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Quick Answer: Summer coat care in Kent requires daily brushing (to combat humidity and matting), bathing every 2-3 weeks, smart trimming (never shave double coats), and paw protection from hot surfaces and salt. The coastal climate demands extra attention to prevent skin issues and heat stress.
Summer in Kent isn't just about beach walks and ice cream. The coastal humidity, sudden heat waves, and salty sea air create unique challenges for your dog's coat.
Here's what actually works: daily brushing to prevent matting, regular baths to remove salt and sand, strategic trimming (not shaving), and protecting sensitive areas from sun damage. Your dog's coat is their air conditioning system - mess with it wrong and they'll overheat.
Planning a holiday grooming session? Or dealing with muddy beach walks? We've got you covered.
Kent's coastal location creates a perfect storm for coat problems. High humidity, salt air, and unpredictable weather changes mess with your dog's natural cooling system.
What you're dealing with:
Your dog's coat is designed to regulate temperature. Keep it clean and properly maintained, and it'll keep them cool. Let it get matted or shave it off, and you've broken their natural air conditioning.
Summer brushing isn't optional. Salt air, humidity, and beach adventures create mats faster than you think.
Every single day. No exceptions. Here's why:
After beach trips, brush immediately. Salt water makes fur sticky and tangles form within hours.
Different coats need different brushes:
Double coats (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds):
Long hair (Poodles, Shih Tzus):
Short coats (Labs, Beagles):
Summer means more baths. Salt, sand, and sweat build up fast in Kent's coastal climate.
Typically every 3-4 weeks. In coastal areas like Kent, dogs with frequent sea exposure may need bathing every 2-3 weeks. Always rinse after sea swims, use dog-specific shampoo, and avoid over-washing that strips natural oils.
Bath immediately after:
Use cool (not cold) water. Hot water makes dogs hotter and strips natural oils.
Choose the right shampoo:
Rinse like your life depends on it. Leftover shampoo in humid weather causes skin problems.
Dry thoroughly to the skin. Air-drying is fine for short coats on warm days, but for dense or double coats, use room-temperature air and section drying to prevent trapped moisture and hot spots. Avoid high heat settings.
Your dog's skin takes a battering in Kent summers. Humidity, salt air, and sun exposure create perfect conditions for skin problems that can quickly spiral out of control if ignored.
Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) appear fast in humid weather. They're red, weeping sores caused by excessive licking or scratching, often triggered by:
Prevention is simpler than treatment: Brush daily, dry thoroughly after swimming, keep coat clean, and check skin regularly—especially in humid weather.
External care only goes so far. Summer skin health starts from the inside with proper nutrition. Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and zinc support skin barrier function and coat quality when salt air and sun exposure create extra stress.[1]
Products like YuMOVE Skin & Coat Care are specifically formulated to address coat dullness, excessive shedding, and skin irritation from within. Most owners report visible improvements within 4-6 weeks of daily use.
Best for: Dogs with itchy skin, dull coats, or seasonal coat issues made worse by Kent's coastal humidity and salt air.
What it does: Contains omega-3 fatty acids from golden flax, biotin (9,830mg/kg), zinc (9,567mg/kg), and vitamins C and E to support skin barrier function and coat quality from the inside out. The lecithin content (655,300mg/kg) helps nutrient absorption.[1]
Why we recommend it: Developed by veterinary professionals, this powder supplement addresses root causes of coat problems, not just symptoms. Users report visible improvement in coat shine and reduced scratching within 4-6 weeks of daily use. The UK's No.1 veterinary supplement brand.
Available on Amazon:YuMOVE Skin & Coat Care Boost (180 scoops)
Price accurate as of January 2026. Available with free UK delivery on qualifying orders. This is an affiliate link—supporting this site at no extra cost to you.
Kent's beaches are brilliant, but they're tough on dog skin. Salt water dries out the skin, while sand particles can cause micro-abrasions, particularly between toes and in skin folds.
Post-beach routine matters:
Should you trim your dog's coat for summer? It depends on the breed. Get this wrong and you'll make them hotter, not cooler.
Poodles, Shih Tzus, and similar breeds benefit from summer trims. Their coats don't regulate temperature naturally.
What works:
Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies — never shave these dogs (except for medical reasons or severe matting). Their double coat is natural insulation that actually keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter.[6] The undercoat and topcoat work together, creating air pockets that regulate temperature and protect skin from sun damage. Learn more in our double‑coated breeds guide.
Why shaving double coats is bad:
Instead of shaving:
Some parts of your dog need extra protection from Kent's summer conditions.
Hot pavements and beach sand burn paw pads. If you can't comfortably hold the back of your hand on the surface for 5-7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.[4] Pavement can reach 120°F (49°C) on warm days, hot enough to cause burns in under 60 seconds.
Protect those paws:
Check paws daily for:
Best for: Protection against hot pavement, beach sand, salt, and rough terrain. Essential for Kent's summer beach walks.
What it does: Creates a protective barrier on paw pads to prevent burns from hot surfaces, irritation from salt water, and cracking from dry conditions. Apply before walks on hot days or beach trips for maximum protection.[4]
Why we recommend it: Quality paw balms contain natural waxes and oils that condition pads while protecting them. Look for products with beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil as key ingredients. Regular use toughens pads naturally without harmful chemicals.
Available on Amazon: Search for dog paw balm or paw protection wax. Also available at Pets at Home for locally-stocked brands.
Always test on a small area first if your dog has sensitive skin. Apply 30 minutes before walks for best absorption.
Light-coloured noses burn easily. Pink noses, white ears, and thin-haired areas need sun protection.
Sun protection options:
Never use human sunscreen. Ingredients like zinc oxide and PABA are toxic to dogs — use dog-specific formulas only.
Living in Kent means beach walks are part of life. Here's how to keep your dog's coat healthy despite salt, sand, and seaweed.
Prep work prevents problems:
If your dog has been active in fields recently, learn how to spot and remove seeds safely in our Grass Seed Season Wrap-Up guide.
Post-beach routine is crucial:
1. Rinse immediately - Fresh water removes salt before it dries
2. Brush out sand - While the coat is still damp
3. Check for debris - Shells, seaweed, fishing line
4. Full bath within 24 hours - Salt water dries out skin
Important Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information and guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Heat stress and heatstroke are medical emergencies requiring immediate veterinary attention. If your dog shows signs of heat stress, contact your vet immediately while providing first aid. The information about symptoms and first aid is based on UK veterinary guidance but should not replace consultation with your vet.[2][3]
Summer brings specific health risks that affect your dog's coat and skin.
Watch for overheating and heatstroke symptoms—they can escalate quickly:[2]
Immediate first aid while getting veterinary help:[3] Move to shade immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water if they can drink, douse coat with cool (not cold) water focusing on neck, belly, armpits, and groin, use a fan to increase air circulation if available, and call your vet straight away. Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) are at higher risk and need extra caution in hot weather.[2]
Summer skin issues are common:
See a vet if problems persist or worsen. Summer skin issues can escalate quickly.
Some summer grooming jobs need professional help.
Book a groomer for:
Regular professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps summer problems from getting out of hand.
Looking for a good groomer in Kent? Check our guides for Folkestone, Dover, Hythe, and Sandgate.
Summer coat care in Kent doesn't have to be complicated. Stick to the basics and your dog will stay cool and comfortable.
Your summer routine:
Your dog's coat is their natural cooling system. Keep it clean, well-maintained, and properly trimmed, and they'll handle Kent's summer weather like a pro.
Daily for most breeds. Kent's coastal humidity accelerates matting, and daily brushing sessions remove salt residue from sea air before it dries out the coat and causes tangles.
Every 3-4 weeks typically, or every 2-3 weeks in coastal areas. Dogs with frequent sea exposure in Kent need more regular bathing. Always rinse after sea swims, use dog-specific shampoo, and avoid over-washing that strips natural oils.[7]
Excessive noisy panting with drool, red or dark gums, wobbliness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle tremors or seizures.[2] If you see these signs, move your dog to shade, cool them with water (not ice-cold), and call your vet immediately—heatstroke is a medical emergency.
No for double-coated breeds, yes (with caution) for long-haired breeds. Never shave Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or Huskies—their double coat regulates temperature naturally.[6] Poodles and Shih Tzus can have summer trims, but keep at least 1 inch of coat for sun protection. See our double-coated breeds guide for details.
Want more grooming tips? Check out our guides on grooming frequency and choosing the right brushes.
[1] YuMOVE. (2026). YuMOVE Skin & Coat Care Boost - Product Information. Available at: https://yumove.co.uk/products/yuderm-boost
[2] Royal Veterinary College. (2024). Heatstroke in dogs and cats - prevention, symptoms and first aid tips for pet owners. RVC Small Animal Veterinary Hospital. Available at: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats
[3] PDSA. (2024). First aid for heatstroke in pets. People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/first-aid-for-heatstroke
[4] Chewy. (2024). How to Protect Your Dog's Paws from Heat and Hot Pavement. Available at: https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/pet-parenting/protect-pets-paws-heat
[5] American Kennel Club. (2024). How to Protect Dog Paws From Hot Pavement, Sidewalks. AKC Expert Advice. Available at: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-paws-hot-pavement/
[6] Voyagers K9 Apparel. (2024). How Do Dogs Regulate Temperature? Available at: https://k9apparel.com/blogs/resources/how-do-dogs-regulate-temperature
[7] PetMD. (2024). How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-often-should-you-bathe-your-dog
All sources accessed and verified January 2026. Information is current as of publication date. Always consult your vet for advice specific to your dog's needs.
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