05/29/2026
Cool Coat, Happy Dog
1. De-shed double coats instead of shaving them, and if a single coat is clipped for summer comfort, leave protective coat length rather than shaving to the skin.
2. Brush before every bath and increase summer brush-outs with coat-matched tools: slicker + comb for double/curly coats, undercoat rake for dense undercoat, pin/metal comb for long silky coats, and rubber/bristle tools for short coats.
3. Set bath frequency by coat, activity, and skin status; monthly is a reasonable starting point for many dogs, while active or allergy-prone dogs may need more frequent baths.
4. Keep summer drying heat-safe by using high-velocity or forced-air dryers on cool/low settings, drying dense or curly coats completely, and scheduling heavy coats, flat-faced dogs, seniors, or medically fragile dogs in the coolest part of the day.
5. Make every summer groom a skin-and-parasite exam: check ears, toes, under the collar, armpits, tail, and groin; brush/bathe to reduce pollen and flea load
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