Updated: May 13, 2026
Every June I get the same wave of calls: coats looking dull, dogs scratching more, owners asking if it's the heat or something worse. Usually it's both, and it's fixable. Summer changes the equation for coat care — sunshine, outdoor time, and swimming all bring real upside, but they also bring dry skin, coat damage, and heavier shedding if the routine doesn't shift with the weather.
What Summer Actually Does to a Coat
UV exposure dries and embrittles hair. Double-coated breeds blow coat harder in the heat. Swimming traps moisture and starts mats before you notice them. And a coat that's dehydrated or carrying product buildup just looks lifeless, no matter how often you brush it.
None of that is cosmetic — it affects comfort and skin health, not just appearance. If you want the deeper mechanics of how shedding cycles work, Managing Seasonal Shedding in Dogs is the one to read.
What I Actually Change in Summer
Brushing goes up first. More frequent brushing removes loose hair before it mats and distributes natural oils better — for double-coated breeds like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, and Huskies, an undercoat rake gets down to the skin without tearing at coat structure. If a dog's actively blowing coat, this step alone makes the biggest visible difference.
Bathing doesn't go up the same way. Over-bathing with a harsh shampoo strips protective oils faster than the skin can replace them — the fix is a coat-appropriate formula, used only as needed, not more frequently just because it's hot. If you're unsure what "as needed" means for your dog, this guide breaks it down by coat type.
- Texturizing Shampoo – for coat body and structure without buildup
- Cleansing Shampoo – the reset for active dogs
- Moisturizing Shampoo – for dogs already prone to dryness or irritation
Between baths, hydration matters more in summer than any other season — especially after swimming. A light mist of Maxi Care restores moisture and cuts static without weighing the coat down.
After Pool or Lake Days
Rinse thoroughly after any exposure to chlorine, saltwater, or lake water — that step alone prevents most of the dryness I see after summer swimming. Follow with a gentle shampoo if needed, then a light leave-in to restore balance.
Cindra Picks for Summer
| Product | Best Use |
|---|---|
| Texturizing Shampoo | Maintaining coat body and structure in warm weather |
| Moisture Plus Conditioner | Weekly hydration support and coat repair |
| Maxi Care | Daily moisture, shine, and coat management |
| Cleansing Shampoo | Routine cleansing after outdoor activity |
What I Tell Clients Every Summer
Summer grooming isn't about making the coat softer. It's about keeping the coat doing its actual job — protecting, regulating temperature, performing the way it's built to — through a season that puts real stress on it. I don't chase trends that over-condition or collapse structure; I'm protecting the coat's natural integrity, whether that's preserving volume in a double coat or adding controlled hydration to a drop coat.
That's why the breeders, handlers, and groomers I work with come back to the same formulas season after season. They need consistent, predictable results — not something that looks good in June and falls apart by August. Adjust the routine with the season instead of fighting the coat, and the dog looks better, feels better, and performs better through the heat.
Learn more at www.cindra.net.
By Tasha Mesina
Owner, Cindra Grooming Products
Tasha Mesina is the owner of Cindra Grooming Products, a USA-made brand developed for show dogs in 1982. With over two decades of hands-on grooming experience, she works closely with breeders, handlers, and working dog owners to develop coat care systems that prioritize structure, function, and long-term coat health.
