By Petopia Grooming | Eastgardens, Sydney | March 2026
Summer Coat Care in Sydney:
Keeping Your Pet Cool & Comfortable
A science-backed guide to grooming, hydration & heat safety for dogs and cats in Australian summers.
Sydney summers can be brutal — and your pet feels it too. When temperatures push past 35°C, it's natural to want to shave your dog down to help them cool off. But that's not always the right call.
Here's what actually helps, and what might do more harm than good.
The Shaving Myth
It seems logical: less fur = cooler dog. But for many breeds, shaving can actually make things worse.
Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, German Shepherds) have an undercoat that acts as insulation — not just against cold, but against heat too. According to Cornell University's Riney Canine Health Center, shaving can damage hair follicles and lead to poor or permanently altered regrowth (AKC, 2024). The guard hairs grow back slower than the undercoat, leaving the coat patchy and less protective.
A 2023 study from New South Wales found that heat-related illness in dogs is a significant and growing concern in Australia, with respiratory changes and lethargy being the most common clinical signs (Tripovich et al., 2023).
⚠️ Warning — Double-Coat Damage
Never shave a double-coated breed to the skin. The undercoat may grow back faster than the guard hairs, resulting in a rough, patchy texture that reduces the coat's ability to insulate. In severe cases, follicle damage can be permanent.
What to do instead: Regular brushing to remove the loose undercoat. A professional deshedding treatment — part of a full grooming session — thins the undercoat without removing the protective topcoat.
Breeds That Benefit From a Summer Trim
Not every coat is the same. These breeds do benefit from a shorter cut in summer:
💡 Tip — The Golden Rule
Shorter, not shaved. Always leave at least 1 cm of coat to protect against UV rays and insects. Even on a single-coated breed, some coverage is essential.
Signs Your Pet Is Overheating
Dogs can't sweat the way we do — they cool down by panting and through their paw pads. A 2024 epidemiological study in the Veterinary Record found that respiratory distress was the most frequently recorded sign of heat-related illness in dogs, present in nearly 69% of cases (Beard et al., 2024).
Watch for:
- Excessive panting that doesn't slow down in shade
- Drooling more than usual
- Bright red tongue or gums
- Stumbling or seeming confused
- Refusing to move
⚠️ Danger — Heatstroke Emergency
If you see these signs, act immediately: move your pet to a cool area, offer water (don't force it), and wet their paw pads and belly with cool (not cold) water. If symptoms don't improve within 10 minutes, call your vet. Heatstroke can be fatal.
⚠️ Warning — Brachycephalic Breeds at Higher Risk
Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Persian cats) are at significantly higher risk due to their shortened airways making it much harder to cool down through panting. Take extra precautions with these breeds in temperatures above 28°C.
Simple Summer Tips
Morning & evening walks only. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hand (hold it there for 5 seconds), it's too hot for their paws.
Fresh water everywhere. Add a second water bowl. Drop an ice cube in on hot days — most dogs love fishing it out.
Frozen treats. Freeze some chicken broth or peanut butter in a Kong. Keeps them cool and entertained.
Paw care matters. Hot pavement, sand, and saltwater can dry out paw pads. A paw balm after beach days goes a long way.
Don't forget cats. Indoor cats can overheat too, especially long-haired breeds. Keep a fan running, provide fresh water, and brush regularly to remove excess undercoat.
More frequent washes in summer. A wash & tidy every 2–3 weeks during the hotter months helps keep your pet's coat clean and allows better airflow through the fur — especially for active dogs who swim, roll in sand, or spend a lot of time outdoors.
💌 Pro Tip — The 5-Second Pavement Test
Place the back of your hand flat on the pavement and hold for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for your skin, it's too hot for your pet's paw pads. On a 35°C day, asphalt can reach 65°C+. Walk on grass or wait until evening.
After the Beach or Pool
If your dog loves a swim (and in Sydney, who doesn't?), rinse them off with fresh water afterward. Saltwater and chlorine can irritate skin and dry out their coat. A leave-in conditioner helps if they're swimming regularly.
💡 Tip — Post-Swim Routine
After every beach or pool session: 1) Rinse thoroughly with fresh water, 2) Towel dry (pay attention to ears!), 3) Apply a leave-in conditioner if your pet swims more than once a week. Salt and chlorine strip natural oils faster than you'd expect.
The Best Thing You Can Do
Keep up with regular grooming through summer. A clean, well-brushed coat is the most effective cooling system your pet has. It allows air to circulate through the coat and helps their natural temperature regulation work properly.
Your pet can't tell you they're uncomfortable — but you can stay one step ahead.
Petopia Grooming • Eastgardens, Sydney • Open 7 days
References
- Tripovich, J.S. et al. (2023). "Incidence and risk factors of heat-related illness in dogs from New South Wales, Australia (1997–2017)." Australian Veterinary Journal, 101(11). doi:10.1111/avj.13271
- Beard, L. et al. (2024). "Epidemiology of heat-related illness in dogs under UK emergency veterinary care in 2022." Veterinary Record, 195(1). doi:10.1002/vetr.4030
- AKC (2024). "Is It OK to Shave Your Dog's Coat in Summer?" American Kennel Club. akc.org
- Royal Veterinary College (2024). "New research suggests human heat-health alerts could help prevent heatstroke in dogs." rvc.ac.uk
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