08/28/2026
Summer Skin & Coat Recovery — What Your Pet Needs Right Now
Summer is a lot of fun, but it can be surprisingly tough on your pet's skin and coat. Between the heat, the swimming, the sun exposure, and the general chaos of the season, late August is a great time to take stock of how your pet is looking and feeling from the outside in.
What Summer Actually Does to a Coat:
Heat and humidity alone can throw off a pet's coat condition, but add in repeated swimming, sun exposure, and increased outdoor time and the effects become more noticeable. Chlorine and saltwater strip natural oils from the coat, leaving it dry, dull, or brittle. Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors may also be dealing with increased shedding, matting, or a coat that just doesn't look as healthy as it did back in May.
Cats aren't immune either — indoor cats may experience increased shedding through the summer months as their coat adjusts to temperature changes and varying daylight.
Skin Issues to Watch For:
The coat is often the first visible sign that something is off underneath. Dry, flaky skin, excessive scratching, or hot spots that developed over the summer don't always resolve on their own. Late summer is also prime time for environmental allergies, which can show up as itching, redness, or irritated paws from contact with grass, pollen, and other outdoor elements.
If your pet has been scratching more than usual or you're noticing any unusual skin changes, a vet check before fall arrives is worth scheduling sooner rather than later.
~Simple Recovery Steps~
The good news is that most summer coat and skin issues are straightforward to address with a little attention:
🧼 A thorough deshedding treatment can remove dead undercoat that's been building up all summer
🪒 Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat looking its best going into fall
🛁 A good quality bath with a moisturizing shampoo can go a long way after a summer of swimming and outdoor exposure
🐟 Omega-3 supplements are widely recommended for coat health and can help restore shine and condition from the inside out
💦 Make sure your pet is staying well hydrated — skin health starts with water intake
Looking Ahead:
Fall brings its own set of coat changes as pets begin growing their winter coats, so going into the season with a healthy baseline makes a real difference. A little end of summer attention now sets your pet up for a smooth transition into the cooler months ahead.