During the dog days of summer, heat exhaustion is more common in pets because their fur acts as insulation. Proper dog grooming combats the effects of rising temperatures during the hottest months of the year. Below is a helpful guide to keeping your furry friend cool during the summertime with a few simple grooming methods.

At-Home Care

You will make your dog very happy by brushing its coat regularly to remove dead skin and excess hair. This routine increases air circulation close to the skin, keeping your pup cooler. Short-haired dogs will benefit from being brushed two to three times per week, but medium- and long-haired dogs will experience less matting and additional comfort with daily brushing.

The best dog grooming tools for handling thick hair is a sturdy brush or long-toothed comb. Dogs with shorter hair respond best with a firm rubber brush. Additionally, if your pet will be outside often, apply sunscreen to areas of the skin that will be exposed to the sun. You can find all of these products at your local pet store.

Professional Dog Grooming & Haircuts

If your pet has a thick coat, a nice trim or shave is the perfect remedy to beat the summer heat. Check with a veterinarian or groomer to see if your four-legged buddy would benefit from shaving. Some breeds have a double layer that can be ruined by shaving. If your pet is getting a haircut, remind the groomer to leave an inch or more of fur on your dog to protect them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and keep them warm when the temperature drops at night.

Keeping your pet cool in the summer is easy when you practice a regular dog grooming regimen. At Robinwood Kennel, your pet will receive the highest care and attention at their new home away from home. The family-owned kennel offers grooming, pet boarding, and dog day care services for residents throughout Highland Heights, KY, and the greater Cincinnati, OH, area. Call (859) 781-2352 to speak with owners Joe, Carol, or Peggy, and visit their website for more information.