Provide dental chews that can help keep teeth clean and breath fresh.
- Schedule a professional cleaning with your vet if needed.
Diet and Exercise: Summer Shape
The summer months often mean more outdoor activities, which can be both a blessing and a curse for pets. Be mindful of your pet’s diet and exercise during these warmer months.
- Adjust your pet’s diet as needed based on their activity level.
- Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest part of the day.
- Always have water available during and after physical activity.
Get Summertime Grooming and Pet Care from Mainstreet Veterinarians
Caring for your pet during the summer is a comprehensive task that involves more than just a trim and a bath. We love offering grooming tips, or we can even do the service for you! Just call to book an appointment.
From hydration to exercise, each aspect of their care contributes to their overall comfort and well-being. Keep these tips in mind, and your pet will be ready to enjoy the summer season!
