Summer Dog Grooming Guide for Melbourne Dogs

Yorkie dog enjoying a summer dog grooming trim

Summer in Melbourne brings sunshine, trips to the park and plenty of outdoor fun. But it also brings heat, bugs, dirt and skin challenges for our furry friends. That’s why summer dog grooming is especially important for keeping pups comfortable, healthy and happy during the warmer months.

At The Dog Dazzlers, we see firsthand how seasonal grooming can make a big difference to the comfort and well-being of Melbourne’s dogs. Our groomers are experts in different breeds and their unique summer requirements. So, if your pup is a backyard sunbather, an active hunting breed or an enthusiastic swimmer, our team will give them the perfect groom to help keep them cool and comfortable.

Guide to Summer Dog Grooming

#1. Brushing and Deshedding

Anyone who has a particularly fluffy pup will notice a huge increase in shedding in summer. Many breeds naturally release excess undercoat as the temperatures rise. Without regular and effective brushing, loose fur traps heat and forms painful mats close to the skin.

Professional brushing removes dead hair, improves airflow through the coat and helps regulate your pooch’s body temperature. It also helps to spread natural oils, which keep the coat healthy and shiny. Brushing at home can be a wonderful way for you to bond with your pup and check for any changes in their skin or coat texture.

Double-coated breeds in summer need specialised deshedding. Removing too much or using the wrong tools can damage the coat’s protective function and appearance. It can also be painful for your pooch. This is where professional dog grooming in Melbourne becomes especially valuable.

We can help to keep your pup’s shedding under control so your couch isn’t covered in hair, and your dog is comfortable and looking their best.

a black and white spaniel enjoying a dog grooming session in melbourne

#2. Should You Shave Your Dog to Keep Them Cool?

Many owners think that shaving their pup is the best way to keep dogs cool during the summer months. But this really depends entirely on the coat type. 

As well as keeping them cosy in winter, a dog’s coat acts as insulation against heat and sun exposure in summer. Shaving some dog breeds can increase the risk of overheating or sunburn. 

Almost all pups benefit from a bit of TLC at The Dog Dazzlers. We assess the breed, coat structure, lifestyle and skin condition before recommending a particular summer cut. If your pup really struggles in the warmer weather and shaving isn’t an option for them, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep them cool and comfortable.

#3. Washing and Coat Hygiene

Winter means muddy puddles and lots of grit, but summer is full of outdoor adventures, pollen, sand and even more dirt. So, it’s really important to wash your pup’s coat in summer too.

Regular washing removes allergens and dirt and helps to get rid of that all-too-familiar doggy odour. But balance is key. Washing your dog too much can lead to dryness and skin irritations as it strips the natural oils. But not washing enough can lead to bacterial buildup, which can also be a problem.

When you bring your pooch to The Dog Dazzlers, we’ll come up with the perfect washing timeline for your pup’s breed and coat needs. We use expert shampoos and controlled water temperatures to get the best clean and use modern dryers to ensure there’s no moisture left, which can cause matting and infection.

Maintaining coat hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective parts of hot-weather dog care.

golden retriever in a professional dog grooming bath

#4. Parasite Control and Skin Health

Warm weather creates the perfect conditions for fleas, ticks and other parasites to thrive. Thick, long and matted coats provide the perfect hiding spots for little pests, making detection difficult.

Regular grooming helps identify skin changes, hotspots and parasite activity early on. We can check areas that you might miss and treat any infestations accordingly. Regular summer dog grooming helps to minimise the risk and catch anything early on.

#5. Paw Care in Summer Months

Dogs have really sensitive little paws, and it’s important they’re properly cared for during the hotter months. Pavements, sand and artificial turf can quickly become very uncomfortable for pooches. 

Summer grooming for dogs includes trimming excess fur between paw pads to prevent debris buildup and improve traction. Although prevention is best (such as taking them for walks early on in the day when it’s cooler), we can also check for dry or cracked paws that might need treatment.

If it’s very warm out and you have a pooch that needs to be active, doggy daycare could be the perfect solution. Our purpose-built, cooled facility in Burwood allows dogs to run and play, even when it’s very warm!

dog paw care in summer

#6. Ear Care (Especially for Big Swimmers)

Summer often means fun water play – whether at the beach, river or in a backyard pool. Moisture trapped in ears can lead to irritation and infection, if not properly managed. Pups with long ears, such as dachshunds, are particularly susceptible, so it’s essential to groom them correctly and always make sure their ears are dry after water play.

We offer ear plucking as part of our extra summer dog grooming services. This is an excellent way to remove hair buildup and to prevent bacteria and infection.

Summer Dog Grooming to Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy

Seasonal dog grooming is an important part of dog ownership. A summer dog grooming routine is an excellent way to support your dog’s health during Melbourne’s warmest months. Regular brushing, proper coat management, skin care and professional attention help prevent overheating, irritation and seasonal coat problems. 

If you’re looking for a dog groomer in Box Hill or the surrounding area to take care of your pup during the warmer months, get in touch with The Dog Dazzlers today. We’ll be happy to come up with the perfect grooming plan to keep your pooch cool and looking their best all summer long. 

Book Grooming Now

If you’d like to book your furbaby in for a groom, please give us a call on 03 9808 3289, or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

Book Daycare Now

All existing clients can book in below, and new clients can register their dogs for daycare.

If you have any questions, please call us on 03 9808 3289.