Keep Summer Fun from Damaging Your Dog's Coat and Skin

Long summer days playing in the grass, wandering through the woods and swimming at the beach can cause tangled coats, skin irritation and other problems for family dogs. Although seemingly minor, those issues need attention now to keep them from becoming big problems in a month or two.

"Frequent grooming is especially important to your pet's health in July and August," says Traci Simo of at-home pet care provider Canine Company. "Just as our own skin need extra care to protect from summer's damage, our dogs' need extra care to address the problems that come with all that summer fun."

She urges pet parents to follow this five-step routine regularly to keep the family dog healthy and comfortable:

• Do a deep brushing, being careful to work out all the mats and tangles. Matting causes irritation that can lead to serious skin problems. If your dog is badly matted, however, don't try to brush him yourself because you can hurt him. A professional groomer has the tools and training to address the problem humanely.
• Check her for parasites. While you are brushing, inspect for signs of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Even with regular parasite prevention treatments, you may occasionally find a few unwanted travelers hitching a ride on her skin.
• Shampoo him thoroughly to remove dust and mold spores that can cause irritation. Follow with a conditioner to moisturize sun-damaged skin. Towel dry, then brush and comb. If you use a hair dryer, put it on the coolest setting so you don't burn his skin.
• Check her ears for problems – especially if she has been swimming. If her ears have an odor or show signs of redness, or if she is scratching at them, see a groomer or veterinarian.
• Check his paws by spreading the pads and looking between the toes. Redness and irritation may indicate contact dermatitis or allergies from lawn chemicals, hot asphalt or grass seed – requiring professional cleaning and treatment.

"Keeping up with summer grooming is a big job and many people prefer to turn it over to the professionals, like our Mobile Pet Spa team," notes Simo. "If you seek professional help, let the groomer know about your pet's summer activities, so she can address any issues." For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-DOGS (3647).