Summer means beach days, hikes, park adventures and plenty of outdoor play for our four-legged family members. But while we’re busy keeping ourselves cool, it’s easy to overlook how the season affects our dogs’ coats, skin and overall comfort.
We caught up with Xiaoyan Yang, owner and groomer at Fur-rytail Grooming Studio in Langley, to find out the biggest grooming mistakes she sees every summer—and the simple habits that can keep dogs happy, healthy and comfortable all season long.
Put Down the Clippers
One of the biggest myths Yang encounters is the belief that shaving a dog with a thick coat will help them stay cool.
“Many pet parents want to shave double-coated breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Huskies because they think it will help them feel cooler,” she says. “In reality, shaving damages the double coat. Regular brushing and coat maintenance help much more than shaving.”
Instead, removing loose undercoat through regular brushing allows air to circulate naturally while helping the coat do the job it was designed to do.
Drying Matters More Than You Think
Bath time doesn’t end with a towel.
Yang says many owners bathe their dogs at home, towel them off and let them air dry—but that can create problems beneath the fur.
“If you only towel dry and let the dog dry naturally, it can lead to itchy skin, dry skin and dandruff,” she explains. “Always use a dryer to completely dry the coat before giving it a thorough brush.”
Grooming Schedules Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
How often your dog needs professional grooming depends on breed, coat type, activity level and how diligent you are with at-home maintenance.
For curly-coated breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frises and doodle mixes, Yang recommends professional grooming about every five weeks. Owners who brush properly between appointments may be able to stretch visits to every eight weeks, but five weeks remains her ideal schedule.
Watch for Warning Signs
Summer can bring more than just muddy paws.
While occasional scratching or licking is normal, Yang says persistent attention to one area shouldn’t be ignored.
“If your pet keeps scratching or licking one spot and it becomes patchy or the skin turns red, it’s time to visit your veterinarian,” she advises. “The same goes for ears—if you notice wet discharge instead of normal dry ear wax, have them checked.”
Keeping the coat free of mats and the skin clean and dry can help prevent many common issues before they start.
You Don’t Need Every Grooming Gadget
Pet stores are full of brushes and tools promising miracle results, but Yang says technique matters far more than quantity.
“A comb, a pin brush and a deshedding rake cover most of the work,” she says. “I’ve seen pet parents buy lots of grooming tools without learning the proper way to brush their dog.”
A few quality tools—and knowing how to use them—are often all you need.
Don’t Forget the Paws
Whether your dog spends weekends on forest trails or afternoons at the beach, their paws deserve extra attention.
Yang recommends keeping paw pads trimmed and clean, especially after outdoor adventures. During extreme heat, shorten walks and outdoor playtime to help prevent overheating and discomfort.
The One Piece of Advice Every Dog Owner Should Follow
If Yang could give every dog owner just one tip this summer, it would be simple:
“Give your dog a proper bath, dry them immediately afterwards and brush them thoroughly.”
It may sound basic, but those three steps go a long way toward preventing mats, skin irritation and discomfort—leaving your pup ready for whatever summer adventure comes next.
Fur-rytail Grooming Studio is located near 204 Street and 88 Avenue in Langley. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.furrytail.ca, follow @fur_rytailgroomingstudio on Instagram, find Fur-rytail Grooming Studio on Facebook, or call 604-723-5896. —Noa Nichol
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