Don’t Wait to Undo Summer Damage to Dog’s Coat and Skin

Summer days outdoors are as much fun for dogs as for people. But, just like their human companions, dogs can suffer from too much of a good thing. All that time spent running through the woods, swimming at the beach and rolling in the grass can lead to tangled coats, skin irritation and ear infections.

“Regular grooming is important to pet health year round. But, dogs need extra grooming during the summer to stay healthy and comfortable,” says Traci Simo, head of services for Canine Company in Wilton.

Rinsing your dog with the garden hose isn’t sufficient, she says. In order to prevent problems, she recommends frequent care of coat, ears and paws as follows:

• Start with a deep brushing, carefully working out any mats and tangles. A matted coat will cause skin problems, irritation and discomfort. A badly matted dog should be seen by a professional groomer with the tools and training to address the problem humanely.
• Check for parasites. While brushing, inspect the skin for signs of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Don’t stop parasite prevention treatments until well into the fall; those pests continue to thrive until cold weather arrives.
• Shampoo thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, mold spores and parasites. Follow with a conditioner to moisturize sun-damaged skin. Towel dry, then brush and comb the coat. It’s best not to use a home hair dryer, because it can burn the dog’s skin.
• Do an ear check for problems that may be triggered by summer swims, heat and humidity. If the ears have an odor or show signs of redness, proper cleaning by a professional groomer or veterinarian is in order.
• Do a foot check: spread the pads and looking between the toes. Lawn chemicals and hot asphalt can cause contact dermatitis. If foot area is red or inflamed, it’s time to see the vet.

“Undoing summer’s damage is a big job and many people prefer to turn it over to the professionals, like our Mobile Pet Spa team, who come right to your driveway to care for your pet,” notes Simo.

“If you do seek professional help, be sure to let the groomer know about your pet’s activities over the past few months, so she can address any issues.”

About Canine Company

Born of a family's love for dogs, Canine Company provides at-home services to keep pets healthy, safe and happy including the Invisible Fence® brand systems, Manners® dog obedience training, mobile grooming and pet sitting. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.