Dogs Get Groomed for Summer's Dog Days

You think summer's heat and humidity are draining-think how much worse it would be if every square inch of you was covered in fur. A summer grooming routine can bring relief to even the shaggiest of dogs.

Doggy parents have a few summertime grooming options for their buddies, says Kat Johnson, lead groomer at Doggie Day Spa in Grandview. Johnson says most dog owners ask for a summer cut (also called a shave-down) or a puppy cut, which involves trimming a pup's hair down to one short length. A medium-length, all-over trim is also common. And a breed trim works well for dogs that enjoy rocking their long locks. "It's more of a sanitary trim, cleaning up the feet and face," Johnson says.

Doggie Day Spa offers grooming and a self-wash area, where larger breeds that don't typically need an all-over groom-like labs and boxers-can come in for an owner-led bath.

Molly the Morkie

Owner: Jennifer Pence

"A lot of little dogs can go for the full shave, as long as they're not outside too much," says Johnson, who breeds Molly. "Their skin can get sunburned. If they walk daily, opt for the puppy cut."

Clementine the Great Dane

Owner: Jill Birkinbine

In the warmer months, 2-year-old Clementine receives shedding treatments and coat polishes. Deluxe bath and de-shed treatments help pull out dead coat, Johnson says.

Dean Martin the Labradoodle

Owner: Hayley Carducci

Dean Martin's owner knows she has to brush him daily to keep knots at bay. "I call it his '90s perm hair," she laughs. "It's so thick and curly; we keep it short so that there isn't as much maintenance."

Bowzer the King Cavalier Spaniel

Owner: Mark Johnson

Successful grooming is all about comfort. "We provide as quick a service as possible, but we don't expedite things to the point of stressing out the dogs," says Johnson, who grooms 8-year-old Bowzer.