As a pet owner, one key part of caring for your furry friend is grooming! Grooming helps your pet not only look their best but also keeps their skin and fur healthy. The hot summer temperatures require different grooming techniques to keep your best friend’s coat in show-quality shape. Here at Temple Heights Animal Hospital, we’ve put together a list of summertime grooming do’s and don’ts for your furry pal!
DO: Brush and bathe your pet as usual
Although your furry friend has likely shed their winter coat by now, regular brushing and bathing is still a must, to help remove dead hair and dry skin. Brushing also disperses your pet’s natural skin oils, which further protects them from the harsh sun. Without routine brushing, dead hair will accumulate, and form mats, tightening the hair coat down to the skin and obstructing airflow. To keep your fluffy pal cool and comfortable, brush regularly, and bathe as needed.
DON’T: Shave your thick-coated pet
Shaving thick-coated pets with plush double coats in the summer seems logical, to offer cooling relief, but your pet’s coat is designed to protect them from the heat and harmful UV rays. Never shave double-coated breeds, such as Siberian Huskies or collies, and always check first with our veterinarian before shaving your pet. If you shave too close to the skin, you put your furry pal at risk for sunburn, and cats who are not protected from UV rays are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. Simply brushing your thick-coated pet frequently to remove dead hair is best, to keep them cool.
DO: Clean your pet’s ears after swimming
Your pooch may like to cool off in your pool all summer long, but keep a close eye on their ears. Floppy ears trap water, and the warm, moist environment is a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, which can lead to painful ear infections. After each swimming session, clean your pet’s ears with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser that contains a drying agent.
Did you forget to dry your pooch’s ears after a dip in the pool? Contact us and we will help you battle that stinky ear infection!