Beat the Heat: Summer Grooming Tips for El Paso Dogs

Summer in El Paso is no joke – triple-digit temperatures, blazing sun, and dry desert air can be tough on all of us, including our dogs. While you can’t exactly give your pup a popsicle and call it a day, you can adjust their grooming routine to help them stay cooler and more comfortable. In fact, proper grooming is an important (and often overlooked) part of keeping dogs safe in the heat. Below are some summer-specific grooming tips tailored for our Sun City canines, and how The Fur Seasons can help your furry friend beat the heat.

Don’t Shave the Coat – Manage the Coat

When the mercury soars, many pet parents think, “My dog must be so hot in all that fur – maybe I should shave it off.” Hold that thought! For most breeds, shaving the coat down to the skin is not the best way to cool them off. Dogs’ coats actually serve as insulation – keeping them cooler by protecting the skin from sun and heat. Shaving that coat to reduce shedding or supposedly to keep the dog cool also eliminates that insulating layer of fur, makes the dog susceptible to heat stroke and sunburn. Plus, their outer coat also protects them from UV rays and bug bites.

Instead, focus on coat maintenance rather than total removal. Regular brushing and deshedding will remove the loose undercoat hairs that are the main culprits of trapping heat. By clearing out the fluff, you allow air to circulate near the skin, which helps your dog cool down. At The Fur Seasons, our de-shedding treatments in spring and early summer can reduce that thick undercoat significantly (remember, it can cut shedding by up to 80% as we’ve mentioned before), which means a lighter coat for summer without shaving them bald.

If you have a dog with hair that continuously grows (like a Poodle or Shih Tzu mix), giving them a shorter trim for summer is perfectly fine – just leave at least a half-inch to an inch of fur for protection. We can style a “summer cut” that’s shorter than their winter fluff but still shields their skin. They’ll feel breezier and it’s easier upkeep for you (less hair to brush and blow-dry). For double-coated breeds (Labs, Shepherds, Huskies, etc.), we don’t recommend shaving to the skin. Instead, we do what’s called a “outline trim” or “neatening” – trimming longer feathers and thinning the coat – combined with thorough deshedding. This maintains their coat’s protective functions while removing excess bulk.

Pamper Those Paws

Ever walked barefoot on El Paso asphalt in July? Ouch! Our sidewalks and streets can reach scalding temperatures under the desert sun. Dogs’ paw pads are tough, but they’re not heatproof. A key grooming tip for summer is to take care of those feet:

• Keep nails trimmed: This might not seem heat-related, but long nails affect how your dog’s foot pads make contact with the ground. If nails are too long, your dog’s toes may lift and cause the pads to touch the hot ground more awkwardly, increasing risk of injuries or burns. Regular nail trims ensure your dog’s foot has proper contact with cool surfaces and keeps their posture healthy. (Bonus: well-trimmed nails also prevent slipping on wet surfaces during summer pool time!)

• Trim excess fur between pads: Many breeds have hair that grows between their paw pads. If this fur gets too long, it can trap foxtails, burrs, and foamy stickers common in our area. Trimming it flush with the pads helps your dog get better traction and also allows the sweat glands on their paws to do their job cooling them off. (yes, dogs do sweat a little through their paws). We always include paw pad trimming as part of our full groom – it’s especially helpful in summer to prevent that fur from collecting heat and debris.

• Protect the pads: Consider applying a paw balm to your dog’s pads during the summer. We offer a Nose & Paw Balm treatment at The Fur Seasons which moisturizes and adds a bit of protection to paw pads. It’s like chapstick for the feet – helping prevent cracking from the dry heat and providing a slight barrier on hot surfaces. Of course, nothing protects against truly hot pavement except avoiding it, so always test surfaces with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them even with balm. Try to walk early morning or late evening to dodge the worst heat.

• Doggy booties: Not every dog tolerates them, but booties can shield paws from hot ground. If you use them, grooming tip: bring your dog in wearing them or mention it, so we trim the paw fur in a way that booties will still fit comfortably. Some heavy fur between toes can make booties hard to put on.

Embrace the Bath (with Caution)

Summer can mean more frequent baths for dogs – they might be swimming, getting dusty on hikes, or just a bit smellier from outdoor fun. A clean coat free of dirt and excess oil will allow better airflow to the skin. Giving your dog a cool (not ice cold) bath can also help bring their body temperature down after a hot play session (think of it like a mini doggy pool)akc.org. At The Fur Seasons, we use lukewarm water (never hot) when bathing dogs in summer and can do a cool rinse at the end if needed. We also have air-conditioned drying areas so we aren’t just blowing hot air onto your pup.

A couple of caveats:

• Don’t overdo the baths: Too many baths can dry out your dog’s skin, which is already at risk of drying in our climate. Stick to your normal bath schedule unless extra baths are truly needed (like after a roll in the dirt or a swim in the Rio). When you do bathe, use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo – we have aloe vera and oatmeal-based shampoos that are great for summer coat care.

• Thoroughly dry to prevent hot spots: It’s tempting to let a dog air-dry in summer, but wet fur trapped in thick coats can lead to hot spots (moist skin infections). Always dry your dog well. Our groomers ensure dogs are completely dry and brushed out after baths. If your dog loves water play in summer, be sure to brush and dry the areas where they tend to mat (like under collars or harnesses) because wet mats can really irritate the skin.

• Pools and chlorine: If your dog swims in a chlorinated pool to cool off, give them a quick rinse afterward. Chlorine can dry the coat and skin. No need for a full shampoo each time – just a plain water rinse to get chemicals off, followed by a brushing.

Keep That Coat Tangle-Free and Tidy

A matted or tangled coat is not only uncomfortable for your dog, it also traps heat and moisture – a big no-no in summer. Regular brushing (yes, we keep saying it because it’s true!) is your best defense. Aim for daily quick brushing sessions, especially for long-haired or double-coated breeds. Focus on areas prone to matting: behind ears, under the chin and neck, armpits, tail, and the back of the legs.

Summer haircut or trim? Many owners opt for shorter trims in summer. Even a moderate trim (not shave) can help a lot by removing excess length that can become dirty or matted. For example, trimming the “skirts” on a long-haired dog or the feathers on the legs and belly can prevent those areas from collecting dirt and foxtails. We can also do a “sanitary trim” – shaving the groin and rear area – which keeps things cleaner for dogs who might get messy during summer play (think of male dogs aiming poorly or dogs having softer stools in the heat). This kind of trim keeps fur out of the way of urine or poop, which is more hygienic, especially when bacteria can multiply faster in heat.

Don’t forget the ears: Floppy ears (like on Labs or Goldens) can get less airflow in hot weather, and moisture can get trapped leading to ear infections. Keeping ear fur trimmed and cleaning ears regularly (we do ear cleaning each groom) helps. If your dog swims, dry their ears afterward and use a vet-recommended ear cleaner periodically to keep them fresh.

Hydration and Skin Health

While not a direct grooming step, hydration is a huge part of keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy in summer. The dry heat can dehydrate your pup quickly, leading to dry skin, which can cause more shedding and irritation. Always provide plenty of fresh water. You can even add a teaspoon of unflavored Pedialyte to their water bowl on extremely hot days for electrolyte boost (ask your vet first).

Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) in your dog’s diet during summer can help maintain skin moisture from within. We sometimes see dogs in El Paso with dull coats by end of summer – often due to a combination of dehydration and sun exposure. A well-hydrated dog on a good diet will have a healthier coat that provides better sun protection and feels cooler.

Extra Summer Perks at The Fur Seasons

We try to make summer grooming a breeze (or a brrr-eeze) for your dog:

• Early bird appointments: We offer grooming slots in the cool of the morning. Many clients drop off at 8 AM, and by the time the heat is ramping up, their dog is done and ready to chill indoors at home.

• Cool-off breaks: Our groomers are mindful of the heat. If a dog seems to be panting more, we’ll take a water break. We have chilled water and even dog-safe popsicles (made of frozen chicken broth) on hand if needed to cool a pup down from the inside.

• Summer groom package: For heavy-coated dogs, ask about our “Summer Shed & Shine” package – it includes a de-shed treatment, a soothing aloe conditioner, and a paw balm treatment, all aimed at preparing your dog for the high temps. It’s like a summer spa detox for their coat and skin.

• Boarding + Grooming: If you plan to travel in summer, consider boarding your dog with us (we have AC and even dog pools for playtime) and getting them groomed on pickup day. They’ll enjoy a cool stay and you’ll come back to a fresh, clean pup. (Check out our post on boarding and grooming near the airport for more on that convenience!)

Watch for Overheating

Despite all precautions, it’s vital to know when your dog is overheating. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, or even vomiting. If you ever pick up your dog from a grooming session or play session and notice these signs, take immediate steps to cool them (cool water, wet towels, shade) and seek vet help if they don’t recover quickly. We’re trained to watch for heat stress while grooming – rest assured, we would pause and cool your dog down long before it got to that point. But when you’re at home, keep an eye out during those backyard playdates or hikes.

Never, ever leave your dog in a parked car in summer (even with windows cracked). It can become deadly in minutes. During grooming drop-offs, we’ve had people say “I’ll be right back” and try to leave a dog in the car – we rush them inside because we take this seriously. We care about your dog’s safety beyond the grooming table!

Enjoy Summer with a Happy, Cool Pup

El Paso’s summers are part of what makes living here unique – sunshine for days! With these grooming tips, your dog can enjoy summer as much as you do. Think about how good you feel after a haircut or shedding some layers in the heat; that’s what proper grooming can do for your dog.

To recap:

• Keep your dog’s coat well-maintained (clean, brushed, and appropriately trimmed – not over-shaved).

• Pay extra attention to paws and nails.

• Use grooming sessions to ensure your dog’s gear (collars, harnesses) isn’t causing issues in the heat.

• Stick to the cooler times of day for intense activity and always have water on hand.

At The Fur Seasons, we’re here to help you with all your summer grooming needs. Whether it’s a simple bath after a muddy Monsoon-season romp or a full summer cut to help Scruffy stay comfy, we’ve got you covered. We love seeing our furry clients leave with that “ahh, I feel good” look on their faces, ready to go home and nap in the AC or show off their summer style.

Stay cool, stay safe, and give your pup a belly rub from us. And if you need any advice or want to schedule a summer grooming appointment, you know where to find us – probably enjoying a blast of cool air indoors with a happily groomed dog by our side. Here’s to a fun, fur-filled (but not flying all over your house) summer! ☀️🐕