Course 15 · Double Coats · Lesson 8 of 12

How do you groom a double coat in summer?

Published 29 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026 · About 6 minutes · General information only. This lesson does not diagnose or treat any condition.

Groom a double coat in summer by deshedding loose undercoat, keeping the coat clean, dry and ventilated, checking skin, and protecting the dog from heat with shade, water and rest, never by clipping or shaving. A clean, deshedded double coat allows air to reach skin and helps the dog cope with heat, while a matted, packed coat traps heat and a clipped coat loses protection. Summer grooming is therefore about ventilation and comfort, not about shortening the coat, and it should be combined with heat safety routines for walks, exercise, and rest.

Why does a clean double coat help in heat?

A double coat insulates in both directions: in winter it traps warm air, and in summer, when it is clean and free of loose undercoat, it allows air to circulate to skin and helps the dog lose heat by panting and by air movement over skin. Guard hairs also protect skin from direct sun, reducing sunburn risk. That system works only if undercoat is not packed, matted, or damp, because packed undercoat traps heat and prevents ventilation. Deshedding in summer, therefore, is not about removing coat for coolness, but about removing loose undercoat that blocks air flow. Bathing, when needed, and full drying, help by cleaning the coat and allowing air to move through it. Owners should check that the coat is not matted, especially in friction areas, and that skin is healthy, because a matted summer coat can cause overheating and skin problems. A dog with a clean, ventilated coat, shade, water, and rest will cope with summer heat far better than a dog whose coat has been clipped or left matted.

What summer grooming routine suits a double coat?

In summer, comb to the skin weekly, deshed every few days during blowing, and check friction areas, paws, and ears more often, because grass seeds, burrs, and insects are more common. Brush in sections, with a comb and rake, holding the base, and check skin for redness, bites, ticks, or sores. Bath only when dirty, with mild dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and dry fully, including undercoat, before the dog goes outdoors or lies on bedding. Keep paw hair tidy, so paws do not collect burrs and hot debris, and check paws after walks on hot pavements, as in the face and paws course. Keep the coat free of debris after walks in long grass, by combing and checking, and remove burrs and seeds promptly. Avoid leaving the dog damp after swimming or rain, and dry fully, because damp undercoat in summer can mat quickly and irritate skin. Keep grooming sessions short and in a cool, shaded place, with water available, and avoid grooming in the hottest part of the day.

How do heat, exercise and walks affect summer grooming?

Heat affects grooming because a dog that is hot, panting, or tired will not tolerate grooming, and skin that is hot may be more sensitive. Groom in the coolest part of the day, keep sessions short, and offer water and breaks. Walks should be in the coolest part of the day, on grass or shaded paths rather than hot pavements, and exercise should be reduced in heat, especially for thick coated, older, or brachycephalic dogs, on veterinary advice. After walks, check paws for heat burns, seeds, and debris, and check the coat for burrs. Do not exercise a dog to the point of heavy panting and then groom immediately; let the dog cool down, drink, and rest first. Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a short time, because temperatures rise rapidly and can be fatal. If a dog shows signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, collapse, or confusion, move it to shade, cool it gradually as advised by a vet, and seek veterinary help urgently.

What summer products and methods should be avoided?

Avoid clipping, shaving, blades, and thinning shears, as in lesson 7. Avoid frequent bathing, human shampoo, and products that promise to cool the coat, because they can dry skin and coat and do not replace shade, water, and rest. Avoid cooling coats, vests, or mats without checking that they fit, do not rub, and do not trap dampness against skin, and follow manufacturer instructions and veterinary advice if unsure. Avoid leaving a coat damp under a cooling product, harness, or collar, because dampness encourages matting. Avoid grooming with a hot dryer close to skin in summer, and avoid grooming in direct sun. Avoid insect repellents, sunscreens, or other products not made for dogs, and do not apply human sunscreen to a dog without veterinary advice. If a product is used, check for dog suitability, follow instructions, and stop if skin becomes red or the dog rubs or licks the area. Summer grooming is about cleanliness, ventilation, and protection, not about products that claim to cool or thin the coat.

When should you stop and get help?

Contact a vet urgently if a dog shows heat stress signs, and contact a vet promptly if skin is sore, sunburned, bitten, or infected, if ticks are found in large numbers, or if the dog is unwell. Contact a groomer for help with summer deshedding, tick and burr checks, and coat ventilation, and for advice on whether a trim to paws or sanitary areas would help. Do not clip the body coat, do not use blades, and do not delay veterinary help for heat stress while grooming. Summer care for a double coat is a combination of grooming, heat safety, and observation, and each part supports the others.

A clean, deshedded, ventilated double coat, plus shade, water and rest in the coolest part of the day, keeps a dog comfortable in summer without ever needing to clip the coat that protects it.

← Back to Double Coats