Summer grooming isn't about shaving the coat down — that often makes things worse. It's about managing what nature already built.
Brush more, bathe smartly
Extra brushing removes the dead undercoat that traps heat. Bathing too often, however, strips the natural oils that protect the skin. Stick to the schedule your coat type needs.
Check feet, ears, and folds
Pavement scorches paw pads, water trapped in ears causes infections, and skin folds get yeasty in humidity. A quick daily check prevents most of these.
Timing walks around the heat
Shift walks to before 7 a.m. and after sunset. Test pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds — if it's too hot for you to hold, it's too hot for paw pads. Grass or shaded dirt paths are a safer choice than concrete or tarmac in the middle of the day.
Keeping water appealing
Some pets drink less in heat, which is the opposite of what they need. Multiple bowls around the house, ice cubes dropped in, and a splash of low-sodium broth can all encourage more drinking during the hottest months.
And the obvious: never leave a pet in a parked car. Even with windows cracked, interior temperatures climb fast enough to kill within minutes.
