One of the questions we get more than almost any other is: "Should I do anything differently with my dog's grooming in summer?" The honest answer is — probably yes, but it depends on your dog. Let's walk through the seasons and what actually makes a difference.
Spring: Managing the Coat Blow
For double-coated breeds — think German Shepherds, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Corgis — spring is when the shedding season really gets going. The undercoat, which kept your dog warm through winter, starts coming out in chunks. If you've got a husky, you already know what we're talking about. If you have a Golden Retriever and you've never experienced a spring coat blow, brace yourself.
The most practical things you can do during this period:
- Increase brushing frequency — daily during peak shedding, even for breeds you normally brush once a week
- Book a deshedding treatment — a professional deshedding service with the right tools can remove a significant amount of dead undercoat in one session
- Don't skip baths — a good bath and blow-out helps loosen the dead coat and makes brushing afterward much more effective
It's also worth checking in on ear health in spring. Dogs who spend time outdoors in tall grass or near water can pick up debris and moisture in the ear canal. If your dog is shaking their head more than usual or there's an unusual odor around the ears, it's worth having it checked.
Summer: Heat, Hydration, and What to Do About That Coat
The most common summer grooming question we get: "Should I shave my dog to keep them cool?"
For single-coated breeds (Poodles, Maltese, Yorkies, most terriers), a shorter summer trim makes sense. It's manageable, appropriate for the coat type, and can genuinely help in the heat.
For double-coated breeds, the answer is more nuanced. The double coat isn't just for warmth — it also acts as insulation against heat and as protection against sunburn. Shaving a Husky or a Golden Retriever down to the skin removes those protective layers. The coat that grows back may not come in the same way, and the risk of sunburn goes up significantly for outdoor dogs.
What we generally recommend for double-coated breeds in summer: regular deshedding and brushing to keep the coat light and airy, and avoiding leaving the dog outside in direct heat during peak hours. A well-maintained double coat actually regulates temperature reasonably well.
Paw Care in Summer
Hot pavement is worth taking seriously. If you can't hold your hand flat on the pavement for five seconds comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Summer walks are best done in the early morning or evening. If your dog does walk on hot surfaces, check the paw pads afterward for redness or cracking.
Some dogs develop dry, cracked paw pads in summer — particularly those who spend time on hot pavement or pool decks. A pet-safe paw balm can help. Ask us during your next appointment and we can take a look at the pad condition and give you a recommendation.
Hydration Affects Coat Health
This one often gets overlooked: coat condition is partly a reflection of overall health, and dehydration shows up in the coat and skin over time. Make sure fresh water is available at all times, and consider whether your dog is drinking enough during hot weather. A dull, flaky coat can sometimes point to insufficient hydration or a dietary deficiency — worth mentioning to your vet if you notice a change.
Fall: The Second Shedding Season
Most double-coated breeds go through a second, often lighter, shedding period in fall as the summer coat gives way to the denser winter undercoat. The approach is similar to spring: more brushing, a deshedding treatment if needed, and keeping up with coat maintenance so the new undercoat grows in cleanly.
Fall is also a good time to check for foxtails if you live near hiking trails or open fields. Foxtails are dry grass seed heads that can work their way into a dog's coat and skin. They're most common in late summer and early fall in California. Check between toes, inside ears, and around the muzzle after off-leash hikes.
Fall can bring increased environmental allergens, and some dogs are sensitive to them. If you notice your dog scratching more, licking paws, or developing skin irritation around the same time each year, mention it to your vet. Allergies often show up in skin and coat health before other symptoms appear.
Winter: Dry Air, Coats, and Paw Salt
Southern California winters are mild, but indoor heating can dry out a dog's skin more than you'd expect. If you run the heat regularly, the air in your home can get quite dry — which affects both coat condition and skin moisture.
A few things worth doing in winter:
- Keep up with regular brushing — dry air can increase static and tangles, especially for longer-coated breeds
- Consider a conditioning treatment if your dog's coat seems dull or the skin looks flaky
- Adjust bath frequency slightly if needed — over-bathing in winter can strip natural oils from an already-dry coat
Paw Care in Cold or Wet Weather
While we don't have heavy snow in Laguna Hills, some dog owners do take their pets to mountain areas where road salt and ice melters are used. These products can irritate paw pads. If your dog is exposed to salted roads, rinse or wipe the paws after walks.
For dogs with heavily feathered feet (Spaniels, Collies, etc.), keeping the hair between the paw pads trimmed short in wet weather prevents mud and debris from packing in and causing discomfort.
Year-Round Habits That Make Seasonal Changes Easier
A few consistent habits make seasonal transitions easier on both you and your pet:
- Regular nail trims — every 3–4 weeks for most dogs. Long nails affect how a dog distributes weight when walking, which compounds in winter and summer when paws are under extra stress.
- Consistent ear cleaning — especially for floppy-eared breeds. Once a week or every other week prevents buildup.
- Routine professional grooms — even short-coated breeds benefit from a professional bath, blow-out, and nail trim every 8–12 weeks.
A Note on Coat Products
If you're maintaining your dog's coat between professional visits, it's worth using products designed for pets rather than repurposing human shampoo or conditioner. The pH of dog skin is different from human skin, and human products can disrupt the skin barrier over time. When in doubt about what to use at home, ask during your appointment — we're happy to recommend what's worked for similar coat types.