Summer is made for dogs. Longer evenings, woodland walks, pub gardens, beach trips, swimming, mud, the works.

But warmer weather brings a few extra things to think about if you want your dog to enjoy every adventure safely. From hydration and grooming to swimming, travel and post-walk clean-ups, here are 10 ways to keep your dog cool, comfortable and looking sharp all summer long.

Beat the Heat

1. Keeping Dogs Cool in Hot Weather

Dogs don't handle heat like we do. They mainly cool themselves by panting, so hot weather, heavy exercise and one badly timed walk can hit them harder than you think.

Keep fresh water within easy reach, stick to early morning or evening walks and avoid pavements that feel too hot for your hand. If your dog is panting hard, slowing down or looking wiped out, don't push it. Head for shade, offer small amounts of water and let them recover.

Want the full lowdown on keeping your dog hydrated this summer?

• Read our guide to Hot Weather Tips to Keep Dogs Hydrated.

Don't Rush for the Clippers

2. Should You Shave Your Dog in Summer?

Every summer, we hear the same question in the salon. "Should my dog be shaved?"

The answer depends on your dog's coat. Some breeds benefit from a tidy summer trim, while others rely on their coat to help regulate body temperature and protect their skin from the sun. Shaving the wrong coat can do more harm than good.

A professional groom can remove dead undercoat, reduce matting and help your dog stay comfortable without taking the coat shorter than it needs to go.

Not sure what's best for your dog?

• Read our guide to Should You Shave Your Dog in Summer?

Make a Splash

3. Enjoy the Water Safely This Summer

Not every hot day needs a long walk. A paddle can be just as much fun. If you've got a garden, fill up a paddling pool and let your dog cool off in the shade. Heading further afield? Beaches, shallow streams and dog-friendly swimming spots are all great ways to beat the heat.

Choose clean, safe water where possible, avoid fast-flowing rivers and always keep an eye on your dog. Early mornings and later evenings are usually cooler, quieter and much more enjoyable for everyone. Don't forget to respect local wildlife, other people enjoying the water and any signs or restrictions where you're visiting.

Know What's Lurking Beneath the Surface

4. Blue-Green Algae and Other Summer Water Hazards

Not every stretch of water is as inviting as it looks. Stagnant water can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites and harmful algae during warmer weather. That doesn't just apply to lakes and ponds either. Even a paddling pool in the garden needs refreshing regularly to keep it clean and safe for your dog.

One of the biggest summer risks is blue-green algae. It can produce harmful toxins that cling to your dog's coat and paws, putting them at risk when they naturally lick themselves after a swim.

Keep an eye out for warning signs and avoid water that looks green, blue-green or has a paint-like scum on the surface. If you think your dog has come into contact with blue-green algae, contact your vet immediately, even if they seem fine. Afterwards, make sure you wash your dog thoroughly to help remove anything left behind in their coat.

Wash Off the Adventure

5. Why You Should Wash Your Dog After Swimming

Whether they've been splashing in the sea, charging through a muddy stream or paddling in a lake, it's always worth giving your dog a proper wash afterwards. Salt, chlorine, mud, sand and anything else they've picked up can linger in the coat and irritate the skin if left behind.

A quick rinse isn't always enough either. Depending on where they've been swimming, using a suitable dog shampoo can help remove anything trapped in the coat and leave them feeling fresh for the next adventure. If you're short on time, dog grooming wipes are a handy way to freshen up paws, coats and mucky bits between baths.

Need to top up your grooming kit?

Take a look at our dog grooming collection, packed with shampoos, wipes, brushes and everyday essentials to help keep your dog looking and feeling their best all summer long.

Don't Ignore the Ears

6. How to Help Prevent Ear Infections After Swimming

Some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others, especially those with floppy ears or lots of hair around the ear canal. After a swim, moisture can become trapped, creating the perfect environment for irritation and infection.

Gently dry your dog's ears after swimming and keep an eye out for excessive scratching, head shaking, redness or an unpleasant smell. Spotting the signs early can help prevent a small problem becoming a much bigger one.

Give them a helping hand.

After swimming, keeping your dog's ears clean and dry should become part of your regular grooming routine. Our ELI Natural Ear Cleaner is specially formulated to gently clean and deodorise the external ear canal while helping to maintain healthy ears. If you notice ongoing irritation, redness or signs of an ear infection, it's always best to contact your vet.

Adventure Hard. Groom Smart.

7. Summer Grooming Tips for Dogs

Summer is brilliant for adventures, but it's not always kind to your dog's coat. Mud, sand, grass seeds, pollen and loose undercoat can quickly build up, leaving coats tangled, uncomfortable and much harder to manage.

A little maintenance goes a long way. Regular brushing, checking paws after walks and keeping on top of your dog's grooming routine will help prevent mats, remove debris and keep their coat in great condition throughout the season.

Give their coat the care it deserves.

A quality slicker brush can make all the difference between grooms, helping to remove loose undercoat, prevent tangles and keep coats looking their best after every adventure. We love the Artero Bella Double Flexible Slicker Brush for keeping coats in top condition throughout the summer.

Cars Become Ovens

8. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

Even on a mild summer's day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise dangerously fast. Cracking a window or parking in the shade isn't enough to keep your dog safe.

If you're running errands, leave your dog at home where they're cool and comfortable. If you're heading out together, plan dog-friendly stops where they can stay with you instead of being left waiting in the car.

Heatstroke can develop in minutes and is a veterinary emergency. If you think your dog is overheating, move them somewhere cool, offer small amounts of water and contact your vet immediately.

Pack Smart. Play Hard.

9. Summer Essentials for Every Dog Adventure

A little preparation goes a long way. Whether you're heading to the woods, the beach or your favourite local park, packing a few essentials means you can spend less time worrying and more time making memories with your dog.

Fresh water should always be top of the list, followed by treats, poo bags, a towel for muddy paws or post-swim shake-offs and anything else your dog might need for the day. If the forecast looks particularly hot, think about changing your plans, heading out earlier or finding somewhere cooler to explore.

One bottle. Everything sorted.

Our ByTeddy Bowl Bottle 3-in-1 Travel Bottle keeps water and treats in one place, making it easy to stay hydrated wherever your next adventure takes you.

Too hot to head out?

Swap a long walk for something different. From puppy socials to trainer sessions, our community events are a brilliant way to spend time with your dog without spending hours in the midday heat.

See what's coming up at Wild Bush Events.

Look Sharp All Summer

Why Regular Summer Grooming Matters

Summer can be tough on a dog's coat. Sun, mud, swimming, grass seeds and long days outdoors all take their toll, especially if grooming slips down the to-do list. Regular brushing at home helps, but nothing beats a professional groom to keep coats healthy, comfortable and looking their best.

Whether your dog needs a de-shed, a tidy-up or their regular groom, staying on top of coat care means they'll spend less time scratching, overheating or carrying half the park home with them.

Ready to get your dog summer-ready?

Book your next grooming appointment and let our team help your dog stay cool, comfortable and looking sharp all summer long.

Summer is made for adventures. A little planning, regular grooming and a bit of common sense will keep every walk, swim and muddy memory fun from start to finish.

Now get out there and enjoy it.