Summer Grooming for Dogs: Why a Trim (Not a Shave) is the Right Call

Every summer, well-meaning dog parents make the same mistake. Their dog is panting in the heat, looking miserable, and the logic seems obvious: all that fur must be making them hotter. So off to the groomer they go, with one instruction — shave it all off. 

It feels like the kind thing to do. It's not. 

Shaving your dog in summer is one of the most common warm-weather misconceptions in pet care, and it can actually do more harm than good. Understanding why requires a quick look at how your dog's coat actually works — and once you do, the right approach becomes very clear. 

Your dog's fur isn't just for warmth in winter. It's a year-round thermoregulation system — one that took thousands of years of evolution to develop. Here's what it's actually doing: 

Insulation goes both ways. Just as a coat traps warmth in winter, it also acts as a barrier against external heat in summer. The fur creates a layer of air between the skin and the outside environment, slowing down how quickly heat penetrates from the outside. 

Protection from sunburn. Dogs can and do get sunburned — especially on areas with thinner or lighter fur. Shaving removes this natural UV protection entirely, leaving your dog's skin directly exposed to harsh Indian summer sun. 

Moisture regulation. The coat helps manage how quickly moisture evaporates from the skin. Removing it disrupts this balance and can lead to dry, irritated skin. 

When you shave your dog's coat down to the skin, you're not just removing fur — you're dismantling a system that's doing exactly what it was designed to do. 

Did you know? Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds have two distinct layers of fur — a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat. Shaving a double-coated dog doesn't just affect appearance; it can permanently alter how their coat grows back, leading to a condition called "post-clipping alopecia" where the coat never returns to its original texture or function. 

Things to Look Out for After a Shave (If It's Already Happened) 

If your dog has already been shaved this summer, don't panic — but do keep a close eye out for: 

• Redness or irritation on exposed skin 

• Scratching or licking at the skin more than usual 

• Sunburn (look for pink or red patches, especially on the back and nose) 

• Unusual shedding patterns as the coat grows back 

• Increased sensitivity to heat despite having less fur 

If you notice any of these, speak to the Vets at Zigly for advice on how to support your dog's skin and coat through the regrowth period. 

The Right Call? A Trim.

A proper summer trim keeps your dog comfortable without stripping away their natural protection. The goal is to reduce the bulk and weight of the coat — particularly in areas that tend to mat or trap heat — while leaving enough length to preserve the coat's insulating and protective functions. 

Here's what a good summer trim typically involves:

Thinning the Undercoat

For double-coated breeds, the undercoat is where most of the heat gets trapped. A professional groomer can use thinning shears or an undercoat rake to significantly reduce density without shortening the topcoat. This allows better airflow through the coat while keeping the protective outer layer intact. The difference in your dog's comfort level after a thorough deshedding session can be remarkable. 

Trimming Problem Areas

Certain areas of the body tend to mat more easily in summer — behind the ears, under the armpits, around the collar area, and between the paw pads. Matted fur traps heat and moisture, leading to skin irritation and sometimes infection. A good groomer will address these spots specifically, trimming for hygiene and comfort rather than appearance alone. 

Paw Pad Tidying 

The fur between your dog's paw pads grows continuously and can trap debris, dirt, and moisture — particularly relevant in summer when dogs are walking on hot, sometimes wet surfaces. Keeping this area neatly trimmed improves grip, reduces discomfort, and lowers the risk of interdigital cysts and infections. 

Sanitary Trim

The fur around your dog's rear end should be kept short year-round, but especially in summer. Heat and humidity make this area more prone to bacterial buildup. A clean sanitary trim is a basic but important part of summer grooming. 

How Often Should You Groom in Summer?

More often than you think. Summer grooming isn't a one-time fix — it's a routine. Here's a rough guide: 

• Brushing at home: 2–3 times a week for short-coated breeds, daily for long-coated or double-coated breeds. Use tools from the Furpro collection for regular brushing to remove loose fur, prevent mats, and promote airflow through the coat. 

• Professional grooming sessions: Every 4–6 weeks during summer for most breeds. High-maintenance coats or dogs prone to matting may need sessions every 3 weeks. 

• Paw pad checks: Weekly. Use trimmers for the fur between pads as needed and check for cracking, redness, or debris. 

• Ear cleaning: Every 2–3 weeks. Humidity increases the risk of ear infections in summer, particularly in floppy-eared breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Labradors. 

Book your grooming appointments in advance during summer — slots at good groomers fill up quickly during peak months. Regular appointments also mean your groomer gets familiar with your dog's coat and specific needs over time. 

Breed Matters: Grooming Isn't One-Size-Fits-All 

Different coats have different summer needs. Here's a quick breakdown: 

Short-coated breeds (Beagle, Dobermann, Dalmatian): Minimal trimming needed, but regular brushing to manage shedding and a good bath routine go a long way. These breeds benefit most from deshedding gloves and short bristle brushes. 

Long-coated breeds (Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Maltese): These coats mat quickly in humidity. A summer trim that brings the coat to a manageable length — not a shave — is ideal. Many owners opt for a "puppy cut" which keeps the coat uniformly shorter and easier to maintain. 

Double-coated breeds (Husky, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labrador): As mentioned, never shave these breeds. Focus on regular deshedding to remove the dense undercoat. A professional deshedding treatment once a month during summer can dramatically reduce shedding at home and improve your dog's comfort. 

Wire-coated breeds (Dachshund, Schnauzer, Terriers): These coats require hand-stripping rather than clipping to maintain proper texture. A professional groomer familiar with wire coats is essential here. 

Curly-coated breeds (Poodle, Goldendoodle, Cocker Spaniel): These coats don't shed the same way and require regular clipping to prevent matting. A shorter clip in summer is appropriate and helps with airflow, but again — not a full shave. 

At-Home Grooming: What You Can Do Between Appointments

Professional grooming is important, but what you do at home between sessions matters just as much. 

Use the right brush for your dog's coat type — a slicker brush for longer coats, a rubber deshedding glove for short coats, and an undercoat rake for double-coated breeds. Brushing removes loose fur, distributes natural oils, and prevents matting before it starts. 

During summer, dogs may need more frequent baths — every 2–3 weeks rather than monthly. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo that won't strip the coat of its natural oils. After bathing, ensure your dog is thoroughly dried, (use dryers and towels) especially in skin folds and under the ears, where moisture can cause fungal infections. 

Summer walks mean more exposure to grass seeds, insects, and debris that can get lodged in the fur. A quick once-over after every outing prevents small problems from becoming bigger ones. 

Never use human grooming products on your dog. Human shampoos and conditioners have a different pH balance and can disrupt your dog's skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation — especially in summer heat. 

Quick Checklist for Summer Grooming 

• Professional trim (not shave) booked before peak summer heat 

• Undercoat deshedding done for double-coated breeds 

• Brushing routine in place — 2–3 times weekly minimum 

• Paw pad fur trimmed and checked weekly 

• Ears cleaned every 2–3 weeks 

• Summer-appropriate, dog-specific shampoo in use 

• Dog thoroughly dried after every bath 

• Coat checked after every outdoor outing 

• Grooming appointments pre-booked through the season 

Your dog's coat is doing a lot of quiet, invisible work to keep them comfortable this summer. The best thing you can do is work with it, not against it. A thoughtful trim, a consistent brushing routine, and regular professional sessions are all it takes to keep your dog looking good and feeling better through even the hottest months.