Summer Coat Care in Kent: Keep Your Dog Cool and Comfortable

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.

Why Kent's Climate is Tricky for Dogs

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:

• Humidity that won't quit - Makes dogs feel hotter than the actual temperature
• Salt air everywhere - Dries out coats and irritates skin
• Sand in everything - Gets trapped in fur and causes matting
• Sudden heat spikes - 15°C to 30°C in one day? Welcome to Kent

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.

Daily Brushing: Your Best Friend

Summer brushing isn't optional. Salt air, humidity, and beach adventures create mats faster than you think.

How Often to Brush

Every single day. No exceptions. Here's why:

• Removes loose hair - Less shedding around the house
• Prevents mats - Humid air tangles fur fast
• Distributes oils - Keeps skin healthy in dry salt air
• Removes debris - Sand, grass seeds, salt crystals

After beach trips, brush immediately. Salt water makes fur sticky and tangles form within hours.

The Right Tools for Kent Weather

Different coats need different brushes:

Double coats (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds):

• Slicker brush daily - Gets surface tangles
• Undercoat rake twice weekly - Removes loose undercoat
• Metal comb for problem areas - Behind ears, under legs

Long hair (Poodles, Shih Tzus):

• Pin brush for daily maintenance - Gentle on long fur
• Detangling spray - Essential for humid days
• Wide-tooth comb - Works through stubborn knots

Short coats (Labs, Beagles):

• Rubber curry brush - Removes loose hair effectively
• Microfibre cloth - Picks up salt residue

Summer Bathing: More Often Than You Think

Summer means more baths. Salt, sand, and sweat build up fast in Kent's coastal climate.

How Often to Bath

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:

• Beach visits - Salt water dries out skin
• Swimming in ponds - Bacteria and algae aren't fun
• Rolling in something gross - You know what we mean
• Heavy exercise - Sweat and dirt combo

Summer Bathing Technique

Use cool (not cold) water. Hot water makes dogs hotter and strips natural oils.

Choose the right shampoo:

• Moisturising formulas - Combat salt air dryness
• Oatmeal-based - Soothes sun-irritated skin
• Avoid harsh detergents - They strip protective oils

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.

The Great Summer Trimming Debate

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.

Long-Haired Breeds: Trim Smart

Poodles, Shih Tzus, and similar breeds benefit from summer trims. Their coats don't regulate temperature naturally.

What works:

• Shorter all-over cut - Easier to maintain, cooler to wear
• Keep some length - At least 1 inch for sun protection
• Trim face and feet - Prevents overheating in sensitive areas
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks - Maintains the cut

Double Coats: Never Shave

Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies — never shave these dogs (except for medical reasons or severe matting). Their double coat is natural insulation and cooling. Learn more in our double‑coated breeds guide.

Why shaving double coats is bad:

• Removes insulation - They'll overheat faster
• Exposes skin to sun - Sunburn and skin cancer risk
• Coat may not grow back properly - Permanent damage
• Disrupts natural cooling - Air can't circulate properly

Instead of shaving:

• Brush daily - Removes loose undercoat
• Professional de-shedding - Gets deep loose hair out
• Trim sanitary areas only - For hygiene
• Keep them well-groomed - Clean coats work better

Protecting Sensitive Areas

Some parts of your dog need extra protection from Kent's summer conditions.

Paw Pad Protection

Hot pavements and beach sand burn paw pads. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for theirs.

Protect those paws:

• Walk early morning or evening - Avoid midday heat
• Use paw balm - Creates a protective barrier — try a quality paw balm after beach walks.
• Consider dog boots - For very hot surfaces
• Stick to grass when possible - Cooler than concrete

Check paws daily for:

• Burns or blisters - Red, swollen, or peeling skin
• Cuts from shells or stones - Beach hazards
• Embedded sand or debris - Clean between toes
• Excessive licking - Sign of irritation

Nose and Ear Care

Light-coloured noses burn easily. Pink noses, white ears, and thin-haired areas need sun protection.

Sun protection options:

• Dog-safe sunscreen - SPF 30+ on nose and ear tips
• Seek shade during peak hours - 11am to 3pm
• Protective clothing - Lightweight shirts for thin-coated dogs

Never use human sunscreen. Ingredients like zinc oxide and PABA are toxic to dogs — use dog-specific formulas only.

Dealing with Kent's Beach Life

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.

Before the Beach

Prep work prevents problems:

• Brush thoroughly - Removes loose hair that traps sand
• Apply paw balm - Protects against salt and hot sand — we recommend this paw balm during summer.
• Bring fresh water - For drinking and rinsing
• Pack towels - Dry off before the car ride home

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.

After the Beach

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

Summer Health Watch

Summer brings specific health risks that affect your dog's coat and skin.

Heat Stress Signs

Watch for overheating and heatstroke symptoms:

• Excessive, noisy panting - Often with thick drool
• Red or dark gums - Tacky saliva
• Wobbliness or collapse - Disorientation or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea - GI upset from heat
• Seizures - Emergency situation

Immediate first aid: Move to shade, offer small sips of cool (not ice-cold) water, douse with cool water focusing on neck, belly, and groin, use a fan if available, and call your vet. Flat-faced breeds need extra caution.

Skin Problems to Watch For

Summer skin issues are common:

• Hot spots - Red, weeping sores from scratching
• Sunburn - Pink, tender skin on nose and ears
• Allergic reactions - Increased pollen and grass contact
• Bacterial infections - Humidity creates perfect breeding conditions

See a vet if problems persist or worsen. Summer skin issues can escalate quickly.

When to Call the Professionals

Some summer grooming jobs need professional help.

Book a groomer for:

• Summer cuts - Proper length for your breed
• De-shedding treatments - Professional tools work better
• Matted coats - Don't hurt your dog trying to remove them
• Nail trims - Hot pavements wear nails less

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 Grooming Made Simple

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:

• Brush daily - Prevents mats and removes debris
• Bath every 2-3 weeks - More after beach trips
• Trim smart, not short - Know your breed's needs
• Protect sensitive areas - Paws, nose, ears
• Watch for problems - Heat stress and skin issues

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.

Summer Coat Care FAQ (Kent)

How often should I brush my dog's coat in summer?

Daily during summer for most breeds in coastal humidity. It prevents mats and removes salt residue from sea air.

How often should I bathe my dog in summer?

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.

What are the signs of heat stress in dogs?

Excessive noisy panting with drool, red/dark gums, wobbliness, vomiting or diarrhoea, and seizures (emergency). Move to shade, cool with water (not ice-cold), and call your vet.

Can I shave my dog's coat for summer?

Generally not recommended—especially for double-coated breeds. Opt for professional trimming on long-haired breeds and de-shedding for double coats. See our double-coated breeds guide.

Want more grooming tips? Check out our guides on grooming frequency and choosing the right brushes.