Grooming 101: Keeping Coats Healthy in the Indian Summer
From specialized brushes to the right pH-balanced shampoos, here is everything you need to know about preventing shedding and skin issues during the hot months.
Beating the Heat
The Indian summer is notoriously harsh, and double-coated breeds feel it the most. However, the solution is almost never shaving them down. A dog's coat is designed to regulate their temperature, acting as insulation against both the cold and the intense sun.
The Power of the Undercoat Rake
During the spring shed, you need to remove the dead undercoat so air can circulate against the skin. Invest in a high-quality undercoat rake and establish a daily 10-minute brushing routine. This will drastically reduce the amount of fur on your furniture and keep your dog vastly cooler.
Bathing Best Practices
More sweating and panting means more baths, right? Wrong. Over-bathing strips the natural oils from a dog's skin, leading to severe dryness and itching. Stick to bathing once every 3-4 weeks unless they roll in something foul. When you do bathe, ensure you are using a strictly pH-balanced, sulfate-free pet shampoo. Human shampoos are entirely too acidic for canine skin.