How to Prepare for Summer for Thick-Coated Dogs

Temperatures are steadily rising, leading many pet owners to wonder how they can make summer more comfortable for dogs with thick coats. Some may understandably think that shaving their dog is the best way to keep him cool, but for dogs with thick coats, it can do more harm than good.

While their thick coat is designed to keep them warm in cold weather, they also protect their sensitive skin from the sun and allow them to more easily regulate their temperature. But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t benefit from a little extra help keeping cool during the summer months!

Commit to regular grooming at home

Thick-coated dogs have what are called “double coats,” which means they have a soft, fluffy undercoat and a harsh top coat. These work together to insulate your pup so they stay warm in inclement weather, but in the summer months they can trap too much heat.

The top coat sheds throughout the year, but the undercoat only sheds seasonally and requires regular grooming to effectively remove it. In the spring and summer, you’ll want to groom your dog every few days with a special raking tool, like the Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush this will help remove the undercoat. Once removed, your pet will be able to better regulate its heat on the hottest days.

Book your grooming appointments in advance

When it comes to keeping dogs with thick coats cool in the summer, home grooming is only half the battle. You will also want to make an appointment with a professional groomer every four weeks. The raking you do at home, followed by a bath and a strong hair dryer at the groomers, will help the soft undercoat separate from the coarse topcoat. This will allow the groomer to thin out the undercoat more easily.

Look for alternative exercise options

There will be days in the summer when it is just too hot for your pet to safely exercise outside. To make sure your pup doesn’t miss his exercise these days, it helps to have ideas for alternative exercise options prepared in advance. Some ideas include:

• Indoor dog park: A growing number of cities are offering indoor dog parks that pet owners can use as an alternative to traditional outdoor parks. Some require a reservation, so be sure to check if this is the case for yours.
• Stagger their exercise hours: In hot weather, the best time to walk your dog is before sunrise or after sunset. During these times the air will be cooler so you don’t have to worry about direct sunlight and there’s no risk of your pup burning their paws on hot concrete.
• Get creative with your interior space: If you have to skip regular outdoor exercise for your pup, see what you can do indoors. If your house or building has stairs, you can run up and down a few flights for a short but intense workout. You can also play an extended game of fetch, hide-and-seek, or any other game that requires your dog to run around your house.

Invest in cooling devices and toys

In addition to proper grooming and adjusting their exercise routine, there are a number of products on the market designed to keep pets cool.

• Added a cooling pad above their normal bed: The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat is pressure activated, providing cooling relief when your pet lays on it and the gel inside the pad automatically “recharges” after 15-20 minutes of non-use.
• Put on a cooling vest when outdoors: The Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest contains a fabric that retains water and evaporates slowly when exposed to direct sunlight. This helps your pet stay cool and allows them to better regulate their temperature outdoors.
• Have fun with frozen treats: Chew King Chill Fill toy lets you make your own frozen treats. Just add a handful of your pup’s favorite Freshpet recipe, add a cup of water, pop it in the freezer, and within hours they’ll have a delicious treat to cool off with!

Know the signs of heat stroke in dogs

The final, and perhaps most important, way to prepare for summer with a thick-haired puppy is to learn the signs of heat stroke in dogs. When you go out in the summer, keep an eye out to make sure your dog doesn’t start displaying any of these behaviors:

• heavy gasping
• Drool
• Vomiting
• Imbalance
• Lethargy

If they begin to display any of these signs, immediately take them to a shady area and pour cool – but not cold – water and offer them small amounts of water to drink. As soon as his breathing returns to normal, take him immediately to the vet for a full checkup.

Taking the time to prepare your thick-haired dog for summer will ensure that it’s an enjoyable season for everyone. If you have any other questions or concerns about your pet’s health in hot weather, talk to your veterinarian.