How to keep your dog cool and comfortable this summer

Now that summer is here, that usually means you are spending more time outdoors with your dog. Time in the sun, water and dirt can have an effect on your dog's coat and ultimately their comfortability. The American Kennel Club offers these tips for taking care of your dog's coat this summer. BRUSHING From reduced shedding to having a cleaner coat, brushing your dog regularly has many benefits. It is also a great way to keep your dog cool, while giving you an opportunity to spot any irregularities on their skin like infections, allergies, fleas and ticks. Your dog's coat will determine the time spent brushing them. Double-coated dogs often require additional time. It is important to get your dog comfortable with brushing by exposing them to it in all positions (laying down, sitting, standing), introducing them to the sound of the razor, and starting off slowly. Always remember to be gentle and pick the right tools for your pup's coat. BATHING Dogs do not require the same bathing schedule as humans do. In fact, daily baths aren't necessary or even good for dogs. This means when you do bathe your dog, your regime is very important. Before you even start, removing dead hair and mats is a crucial step. Once in the bath, work from the neck down and be careful of your dog's eyes, ears and mouth. Be particularly careful not to get water in your dog's ears, which can be done by placing a dry cotton ball carefully at the top of the ear canal and using ear cleaning solutions before and after bathing. Always use shampoos formulated specifically for dogs and rinse extremely thoroughly. HAIRCUT Summer haircuts are a good idea to keep your dog cooler and more manageable. Be sure not to cut your dog's hair too short though! It acts as an insulator and without it they are susceptible to heat stroke and sunburn. It is advisable to purchase a professional pair of clippers or scissors and to only use the tips of the scissors when trimming around the face, feet and tail. CLIPPING NAILS Nail trimming is another essential part of summer grooming. Be sure you have the right tools, along with styptic powder in case you cut too far down. A good tip to prevent this is to cut little by little until you see a solid black dot on the tip. It is also a good idea to get your dog used to the sounds of whatever tool you are using. AKC S.A.F.E GROOMING PROGRAM The American Kennel Club has designed the AKC S.A.F.E (Safety, Assurance, Fundamentals, Education) Grooming Program to support the grooming industry's self-regulated effort through education. You can learn more about grooming tips, classes, and connect with professionals on their website. For more tips on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.