In the summertime, one of the best things you can do for your pup is stay on top of their coat care. Keeping your dog's coat healthy in the summer comes down to a few consistent habits: regular brushing, smart bathing, sun protection, and knowing what your dog's specific coat actually needs.

The hot, sunny months bring extra shedding, more outdoor dirt, and a higher risk of skin irritation, but with the right routine, you can keep your pup's fur clean, shiny, and comfortable all season long. Here are some tips to get you started:

Brush Your Dog Regularly

If there's one thing you should do more of in summer, it's brush your dog. Warm weather speeds up shedding, and all that loose fur can get trapped against your pup's skin if you're not staying on top of it. Regular brushing helps remove dead fur, prevents matting, and helps your dog's natural oils spread evenly through their coat, keeping it looking healthy rather than dull and patchy.

How often you brush your dog depends on their coat. Short-haired dogs like Beagles and Boxers do well with a quick weekly brush using a rubber curry brush. Long-haired breeds need attention every 2 to 3 days, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail, which mat faster than anywhere else. If your dog has a thick undercoat, a de-shedding tool used a few times a week makes a huge difference in keeping them comfortable.

Even five minutes of daily brushing helps. It keeps loose fur from building up and gives you a chance to spot anything unusual on their skin early.

Know Your Dog's Coat Type

A lot of people assume shaving their dog in the summer will help keep them cool, but depending on your dog's coat type, it can actually do the opposite.

Double-Coated Breeds

Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds have two layers of fur: a dense undercoat and a protective outer layer. That outer layer actually shields them from the sun and helps regulate their body temperature. Shaving it off removes that protection and can interfere with how their coat grows back. For these dogs, the better move is regular de-shedding to thin out the undercoat and allow better airflow.

Single-coated breeds

Single-coated breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises can benefit from a summer trim, but they generally shouldn't be shaved all the way down either. A professional groomer can recommend the right length based on your dog's breed and lifestyle.

When in doubt, ask a professional groomer before picking up the clippers. What looks like a quick fix can sometimes create more problems than it solves.

Keep Your Dog Out of Direct Sun on Hot Days

Just like you, your dog can get sunburned and overheated if they spend too long in direct sunlight. On hot days, try to keep walks and outdoor time to early morning or late evening, when the ground is cooler, and the sun isn't at its peak.

Signs that your dog is getting too hot include:

Excessive panting
Drooling
Lethargy
Weakness

If you notice any of these, get your pup into a shaded or cool area right away, offer fresh water, and if symptoms don't improve quickly, contact your vet.

Whether you're in the backyard or out on a trail, always have shade and water available. A few simple adjustments to your routine go a long way in keeping your dog safe and comfortable.

Protect Your Pup's Skin With Dog-Safe Sunscreen

If your dog has a light-colored coat, thin fur, or exposed skin around their nose and ears, sunscreen isn't optional; it's necessary. Dogs can get sunburned just like people can, and repeated sun exposure can lead to skin irritation and damage over time.

Always use sunscreen made specifically for dogs. Human sunscreen often contains zinc oxide or other ingredients toxic to dogs if licked off. Apply it to the nose, ear tips, belly, and any other areas where the fur is thin or the skin is exposed. Reapply if your dog has been swimming or sweating.

Bathe Your Dog Regularly

More time outside means more dirt, pollen, and debris working its way into your dog's coat. Regular baths during the summer help clear all of that out and keep their skin healthy underneath.

However, too many baths can strip your dog's coat of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to irritation. Most dogs do well with a bath every 2 to 4 weeks, but your dog's activity level and coat type will play a role in what's right for them.

When you do bathe your pup, use a gentle dog-safe shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo residue can cause itching and skin issues, so take your time with the rinse, especially on dogs with thick or double coats.

Rinse Your Pup After Outdoor Adventures

Full baths aren't always necessary after every outdoor outing, but a quick rinse can make a real difference. Lake water, pool chlorine, ocean salt, and trail dust can all irritate your dog's skin and dull their coat if left to sit on them.

After swimming or a muddy hike, rinse your dog off with lukewarm water and pay extra attention to the belly, paws, and legs where debris tends to collect. Once they're dry, give their coat a light brush to prevent tangles, especially important for dogs with longer or curlier fur that tends to hold moisture.

This is also a good time to do a quick tick check. Summer outdoor adventures increase exposure, so run your hands through your dog's fur and check their ears, paws, and around the collar after every trip outside.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

A well-hydrated dog has a healthier coat. Dehydration shows up in your pup's fur before it shows up anywhere else, often as dryness, brittleness, or excess shedding.

Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water, especially when you're spending time outside, especially in the summer. On particularly hot days, toss a few ice cubes in their bowl to keep it cool longer. If your dog isn't naturally a big drinker, a pet water fountain can help encourage them to drink more throughout the day.

Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy This Summer With Camp Bow Wow

With regular brushing, the right bathing routine, and a little extra attention to their coat type, you can help your pup stay comfortable and protected no matter how hot the summer gets.

Summer means more adventures, more outdoor time, and more opportunities for your pup to get into all kinds of fun. At Camp Bow Wow, we provide fun a dog daycare and boarding experience where your dog can burn off energy in a safe, supervised play environment while you check off your to-do list.

And when their coat needs a little extra TLC after a season full of activity, our add-on grooming services are here to help keep them clean, comfortable, and looking their best when you pick them up. Find your local Camp today!

Summer Dog Grooming Tips: How to Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy

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