Smart Dog Grooming Tips for the Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and for many people in the U.S., that means rising temperatures and more outdoor time! And of course, more trips to the dog park means more baths for your pup. Here are some smart dog grooming tips to follow for the summer season. 

Bathe in Your Backyard

The nice thing about summertime is that you can use the sources you have - your own backyard - to bathe your dog! This is much less messy than a bath in your tub and more convenient than a bath at the local store or groomer's. You can use your hose and different types of attachment heads to wash your dog easily.

Get a Summer Haircut

Just as you might cut your hair shorter for the summer, you should consider getting your dog's hair cut for the summer. Many dogs with long hair or thick hair can get easily overheated in the summertime, so be sure to talk to your vet or groomer about the ideal haircut for the summer.

Wipe and Dry Your Pup's Ears

If water sits inside your dog's ears, it can cause infections or swimmer's ear. Be sure that when you wash your dog's ears, that you clean them out and dry them afterwards so that water doesn't stay inside their ears. 

Things to Avoid

Here are some thing you should be sure to avoid when grooming your dog in the summer:

• Overbathing - While your dog might get muddier in the summer, be sure not to wash them too much. Bathing your pup excessively (more than once a week, typically) can dry out their skin or cause them irritation. 
• Washing Away Tick/Flea Treatment - Be sure to wait at least 48 hours after applying flea or tick treatment until you wash your dog. Bathing your dog too soon after a flea or tick treatment can cause the treatment to be ineffective. 
• Grass-Killing Shampoo - If you are washing your pup outside, be sure to use grass-friendly shampoo for you pup. Some shampoos and conditioners can cause damage to your grass and can kill healthy grass. 

Now, get ready to have some summer fun!