Summer Coat Care in Kent: Essential Grooming Tips for the Warmer Months (UK Guide 2025)
As the warmer months arrive in Kent, dog owners across Folkestone, Dover, Hythe, and Sandgate face unique challenges in maintaining their pets' coat health. The coastal climate brings humidity and salt air that can significantly impact your dog's grooming needs, making proper summer coat care more crucial than ever.
Summer coat care in Kent requires daily brushing to remove dead hair and improve air circulation, regular but not excessive bathing (every 6 weeks maximum), and professional de-shedding treatments for double-coated breeds. The coastal humidity and salt air in areas like Folkestone and Dover demand specific attention to preventing matting, protecting paw pads from hot pavements, and maintaining proper ear hygiene, especially for dogs that swim in the sea.
Why Summer Grooming is Essential in Kent's Coastal Climate
Kent's unique coastal environment presents specific challenges for dog coat maintenance during summer months. The combination of humidity, salt air, and increased outdoor activity creates conditions that can quickly lead to coat problems if not properly managed.
The coastal climate in Folkestone, Dover, and surrounding areas affects dogs in several ways:
- Increased humidity - Makes coats retain moisture longer, promoting bacterial growth
- Salt air exposure - Can dry out skin and make coats brittle
- Sand and debris - Gets trapped in fur during beach visits
- Higher parasite activity - Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid conditions
Regular grooming during summer months helps prevent uncomfortable matting, reduces shedding around the home, and allows early detection of skin issues or parasites. Most importantly, proper coat maintenance helps your dog regulate their body temperature more effectively during hot weather.
Daily Brushing: Your Dog's Best Defence Against Summer Heat
Daily brushing is the single most important summer grooming practice for dogs in Kent. This simple routine removes dead hair that would otherwise trap heat and moisture against your dog's skin.
Brushing Frequency by Coat Type
Double-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies) require daily brushing during summer months. The thick undercoat naturally sheds in warm weather, and regular brushing helps this process while preventing matting.
Long-haired breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, Shih Tzus) need daily attention to prevent tangles that form quickly in humid conditions.
Medium and short-coated dogs benefit from brushing every 2-3 days to manage shedding and distribute natural oils.
Essential Brushing Tools for Summer
- Slicker brush - Perfect for removing loose undercoat from double-coated breeds
- Undercoat rake - Essential for thick-coated dogs like Golden Retrievers
- Pin brush - Ideal for long-haired breeds and finishing touches
- De-shedding tool - Reduces shedding by up to 90% when used correctly
For dogs that struggle with brushing, consider booking a professional de-shedding treatment with qualified groomers in Folkestone who can make the process stress-free for both you and your pet. For more guidance on optimal grooming frequency and the best brushes for shedding dogs, consult our comprehensive guides.
Summer Bathing: Finding the Right Balance
While dogs may get dirtier during summer adventures, over-bathing can strip essential oils and damage coat health. The key is finding the right balance for your dog's lifestyle and coat type. This differs significantly from winter grooming requirements when bathing frequency typically decreases.
Optimal Bathing Frequency
Most dogs should be bathed every 6-8 weeks maximum, even during active summer months. Exceptions include:
- Dogs with skin conditions - May need weekly medicated baths as prescribed by a vet
- Swimming dogs - Require rinsing after each sea swim to remove salt
- Working dogs - May need more frequent baths due to heavy outdoor exposure
Proper Summer Bathing Technique
Always brush thoroughly before bathing to remove loose hair and prevent drain blockages. Wet matted fur becomes tighter and more difficult to remove.
Use lukewarm or cool water during summer months. Hot water can overheat your dog and strip more natural oils than necessary.
Choose gentle, dog-specific shampoos with natural ingredients like aloe vera or oatmeal. Never use human shampoo as it disrupts your dog's skin pH balance and can cause irritation.
Rinse thoroughly - Leftover shampoo residue can cause skin irritation and attract dirt more quickly.
The Summer Trim Debate: Professional Guidance is Essential
Not every dog benefits from a summer trim, and some breeds should never be shaved. Professional groomers understand breed-specific needs and can advise on the best approach for your dog.
When Summer Trims Help
Long-haired breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers often benefit from shorter summer cuts that are easier to maintain and keep cool.
Dogs with continuously growing coats can have their fur trimmed to a manageable length without affecting their natural temperature regulation.
The Double-Coat Warning
Never shave double-coated breeds including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Border Collies. Their double coat provides natural insulation that keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter.
Shaving double-coated dogs can cause:
- Sunburn and skin damage - The coat provides UV protection
- Overheating - Removes their natural cooling system
- Coat damage - May never grow back properly
- Increased shedding - Disrupts the natural shedding cycle
Instead of shaving, focus on professional de-shedding treatments that remove loose undercoat while preserving the coat's protective properties.
Protecting Sensitive Areas from Summer Hazards
Summer brings specific risks to your dog's paws, ears, and skin that require targeted protection and care.
Paw Pad Protection from Hot Surfaces
Hot pavements can cause severe burns to your dog's paw pads. Use the 5-second test: if you can't hold your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Paw care routine for summer:
- Walk during cooler hours - Early morning or evening
- Check pads daily - Look for cuts, cracks, or foreign objects
- Apply paw balm - Protects and moisturises dry, cracked pads
- Trim nail regularly - Prevents splitting on hard, dry ground
Ear Care for Water-Loving Dogs
Dogs that swim in the sea around Kent's coast need extra ear attention. Trapped moisture from swimming can quickly lead to painful ear infections.
Weekly ear care routine:
- Clean with dog-specific ear solution - Never use cotton buds
- Dry ears after swimming - Gently towel dry the outer ear
- Watch for infection signs - Redness, odour, excessive scratching
- Seek veterinary care - If you notice discharge or swelling
Parasite Prevention and Sun Protection
Summer brings increased flea and tick activity. Regular grooming helps detect these parasites early, but prevention is always better than treatment.
Tick removal technique: Use a tick removal tool to hook underneath the tick, lift slightly, and turn until it releases. Never squeeze the tick's body as this can inject bacteria into your dog.
Dogs with thin coats, white fur, or exposed skin areas can suffer sunburn. Use pet-safe, zinc-oxide-free sunscreen on vulnerable areas like the nose and belly.
Professional Summer Grooming Services in Kent
Professional groomers in Kent understand the specific challenges of coastal climate grooming. They can provide specialised treatments that go beyond basic home care.
When to Book Professional Care
Schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for long-coated breeds and every 6-8 weeks for double-coated breeds during summer months.
Book immediately if you notice:
- Visible matting - Especially around legs, ears, and tail
- Excessive shedding - More than normal seasonal shedding
- Strong odour - That doesn't improve with bathing
- Overgrown nails - Clicking on hard surfaces
Specialised Summer Treatments
Professional de-shedding treatments can reduce shedding by up to 90% and are particularly beneficial for heavy-shedding breeds during summer months.
Medicated baths for dogs with skin conditions or allergies that worsen in humid conditions.
Breed-specific styling that maintains coat function while improving comfort and appearance.
For expert summer grooming services, explore our directory of qualified dog groomers in Folkestone, Dover, Hythe, and Sandgate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my dog during summer?
Daily brushing is recommended for most dogs during summer months. Double-coated and long-haired breeds require daily attention, while short-coated dogs benefit from brushing every 2-3 days to manage increased shedding.
Can I shave my Golden Retriever for summer?
No, never shave double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers. Their coat provides natural insulation and UV protection. Instead, focus on regular brushing and professional de-shedding treatments to remove loose undercoat.
How do I know if the pavement is too hot for my dog's paws?
Use the 5-second test: place your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Walk during cooler hours and consider protective paw balm.
My dog swims in the sea regularly. How should I care for their coat?
Rinse your dog with fresh water after each sea swim to remove salt, which can dry out skin and coat. Pay special attention to ear cleaning and drying to prevent infections from trapped moisture.
When should I book professional grooming during summer?
Book professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for long-coated breeds and every 6-8 weeks for double-coated breeds. Schedule immediately if you notice matting, excessive shedding, or strong odours that don't improve with regular bathing.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Dog Comfortable All Summer Long
Proper summer coat care is essential for your dog's health, comfort, and happiness during Kent's warmer months. The combination of daily brushing, appropriate bathing frequency, and protection from summer hazards will keep your dog looking and feeling their best.
Remember the key priorities: regular brushing to remove dead hair and improve air circulation, paw protection from hot surfaces, and vigilant parasite prevention. Professional grooming services provide specialised care that complements your home routine, especially for breeds with complex coat requirements.
Most importantly, always ensure your dog has access to fresh water, shade, and cool areas during hot weather. Regular grooming, combined with proper summer safety measures, will help your furry friend thrive throughout the warmer months while strengthening the bond between you both.
For professional summer grooming services tailored to Kent's coastal climate, browse our comprehensive directory of qualified dog groomers serving Folkestone and surrounding areas. You may also find our guides on choosing the right groomer and understanding grooming costs helpful when selecting professional services.
