One of the best things about being a human is that hot weather is usually easy to deal with. It is a simple enough activity to remove a few layers of clothing and jump into a pool. However, that is not an option for our furry best friends, especially those with double coats of fur like Collies, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, and so on.

Before you pull out the clippers, though, remember that dogs grew fur for a reason. Dogs with double coats of fur should never be shaved. Otherwise, the quality of their fur growth will be permanently and negatively affected.

In this article, we are going to talk about how to help your pets feel better and more comfortable during the summer and other hot periods of the year.

1. Understand the double coat

If you don’t know how a double coat of fur works, you might end up grooming your dog incorrectly and cause them discomfort. This discomfort might even become permanent if the fur is not treated or groomed properly.

Double-coated dogs have an undercoat of shorter hairs that are woolly in texture and a top coat of longer hairs known as guard hairs. The undercoat is what protects a dog from cold or hot weather, and the guard hairs serve to protect against moisture and dirt. As such, double-coated dogs have specific grooming requirements that serve to keep both coats of fur nice and healthy.

2. Brush your dog’s fur

In summer and other hot periods, dogs will shed their undercoat. To save yourself the hassle of dealing with all the stray hairs, take some time to sit down with your dog and brush their fur gently but firmly. Doing so will allow your dog to stay much cooler and prevent moisture from accumulating on their skin.

Brushing your dog to prepare for the summer will help keep your dog resistant to skin complications and insect bites. Make sure to do this as frequently as you can (once a day if possible) to keep your fur friend comfortable and cool.

3. Observe for panting

Unlike humans, sweating isn’t the main way for a dog to stay cool, as our pals only sweat through their paws and noses. The best way dogs can diffuse excess heat is through panting, and as such, it is important to watch for this behaviour to see whether they are finding their environment too hot.

4. Bring out the kiddie pool

There are few things a double-coated dog enjoys more than a relaxing time wading in a kiddie pool full of cool water. Dogs can enjoy endless fun cooling down in the water, which you can use as the perfect chance for a bath. It could even be a nice thing to do with your kids, as they can have a fun time in the sun splashing around with their furry siblings.

5. Leave the trimming and shaving to the experts

While it is possible to trim or shave your dog in the summer safely, this should never be done by anyone who is untrained. Shaving a dog, especially one with a double coat, is more likely to do long-term harm than solve the short-term problem of summer heat. Make sure to consult your veterinarian and your local dog groomer before you do something as drastic as shaving your dog.

Conclusion

As fur parents, we all want what’s best for our fur babies. The hot summer may bring with it some discomfort, especially for our double-coated doggie pals. However, with some care and patience, they can enjoy the summer months just as much as any human could because they are family too.

If you’re looking for a dog groomer and the perfect place to pamper your puppy pal, or just looking for a nearby dog kennel in Brandon to keep them in for a while, send us at The Paw Resort & Wellness Center in Manitoba a message. We are a dedicated doggie-loving team that people trust and pets love.