Don't shave the double coats

A golden's or husky's double coat is insulation both ways, it slows heat coming in as well as holding warmth in winter. Shaving it exposes skin to sunburn and often ruins the coat's regrowth. What they need instead is de-shedding: a bath, blow out and undercoat removal so air can actually reach the skin.

Do trim the ones that grow hair

Doodles, poodles, Shih Tzus and other hair-growing breeds absolutely can go shorter for summer, a tidy summer cut is easier to keep mat-free through beach trips and sprinkler season. Just keep enough length to protect from sunburn.

Watch for hot spots

Heat plus humidity plus a damp undercoat is how hot spots start. Dogs that swim or get caught in afternoon storms need to be dried thoroughly, especially behind the ears and under the collar. A quick weekly once-over lets you catch red, damp, itchy patches early.

Paws, sand & pavement

Asphalt in a Ruskin July can hit 140°F. Walk early, check pads weekly, and keep the fur between the pads trimmed so sandspurs and beach sand don't pack in. Our Foot & Paw Ritual add-on keeps pads conditioned.

Skin relief that works

For dogs that itch all summer, ask about our Iv San Bernard skin treatment and our natural, non-toxic product line, gentle on skin that's already fighting allergies, salt and sun. Book a summer spa day online or call 813-641-DOGS.