Summer in Montreal brings warmth, sunshine, and plenty of outdoor adventures with your dog. But the season also brings unique grooming challenges that every pet owner should know how to handle. From managing heavy shedding to protecting your dog’s paws from hot pavement, staying on top of summer grooming keeps your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy.
At PawznPolish, we help pet families across Montreal and the West Island maintain their dog’s coat, skin, and overall wellness during the warmest months of the year. Here are our top summer grooming tips to help you and your pup enjoy the season safely.
Why Summer Grooming Matters
Summer heat affects dogs differently depending on their breed, coat type, and activity level. Double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers and Huskies shed heavily to regulate body temperature. Dogs with long hair can overheat quickly if their coat isn’t properly maintained. Humidity can also lead to matting, skin irritation, and bacterial growth if moisture gets trapped in thick fur.
Regular grooming during summer helps your dog stay cool, reduces discomfort, and prevents health issues like hot spots and infections. It also makes outdoor activities safer and more enjoyable for both of you.
Brush Your Dog More Frequently
Shedding increases dramatically in summer as your dog’s body tries to stay cool. Brushing your dog several times a week removes loose fur, prevents mats, and improves air circulation through their coat.
For heavy shedders, daily brushing may be necessary. Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake for double-coated breeds, and a bristle brush for shorter coats. Regular brushing also reduces the amount of fur you’ll find on furniture and floors.
Many of our West Island clients schedule weekly brush-outs during summer to stay ahead of shedding. This keeps their dog’s coat manageable and their home cleaner.
Consider a Summer Trim (Not a Shave)
Trimming your dog’s coat can help them stay cooler, but shaving is rarely the answer. A dog’s coat provides insulation from both heat and cold, and shaving it can expose their skin to sunburn and overheating.
Instead, ask your groomer for a summer cut that shortens the coat while leaving enough length to protect the skin. For breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Doodles, a shorter trim improves comfort without compromising their coat’s natural function.
Our mobile grooming team at PawznPolish specializes in breed-appropriate summer trims that keep your dog cool and protected. We customize every haircut based on your dog’s coat type and your preferences.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Summer activities mean more dirt, pollen, and allergens sticking to your dog’s coat. Regular baths remove these irritants and keep your dog’s skin clean and healthy.
Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is a good baseline for most dogs, but active dogs who swim or play outside frequently may need more frequent baths. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and always follow with conditioner to prevent dryness.
In humid Montreal summers, proper drying is just as important as bathing. Moisture trapped in thick fur can lead to hot spots and bacterial infections. Our cage-free blow-dry service ensures your dog’s coat is completely dry, reducing the risk of skin issues.
Protect Your Dog’s Paws
Hot pavement, rough trails, and rocky beaches can damage your dog’s paw pads during summer. Cracked or burnt pads are painful and take time to heal.
Check your dog’s paws regularly for cuts, cracks, or irritation. Trim the hair between their paw pads to prevent dirt and debris from getting stuck. Apply a soothing paw pad moisturizer to keep pads soft and protected.
Many Dorval pet owners who live near parks and beaches add our PawznPolish Service to their grooming routine during summer. This focused paw care keeps pads healthy and ready for outdoor adventures.
Keep Nails Trimmed
Long nails can make walking uncomfortable, especially on hot surfaces. They also increase the risk of injury if your dog is running or playing outdoors.
Trim your dog’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks, or as needed. If you hear clicking sounds when your dog walks on hard floors, it’s time for a trim. Grinding the nails after clipping smooths sharp edges and reduces the chance of snagging.
Our mobile grooming appointments include both nail clipping and grinding to keep your dog’s paws comfortable and safe.
Watch for Signs of Overheating
Even with proper grooming, some dogs are more prone to overheating. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, senior dogs, and overweight dogs are especially vulnerable.
Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting. If you notice these signs, move your dog to a cool area immediately and offer water. Contact your vet if symptoms persist.
Grooming alone won’t prevent heatstroke, but maintaining a healthy coat and staying on top of hygiene helps your dog regulate their body temperature more effectively.
Manage Matting Before It Becomes a Problem
Humidity and moisture from swimming can cause mats to form quickly, especially in long-haired breeds. Mats trap heat, pull on the skin, and create an environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.
Brush your dog thoroughly after every swim or bath. Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. If you find a mat, work it out gently with a detangling spray and a slicker brush.
Severe matting requires professional grooming. Many of our Côte-Saint-Luc and Westmount clients book mobile grooming appointments as soon as they notice mats forming. Addressing matting early prevents discomfort and keeps your dog’s coat healthy.
Learn more about why matting is dangerous in our detailed guide on preventing and managing dog matting.
Check Ears Regularly
Swimming and humidity increase the risk of ear infections during summer. Water and moisture trapped in the ear canal create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast.
Check your dog’s ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge. Clean them gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner, and dry them thoroughly after swimming.
Our grooming appointments include ear cleaning to keep your dog’s ears healthy and infection-free. If you notice persistent irritation or odor, contact your vet for further evaluation.
Stay Consistent with Professional Grooming
Summer is a busy season, but staying consistent with professional grooming keeps your dog comfortable and prevents issues from building up. Regular appointments ensure your dog’s coat stays clean, their nails stay trimmed, and potential problems are caught early.
Many of our Mount Royal clients choose our 6-week grooming membership to maintain a consistent schedule throughout summer. This keeps their dog looking and feeling great without the stress of last-minute bookings.
Why Choose Mobile Grooming in Summer?
Mobile grooming is especially convenient during summer. You don’t have to load your dog into a hot car, sit in traffic, or wait in a crowded salon. Our fully equipped van arrives at your home, and grooming happens in a calm, climate-controlled environment.
For dogs who are anxious or elderly, mobile grooming eliminates stress and makes the experience more comfortable. Our one-on-one approach ensures your dog gets personalized attention from start to finish.
Families in Pointe-Claire, Dollard-Des Ormeaux, and Saint-Laurent love the convenience of mobile grooming during the busy summer months. It saves time, reduces stress, and delivers professional results right at your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my dog in Montreal summers?
Most dogs benefit from grooming every 4 to 6 weeks during summer. Heavy shedders or dogs with long coats may need more frequent appointments. Consistent brushing at home between professional grooming sessions helps manage shedding and prevents matting.
Can I shave my dog to keep them cool?
Shaving is not recommended for most breeds. A dog’s coat provides natural insulation and protects their skin from sunburn. A summer trim that shortens the coat while leaving protective length is a safer option.
Do you offer de-shedding services in Dorval?
Yes! Our full grooming service includes thorough brush-outs and de-shedding treatments to remove loose undercoat and reduce shedding. We customize our approach based on your dog’s breed and coat type.
Is mobile grooming safe for senior dogs?
Absolutely. Mobile grooming is ideal for senior dogs because it eliminates stressful travel and provides a calm, one-on-one environment. Our groomers are trained to work gently with older dogs and accommodate any special needs.
What should I do if my dog gets matted after swimming?
Brush your dog thoroughly as soon as possible after swimming to prevent mats from forming. If mats develop, try working them out gently with a detangling spray. For severe matting, contact a professional groomer. We offer mobile grooming appointments across the West Island to address matting safely and effectively.
Keep Your Dog Cool and Comfortable This Summer
Summer grooming is about more than appearance. It’s about keeping your dog healthy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the season. From managing shedding to protecting paws and preventing matting, consistent grooming makes all the difference.
At PawznPolish, we bring professional grooming directly to your home across Montreal and the West Island. Our mobile service is designed for busy pet owners who want the best care without the hassle of salon visits.
Ready to book your dog’s summer grooming appointment? Visit our booking page or call us at +1 (778) 601-8318. We proudly serve Côte-Saint-Luc, Hampstead, NDG, Dorval, Montreal, Westmount, Mount Royal, Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Griffintown, Saint-Laurent, Pointe-Claire and the West Island.Explore our full range of grooming services or learn more about our membership options for year-round care.