Seasonal Dog Grooming Tips for Summer
Summer in Eastbourne is glorious — long sunny walks along the seafront, lazy afternoons at Hampden Park, and plenty of time outdoors with your best furry mate. But warmer weather brings its own grooming challenges. Here's how to keep your dog looking and feeling brilliant all season long.
Why Summer Grooming Matters
It's not just about keeping your dog looking cute (although that's a lovely bonus). Proper summer grooming helps regulate body temperature, protects against sunburn, and keeps nasty parasites at bay. Think of it as your dog's seasonal self-care routine — with you doing all the work, obviously.
"A well-groomed coat doesn't just look good — it acts as natural insulation, protecting your dog from both heat and harmful UV rays."
Keep Them Cool (Not Shaved)
One of the biggest summer grooming myths? That shaving your dog's coat will cool them down. For many breeds, especially double-coated dogs like Huskies, Golden Retrievers and Border Collies, their coat actually helps regulate temperature. Shaving it off can leave them more vulnerable to sunburn and overheating.
- Brush regularly to remove loose undercoat and improve airflow
- Use a deshedding tool for thick or double coats
- Trim — don't shave — longer-haired breeds to keep things manageable
- Keep the fur around paws and ears neatly clipped to prevent matting
- Ask your groomer for a breed-appropriate summer cut
Sun Protection for Dogs
Yes, dogs can get sunburnt — particularly those with light-coloured coats, thin fur, or pink skin around the nose and ears. Eastbourne can serve up some properly sunny days from May right through September, so it's worth being prepared.
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas like the nose, ear tips and belly
- Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
- Provide shaded rest spots during outdoor time
- Consider a lightweight UV-protective dog vest for very fair-skinned pups
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming or rolling in the grass
The Parasite Problem
Warm weather means fleas, ticks and other unwelcome visitors are out in full force. Eastbourne's green spaces — from the Downs to Shinewater Park — are wonderful for walkies, but they're also prime tick territory. Regular grooming is your first line of defence.
| Parasite | Where to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas | Base of tail, belly, behind ears | Tiny dark specks (flea dirt), excessive scratching |
| Ticks | Head, neck, ears, paws | Small round lumps attached to the skin |
| Mites | Ears, elbows, ankles | Redness, flaking skin, persistent itching |
| Harvest mites | Paws, legs, belly | Tiny orange dots, chewing at feet |
After every walk, give your dog a quick once-over. Run your hands through their coat and check between toes, inside ears and under the chin. A fine-toothed flea comb is brilliant for spotting anything suspicious early on.
Bathing and Coat Care
Summer means more swimming, more mud (we do love mud, after all), and more general outdoor grubbiness. But resist the urge to bathe your dog too frequently — over-washing strips natural oils and can leave the skin dry and irritated.
- Bathe every 4–6 weeks unless they've rolled in something truly unspeakable
- Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo — never human products
- Rinse thoroughly after sea swims to remove salt
- Dry ears properly after any water exposure to prevent infections
- Condition the coat if it's looking dry or coarse
Paw Care in the Heat
Hot pavements can burn your dog's paw pads faster than you'd think. If the tarmac is too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for their feet. Keep paw fur trimmed, check for cracks or blisters, and stick to grassy or shaded routes during the warmest hours.
A Simple Summer Grooming Routine
- Brush your dog every 2–3 days to manage shedding and check for parasites
- Inspect ears weekly — warm weather increases the risk of ear infections
- Trim nails regularly, as softer ground means less natural wear
- Clean eyes gently to remove any pollen or debris
- Book a professional groom at the start and midpoint of summer
Enjoy the Season
Summer should be fun for both of you. With a solid grooming routine in place, your dog can enjoy everything the Eastbourne sunshine has to offer — comfortably, safely, and looking absolutely smashing. And if they do find a lovely muddy puddle on the Downs? Well, that's what we're here for.