Warm welcome: a summer grooming guide for cats and dogs

It’s not unusual to want a cool new haircut heading into summer. It is unusual to have to wear a fur coat in the hotter months, so spare a thought for our pets as the end of the year arrives. 

Of course, grooming should happen all year round, but it becomes particularly important in the leadup to summer. Dogs are extremely susceptible to high temperatures and humidity, which can quickly cause exhaustion or heat stroke. Cats too can fall victim to overheating and are easily sunburnt. We can sweat to help cool us down; most pets can’t. 

So is a summer haircut an effective cooldown? Staying shady and hydrated are only part of your chillout session; grooming is still important when the heat is on. However, the purpose served by fur differs among cats and dogs, so here’s what you should know when preparing to prune your pet’s pelt this summer. 

Dogs

Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the natural insulation provided by a dog’s coat is a fantastic example of nature’s genius. But not all coats are created equal. Many different types of coats exist, and each requires a different kind of grooming; some drastic, others very little. 

Long: Golden Retriever, Setters, Spaniels 

Long coat dogs are renowned for their beautiful, luxuriant manes, but they don’t simply wake up that way. Extensive grooming is required to look so good, given they’re prone to tangled and matted fur.  

Overheating can be a problem for long-haired dogs in the summer, despite their heavy seasonal shedding. Professional grooming is a great way to ensure their winter undercoats are thoroughly brushed out. By doing so, their airflow and natural cooling can work to the best of their abilities. 

Curly: Poodle, Labradoodle, Bichon Frise 

The dense coat of curls on these woolly beasts is a heat trap in summer. Even if they’re having a drink, moisture can get caught up in the curly locks and never emerge, causing your dog discomfort. 

Curly coated dogs don’t shed, so regular brushing is a must. When summer comes calling, curly dogs are usually out and about with professional ‘dos; these stylish trims are also practical, keeping the dog cool and comfortable. 

Silky: Afghan Hound, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Setters 

The long, fine fur of silky coat dogs needs plenty of brushing to look as good as it does. The longer the coat, the more debris it can pick up as your dog gets around outdoors. Brushing will keep the fur clean and free from matting and tangles. 

Professional trimming will make your grooming job easier, but won’t do much for bigger dogs in the hotter months. Their flowing locks provide great airflow and keep them cool naturally. For a smaller silky like a Maltese, paring back the long coat is a must for summer. Whether or not you go for something like the above look is, of course, purely a matter of taste.

Wiry: Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Airedale Terrier 

Harsh and stiff, a wiry coat is a great shield for these working dogs. Shedding is minimal but plenty of brushing is required to keep coats as smooth as possible; trimming will help keep things manageable and avoid the ‘just got out of bed’ look. 

In summer, their wiry coat acts as insulation against high temperatures, so it’s important to help them maintain the natural coarseness. This means a very specific grooming method known as hand-stripping, which removes old hair to make way for new. For the time poor, a quick clipping is an acceptable alternative. 

Hairless: Chinese Crested, American Hairless, Xoloitzcuintli 

You might think a hairless dog would have an easy time in summer; not so. They need particular care as their skin is completely exposed to the harsh rays of the summer sun. Carers of these unique dogs don’t have to deal with shedding or grooming, but they do have to consider sun-smart protection when heading outside. 

Get some pet-safe SPF 30 (at least) sunscreen and slather up alongside your dog. It’s also worth considering a dog jacket or rash shirt if you’re planning a day at the beach with your nude friend. Any stylistic impulses you would have applied to grooming can run wild here. 

Double: Corgi, Border Collie, Saint Bernard 

Despite the name, double coat dogs have short or medium length fur. It’s just that there are two layers. The top is guard hair, water-resistant and coarse. The bottom layer is much softer and shorter; together, they help insulate these furry dawgs and keep them cool in summer. 

Grooming should be kept to regular brushing to aid the shedding process which keeps the double coat working at peak efficiency. Trimming can disrupt the fine balance of the two coats, so stay thy clippers.  

Medium: German Shepherd, Beagle, Siberian Husky, Labrador 

Grooming is not a factor for guardians of medium coat dogs. In fact, their manageable fur hold a certain appeal for those unenthused by the idea of regular preening. You’ll still have to brush, but not to the extent that longer haired dogs require. 

Their shorter coats also set them up quite comfortably for summer. Smooth and dense, medium coats are well suited for swimming. Get used to their appearance; these dogs should look the same in summer as they do in winter. 

Short: Rottweiler, Whippet, Pug, Greyhound 

Short the fur may be, but you’ll find plenty of it around the house as the seasons change. Short-haired dogs can be heavy shedders, so be ready with a brush as summer approaches. 

Fortunately, the short fur is an ideal swimsuit, so keeping your dog cool when the mercury rises is as simple as a trip to the beach or even getting the hose out. And when the fur’s this short, a styled trim would only end up embarrassing both of you. 

Cats

Ever tried to bathe a cat? If so, you may recall it was a thankless endeavour, powerfully unappreciated by its recipient and swiftly regretted by all involved. All of this applies to feline haircuts. 

There are fewer types of coats among cats. The lack of variation is apparently nature’s way of deterring cat carers from even attempting a haircut. 

Long: Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll 

Part of the appeal of a long-haired cat is their stunning appearance. This is largely down to the flowing fur, which also serves another purpose in hotter weather: it helps regulate your cat’s body temperature. 

Just as you wouldn’t bathe a long-haired cat (leave it to them), there’s no need to trim a long coat in summer. The best thing you can do is brush, brush, brush: a clean, well-maintained coat can look after itself when temperatures soar, and you can help by providing fresh water and a cool place to hang out.

Curly: LaPerm, Selkirk Rex, Cornish Rex 

Summer discomfort for curly-haired cats means matted fur that can’t breathe. You can combat this by regular brushing, which has the added benefit of keeping natural oils flowing, thereby boosting the skin’s health. Knots and tangles are also common, but professional grooming can help keep things manageable – don’t try this at home. 

The occasional bath is also good for a curly coat, as long as you use cats-only shampoo and conditioner and dry the coat completely to prevent further matting. They’ll love you for it.

Short: Domestic Shorthair, Russian Blue, Bengal 

The promise of easy management offered by a short-haired coat is dashed in the lead up to summer. Shedding will increase, so regular brushing will keep coats smooth and healthy, reduce hairballs and keep your furniture from growing a coat of its own. 

You might consider a professional groomer not for a cute trim, but to handle other summer maintenance tasks better left to the experts such as nail clipping and bathing, all of which will help your cat stay cool on hot days.  

Hairless: Sphynx, Peterbald 

As any good hairdresser will tell you, you can take hair off but you can’t put it back on. Such is life for the hairless cat, which along with its canine counterpart faces unique challenges in summertime. 

Owners should accept that the default look of hairless breeds is as summery as it’s going to get, and instead think about ways to reduce the sun’s harm. Cat-friendly sunscreen or clothes are vital for any outdoor activity, while regular bathing – which could be as simple as a damp cloth – removes nasty oil build-up and keeps moisture levels high. 

When a summer cut makes sense 

Summer haircuts aren’t right for every pet, but every pet has an approach to summer that’s right for them. Breed-specific grooming advice from your vet will go a long way to making sure your cat or dog is comfortable amid dry heat or stifling humidity. 

For most pets, the natural temperature regulation system built into their coats will go a long way towards keeping them cool in summer. Dogs more than cats will benefit from a cut leading up to the scorching end of the year, but if you must trim, consult a professional groomer and your vet. Remember, it’s about comfort, not appearance.

Shaving: no or NO? 

No. Just no. Going for the shaved look exposes your pet’s skin to harsh UV rays and disrupts the cooling service their coats are trying to provide. Just with excessive treats, you may think a shave is helping, but it is a hindrance and should be discouraged.

Summer care: beyond the barber 

Instead, consider ways to cool off that don’t require fur removal. Frozen treats are always a winner, as are fresh water, cool or damp mats and elevated beds for better air flow. When you’re going outside, stay in the shade and avoid the middle of the day. If the ground’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for paws.  

The final cut

The temptation to sculpt your cat or dog for summer is great, but resist. Summer’s spears are many: a high temperature day and high humidity are not the same, and can affect pets in different yet equally deadly ways. Look for the symptoms of overheating – excessive panting and drooling, overly red gums or tongue, lethargy – and seek urgent veterinary attention at the first sign. 

By prioritising wellbeing over appearance, using common sense, practical thinking and professional advice, you can find the optimal way to keep your pets cool all summer long.