Now that summer is here, you are probably spending more time outdoors with your dog. But time in the sun, water and dirt can have an effect on your dog’s coat and their comfort.
The American Kennel Club offers these tips for taking care of your dog’s coat this summer.
Brushing. From reduced shedding to having a cleaner coat, brushing your dog regularly has many benefits. It is also a great way to keep your dog cool, while giving you an opportunity to spot any irregularities on their skin such as infections, allergies, fleas or ticks. Your dog’s coat will determine the time spent brushing them. Double-coated dogs often require additional time. It is important to get your dog comfortable with brushing by exposing them to it in all positions (lying down, sitting, standing), introducing them to the sound of the razor, and starting off slowly. Always remember to be gentle and pick the right tools for your pup’s coat.
Bathing. Dogs do not require the same bathing schedule as humans. In fact, daily baths aren’t necessary or even good for dogs. So when you do bathe your dog, your regime is very important. Before you even start, removing dead hair and mats is a crucial step. Once in the bath, work from the neck down and be careful of your dog’s eyes, ears and mouth. Be particularly careful not to get water in your dog’s ears; put a dry cotton ball carefully at the top of the ear canal and use ear cleaning solutions before and after bathing. Always use shampoos formulated specifically for dogs and rinse thoroughly.
Hair cuts. Summer hair cuts are a good idea. Be sure not to cut your dog’s hair too short though! It acts as an insulator and without it they are susceptible to heat stroke and sunburn. It is advisable to purchase a professional pair of clippers or scissors and to only use the tips of the scissors when trimming around the face, feet and tail.
Clipping nails. Nail trimming is another essential part of summer grooming. Be sure you have the right tools, along with styptic powder in case you cut too far down. A good tip to prevent this is to cut little by little until you see a solid black dot on the tip. It is also a good idea to get your dog used to the sounds of whatever tool you are using.
AKC S.A.F.E Grooming Program. The American Kennel Club has designed the AKC S.A.F.E (Safety, Assurance, Fundamentals, Education) Grooming Program to support the grooming industry’s self-regulated effort through education.
For more tips on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.