Blog · Grooming Tips · Published 2026-03-20 · 5 min read
Texas summers are brutal for dogs. Learn which grooming strategies keep your pup cool, prevent heat-related issues, and maintain a healthy coat year-round.
If you live in Katy, TX or anywhere in the greater Houston area, you know summers are intense. Temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Your dog feels that heat too — and proper grooming plays a bigger role in their comfort than most owners realize.
Don't Shave Double-Coated Breeds
This is the most common grooming mistake we see in summer. Breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Australian Shepherds have a double coat that actually insulates them from heat AND cold. Shaving removes the protective undercoat and can cause sunburn, overheating, and permanent coat damage.
Instead of shaving, ask your groomer for a thorough deshedding treatment. At Circle Lake Ranch, our full deshed grooming service includes specialized shampoo and conditioner plus 20 minutes of professional brushing to remove the loose undercoat — letting air circulate through the topcoat naturally. Dogs that visit our climate-controlled daycare also get a break from the worst of the Texas heat.
Increase Grooming Frequency in Summer
Dogs sweat through their paw pads and rely on panting to cool down — a clean, well-maintained coat helps this process work efficiently. During summer months, we recommend increasing grooming frequency:
- Long-haired breeds: Every 4 weeks (vs. 6-8 weeks in cooler months)
- Short-haired breeds: Every 6 weeks with a deshedding add-on
- Heavy shedders: Monthly deshedding treatments to prevent matting and improve airflow
- All dogs: Paw pad trims every visit to prevent debris buildup and improve traction
Watch for Hot Pavement Burns
Katy sidewalks and asphalt can reach 150°F+ in direct afternoon sun. If you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Schedule walks for early morning or after sunset, and keep paw pad hair trimmed to reduce the surface area that contacts hot ground.
If your dog's paw pads look cracked, blistered, or discolored, see your vet and mention it at their next grooming appointment. Our groomers can also apply paw balm as part of grooming visits.
Ear Care Matters More in Summer
Swimming, sprinklers, humidity — summer means more moisture in your dog's ears. Breeds with floppy ears (Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Doodles) are especially prone to ear infections when moisture gets trapped. Ask your groomer to thoroughly clean and dry ears at every visit, and check ears weekly at home for redness, odor, or discharge.
Sunscreen for Dogs? Yes, Sometimes
Dogs with thin coats, light-colored fur, or pink skin (especially on the nose and ears) can sunburn. Pet-safe sunscreen is available and should be applied to exposed areas before prolonged outdoor time. Never use human sunscreen — the zinc oxide in most formulas is toxic to dogs if ingested.
Post-Swimming Grooming
If your dog swims in pools, lakes, or creeks, always rinse them with clean water afterward. Chlorine dries out skin and coat, and natural water sources can carry bacteria. A quick rinse and towel-dry after swimming prevents skin irritation and that 'lake smell' that no one enjoys.
For dogs that swim frequently, we recommend a conditioning bath every 3-4 weeks to restore coat oils.
Keep your dog looking and feeling great this summer. Book a professional grooming appointment in Katy, TX →
Related Service
Dog Grooming at Circle Lake Ranch Pet Resort in Katy, TX — call (281) 395-4567 to book.