Summer in Saddleworth is beautiful. Between the gorgeous walks around Dovestone Reservoir and treks up the hills, our dogs are living their absolute best lives. But as the temperature rises, our furry friends face a unique set of challenges. At Saddlesworth Paws we love seeing your dogs happy, healthy, and enjoying the sunshine. That’s why we’re diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial for the warmer months, summer grooming.
A summer trim or thorough brush isn’t just about making your dog look picture-perfect for your next Instagram post—it’s a vital part of their health and safety. Here is why keeping up with your dog’s grooming routine this summer is so important.
1. Temperature Control (It’s Not Just About “Shaving It Off!”)
It’s a common misconception that shaving a dog completely naked is the best way to keep them cool. In reality, a dog’s coat acts like insulation. For double-coated breeds (like Huskies, Retrievers, and German Shepherds), their undercoat traps heat in the summer if it isn’t properly brushed out.
The Danger of Mats: When a dead undercoat builds up, it forms mats. These mats block airflow to the skin, trapping heat and moisture against your dog’s body.
The Grooming Solution: Deshedding and thorough brushing remove that trapped undercoat, allowing your dog’s natural cooling system to work exactly how nature intended.
2. Preventing “Hot Spots” and Skin Infections
Summer means water. Whether your dog loves splashing in the local streams or playing in the garden sprinkler, a wet coat can spell trouble if not properly cared for.
If a thick or matted coat stays damp, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to (acute moist dermatitis) commonly known as “hot spots”. These are incredibly painful, red, and itchy skin infections that can develop in a matter of hours. Professional grooming ensures your dog is thoroughly dried after a wash, preventing moisture from getting trapped against the skin.
3. Banishing Hidden Hitchhikers: Ticks, Fleas, and Foxtails
When you’re walking through the long grass in the Saddleworth hills, your dog is likely picking up a few unwanted hitchhikers.
Watch out for Foxtails: These are barbed grass seeds that can easily embed themselves in your dog’s fur, especially between their toes, in their armpits, or inside their ears. If left unchecked, they can burrow into the skin and cause severe infections.
A shorter summer trim or a well-brushed coat makes it infinitely easier for you to spot ticks, fleas, and nasty grass seeds after your daily adventures.
4. Protecting Against Sunburn
Yes, dogs can get sunburned too! This is especially true for dogs with white or light-coloured fur, pink skin, or thin coats.
When dogs are professionally groomed for the summer, a stylist knows exactly how much length to leave to protect their delicate skin from harmful UV rays. Shaving a dog too close to the skin strips away their natural sun protection, leaving them vulnerable to burns and skin cancer.
5. Paw and Pad Care on Hot Pavement
We often forget how hot the ground can get. Asphalt and concrete can scorch your pup’s paws. Additionally, the hair between your dog’s pads can grow long, trapping mud, heat, and sharp objects.
During a summer groom, the hair between the pads is trimmed away. This not only keeps their paws cooler but also reduces the chances of them slipping on slick surfaces or bringing half the mud from the trail back into your living room!
Summer Grooming Checklist for Saddleworth Pet Parents
To keep your pup feeling fresh all season long, try incorporating these quick habits at home:
- Daily Brushing everyday / after walks | Removes grass seeds, checks for ticks, and
- prevents matting.
- Paw Checks After every walk | Ensures no sharp stones or foxtails are trapped between
- pads.
- Fresh Water Rinse After swimming | Washes away stagnant river/pond water bacteria.
Book Your Summer Freshen-Up!
Don’t let a heavy coat ruin your dog’s summer fun. Whether your pup needs a full deshedding treatment, a tidy-up trim, or just a soothing bath to wash away the trail dust,
Saddleworth Paws is here to help. Keep your dog cool, comfortable, and ready for adventure.
Get in touch with us today to book your dog’s summer grooming session!
