Do Long-Coated Dogs Need a Summer or Winter Cut? What Pet Parents Should Know
When temperatures change, many pet parents ask: Should I cut my dog’s coat short in the summer? Should I leave it longer in the winter? While this might seem like a simple grooming preference, the answer is more nuanced—especially for medium and long-coated dogs. At KLŌS Fine Pet Salon, we educate our clients in Milton, Alpharetta, and Roswell on why thoughtful grooming choices, not seasonal trends, create a happy and healthy pet year-round.
Understanding Your Dog’s Coat: Built-In Temperature Regulation
- Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Their coat plays a vital role in regulating body temperature. Medium and long coats are not just insulation in the winter—they’re also natural cooling systems in the summer. Here’s how:
- In Summer: A well-maintained long or medium coat protects the skin from sunburn and helps prevent overheating by trapping cool air close to the skin.
- In Winter: The same coat keeps warmth in, especially when combined with healthy skin and a dense undercoat.
- But the key here is well-maintained. A matted, dirty, or compacted coat traps heat, moisture, and debris, leading to discomfort and even skin conditions. That’s where professional grooming and therapeutic CoatCare come in.
The Dangers of Shaving Long-Coated Breeds
Shaving or excessively shortening the coats of certain breeds—especially double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Aussies, Pomeranians, and even some Doodles—can lead to long-term coat damage and even interfere with their body’s ability to regulate temperature.
These dogs rely on their undercoat and guard hairs working together. Shaving can disrupt this balance and lead to:
- Sunburn and skin damage
- Patchy or uneven regrowth
- Permanent coat texture changes
- Increased risk of overheating due to loss of natural insulation
At KLŌS, we never recommend shaving double-coated or long-haired breeds unless medically necessary. Instead, we focus on regular maintenance, customized CoatCare therapies, and strategic trimming to keep the coat healthy year-round.
Seasonal CoatCare Recommendations at KLŌS
Whether it’s summer or winter, the condition of your dog’s coat is what truly matters. At KLŌS Fine Pet Salon, we customize grooming plans based on your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin health—not the weather alone. Our Signature Services include:
- Deshedding and Undercoat Removal
- Ozone HydroSpa Treatments
- Coat Trimming
- Therapeutic Masks and Conditioners
Our trained stylists use the science-backed Iv San Bernard method, including the Close–Open–Close technique, to ensure each coat is properly cleansed, treated, and sealed for optimal health.
What’s the Best Cut for My Dog This Season?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s our general guidance for long or medium-coated breeds in the South:
- In Summer:
- Keep the coat clean, detangled, and free of dead undercoat.
- Consider light trimming for cleanliness and comfort—not shaving.
- Schedule monthly baths or Maintenance Grooms with Ozone HydroSpa.
- In Winter:
- Avoid over-trimming—your dog’s coat is their winter jacket.
- Focus on hydration and nourishment to prevent dry skin and static.
- Continue regular professional grooming—don’t skip winter appointments!
Final Thought: Seasonal Grooming Should Be Strategic, Not Trendy
At KLŌS Fine Pet Salon, we don’t believe in fads—we believe in education, wellness, and long-term coat health. Whether your dog is rocking a flowing double coat or a thick, plush curl, we help you make informed grooming decisions that support their comfort, wellness, and appearance all year long.
Because being well-groomed is about more than a bath and cut—it’s about being healthy, inside and out.
