Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, beach days, road trips, and all things outdoors. If you’re anything like us, you love soaking up the season with your pup by your side—whether that’s heading out for longer walks, hitting the hiking trails, or chilling in the backyard with a frozen treat.
But while summer is full of fun, it also brings some real challenges for our four-legged friends. Dogs can’t cool off the same way we do, and rising temps can put them at risk for things like dehydration, heatstroke, and even sunburn (yes, really!). The good news? With a few simple tips—and some TLC from your favorite groomers at Barks in the Bay Grooming—you can keep your dog safe, happy, and feeling cool all season long.
Beat the Heat (Without Breaking a Sweat)
Dogs feel the heat a lot more than we realize. So during the warmer months, it’s important to be extra mindful of where they hang out, how much exercise they get, and what their daily routine looks like.
Here are a few hot-weather musts:
🌳 Shade is essential. Set up a cool, shady spot outside—or better yet, keep your dog indoors during the hottest part of the day. Doghouses don’t count—they trap heat and can actually make things worse.
🚗 Never leave your dog in the car. Not even for a quick errand. The inside of a parked car can heat up fast—like dangerously fast. Within 20 minutes, it can hit 100°F or more, even with the windows cracked.
💦 Hydration is key. Always have fresh, cool water available—especially if you’re heading out for a walk or a beach day. An insulated bowl or travel bottle with a pop-up dish works great on the go.
🐾 Protect those paws. Asphalt and sand can get crazy hot. Try the 5-second rule: if you can’t hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.
🕶️ Mind the breed. Flat-faced pups like Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pekingese are especially sensitive to heat. Their breathing isn’t as efficient, so they’re more prone to overheating. Keep them inside with the A/C running as much as possible.
Grooming: Your Dog’s Summer Secret Weapon
One of the best ways to help your dog stay cool and comfortable this summer? Regular grooming.
At Barks in the Bay Grooming, we offer summer-specific services that do more than just make your pup look good (though trust us—they’ll be adorable). Our warm-weather grooming helps:
- Remove excess fur that traps heat and sheds all over your house
- Clean and condition the coat to soothe sun or saltwater irritation
- Prevent painful mats and tangles that make hot days even more uncomfortable
- Keep paws and nails healthy, especially after outdoor adventures
- Spot ticks, fleas, or skin issues early, before they turn into bigger problems
Whether your pup needs a full summer haircut or just a good deshedding session and paw refresh, we’ll tailor the experience to their coat, breed, and lifestyle.
Beach Days & Water Play: What to Watch For
Taking your dog to the beach? We love that for them. Just make sure to take a few precautions:
🏖️ Bring a tent or umbrella so your dog has a shaded place to rest.
🚫 Don’t let them drink saltwater—it can cause serious tummy trouble.
🧴 Use pet-safe sunscreen on their nose, ears, and anywhere with thin fur.
🌊 Keep a close eye on their swimming. Not all dogs are natural water lovers, and strong tides can tire even the best doggy paddler.
🚿 Always rinse them off afterward—salt, sand, and other ocean minerals can irritate their skin and dry out their coat.
And yes, we’re happy to help with a post-beach clean-up at Barks in the Bay. Nothing like a fresh bath and brush-out after a day of digging in the sand.
Traveling With Your Pup? Don’t Forget These Tips
Whether you’re road-tripping, RVing, or flying to your summer getaway, your pup deserves to travel in comfort:
🚘 In the car:
- Use a cooling mat in their crate or seat
- Pack water, a bowl, and a portable shade setup for stops
- Never leave them in a parked car (seriously—we’ll say it again)
✈️ On a plane:
- Check airline policies ahead of time—many limit pet travel during hot months
- Use frozen water bottles or cooling packs in the crate
🏕️ In an RV or at campgrounds:
- Always leave airflow—don’t close up the RV completely
- Use a dog seat belt or crate while driving
- Double-check that your destination is pet-friendly
Know the Signs of Dehydration & Heatstroke
Even with the best care, things can go south quickly in extreme heat. Keep an eye out for early warning signs like:
- Heavy panting
- Dry gums or nose
- Lethargy
- Excessive drooling
- Trouble walking or staying balanced
If you notice anything concerning, start cooling your dog down right away—move them to shade or indoors, use a fan, spray them with cool water, and call your vet if symptoms don’t improve.
Let’s Make This Summer a Cool One 🐕💦
Summer is meant for memories—and there’s nothing better than making those memories with your dog by your side. With a little extra attention and some seasonal grooming from Barks in the Bay, your pup can stay safe, stylish, and totally ready for all the summer fun.
📅 Book your summer grooming appointment today to beat the heat and keep your dog feeling fresh from nose to tail.
Appointments fill up fast this time of year, so don’t wait—your dog (and your A/C filter) will thank you!