Let’s face it, dogs will forever and always smell like … dogs. No matter how much we try to keep them smelling flowery and fresh, it’s only a matter of time until that good ol’ smelly scent makes its way back and it’s time for another trip to the groomer. As the summer months approach, our team at Dog Gone Amazing hears a lot of conversation about the dos and don’ts of dog grooming in Reno: Does my dog need a haircut? What about his nails? How often do I have him groomed? Well, in this post we’d like to shed some light on the topic of summer grooming for your favorite pooch.
Should I trim my dog’s fur in the summer?
This is by far the most common and often most misunderstood question our staff hears. Surprisingly, the answer is not always yes. Some breeds will benefit from being shaved in the summer; however, dogs’ coats act as a natural cooling system too, keeping them cool through their insulation.
Rather than chopping it all off in hopes of helping your dog beat the heat, we recommend brushing your dog’s coat more often throughout the summer to help reduce the thick, winter undercoat that many dogs develop through the Reno winter months. Trimming too much of your dog’s coat can also result in sunburns and other skin problems, so be sure to do some research and talk to your veterinarian or groomer before choosing to help your dog along the shedding process.
How often should I bathe my dog?
As we mentioned in the beginning, dogs will perpetually smell like dogs. During the summer months they are more active and many dogs spend more time outside exposed to plants, brushes and grass. Bathing your dog more often during the summer keeps their coat slick and clean, helping them stay cool. Additionally, choosing shampoos that act as a natural pest repellent or moisturizer will keep Roscoe free of fleas and dry, itchy skin.
Should I trim my dog’s nails more during the summer?
Simply put, yes. Your dog’s nails can break, splinter and fracture more often during the summer because most dogs are very active. However, taking care of your dog’s nails doesn’t mean trimming more of the nail; rather, trimming your dog’s nails more frequently. Don’t forget to use treats and some high quality nail clippers to make the process as enjoyable as possible for your dog.
Summer is an important time for dog grooming in Reno. The weather is hot and dry, leading many folks to spend more time outside engaged in physical activity. Keep your dog cool, comfortable and groomed to paw-fection with these tips from the team at Dog Gone Amazing. If you have further questions about your dog’s specific grooming needs, we recommend the experts dog groomers over at Dog Spaw. You can find their dog grooming in Reno website here, tell them Dog Gone mazing sent ya!