As summer approaches in Dunwoody and the greater Atlanta area, rising temperatures mean one thing for dog owners: it’s time to prepare your dog’s coat for the heat. Whether your pup is a fluffy Golden Retriever, a curly Doodle, or a short-coated Labrador, proper coat preparation is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s comfort and health this season.

At Robin’s Groomingdales in Dunwoody, GA, we’ve helped hundreds of dogs transition into summer coat mode. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Summer Coat Prep Matters

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do — they rely primarily on panting and heat release through their paw pads to cool down. A matted, overly thick, or poorly maintained coat can actually trap heat against the body, making your dog significantly more uncomfortable and even at risk for overheating. On the other hand, a well-groomed coat — even a long one — can actually help insulate your dog against both heat and sun exposure.

Summer in Dunwoody brings heat, humidity, and plenty of outdoor activity. That combination creates the perfect storm for skin issues, ear infections, and coat problems if you’re not prepared.

Step 1: Schedule a Professional Deshedding Treatment

Before temperatures fully peak, a professional deshedding treatment is the single most impactful thing you can do for your dog’s summer comfort. At Robin’s Groomingdales, our deshedding service removes the dense undercoat that would otherwise trap heat against your dog’s body.

Breeds that benefit most from deshedding treatments include:

• Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers
• German Shepherds and Huskies
• Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees
• Corgis, Collies, and Shelties
• Any dog with a double coat

Regular brushing helps, but a professional deshedding treatment goes much deeper — removing up to 80% of loose undercoat that brushing alone can’t reach.

Step 2: Don’t Shave Your Double-Coated Dog

This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — summer grooming rules. It’s tempting to shave a fluffy dog in summer to keep them cool, but for double-coated breeds, shaving can actually cause harm.

A double coat works as a natural insulator, keeping heat out as well as cold. When you shave it, you remove that protection, expose the skin to direct sun exposure and UV rays, and can disrupt the natural regrowth cycle — sometimes permanently, a condition called “post-clipping alopecia.”

Instead of shaving, opt for a thorough deshedding and trim. Your Robin’s Groomingdales groomer can recommend the perfect summer length for your breed that keeps your dog comfortable without compromising coat health.

Step 3: Address Mats Before Summer Arrives

Mats are uncomfortable year-round, but in summer they become a serious problem. Mats trap moisture against the skin, creating warm, damp environments where bacteria and yeast thrive — leading to hot spots, skin infections, and significant discomfort for your dog.

If your dog has any existing mats, have them addressed by a professional groomer before summer begins. Prevention is key: brush your dog at least 3–4 times per week during heavy shedding season to prevent new mats from forming.

Step 4: Choose the Right Summer Cut for Your Breed

Not all dogs need the same summer treatment. Here’s a quick guide:

• Doodles and Poodles: A shorter teddy bear or puppy cut helps prevent matting in humidity. Aim for 1–2 inches in length.
• Schnauzers and Terriers: A clean summer trim keeps them fresh without removing important coat structure.
• Spaniels: Feathering and ear hair can be trimmed to reduce moisture retention and ear infections.
• Short-coated breeds (Labs, Boxers, Beagles): Focus on conditioning, nail care, and ear cleaning rather than cutting.

Step 5: Protect Skin from Summer Humidity

Dunwoody summers are notoriously humid, and that humidity affects your dog’s skin just as much as the heat. Moisture-trapping coats can lead to fungal infections, yeast overgrowth, and irritated skin — especially in dogs prone to allergies.

Ask about our conditioning treatments that moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier, making your dog more resilient against environmental stressors. Keeping ears clean and dry is equally important — summer is peak season for ear infections in dogs with floppy ears.

Step 6: Maintain a Consistent Summer Grooming Schedule

During summer, we recommend booking grooming appointments every 4–6 weeks rather than stretching to 8 weeks. The combination of heat, humidity, outdoor activity, and swimming means your dog’s coat and skin need more frequent professional attention to stay in top condition.

Your Summer Grooming Checklist

• Professional deshedding treatment before peak heat
• Mat removal and prevention plan
• Breed-appropriate summer trim (not a full shave for double-coated breeds)
• Skin conditioning treatment
• Ear cleaning and drying
• Regular at-home brushing (3–4x per week)
• Grooming appointment booked every 4–6 weeks

Book Your Dog’s Summer Coat Prep at Robin’s Groomingdales

Located at 2482 Jett Ferry Rd in Dunwoody, GA, Robin’s Groomingdales serves dogs throughout Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and the greater Atlanta area. Our experienced groomers understand the specific challenges of Georgia summers and will tailor your dog’s grooming plan for maximum comfort and coat health all season long.

Book your summer coat prep appointment online at robinsgroomingdales.us or call us at (770) 396-8902. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Your dog deserves to enjoy summer to the fullest — and a well-prepared coat makes all the difference.