How Grooming Helps Keep Your Dog Cool in Colorado Summers
Summer in Denver hits different when you’re covered in fur. The heat bounces off sidewalks, the air dries out, and your pup still wants to run, sniff, and roll. That’s where grooming makes a big difference. At K-9 Castle, we help dogs stay clean, comfortable, and most importantly—cool.
Denver dog grooming isn’t just about looking tidy. It plays a key role in your dog’s health, especially in the summer.
Know Your Dog’s Coat Type
Not all dogs wear their coats the same way. Some breeds have double coats (like Huskies and Golden Retrievers), others have curly coats (like Poodles), and many sport a short, dense layer of fur that still holds onto heat. Understanding your dog’s coat helps you make the best choices.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Double coats: Insulate in winter but trap heat in summer without proper brushing
Curly coats: Tend to mat easily and block airflow if not trimmed regularly
Short coats: Still shed and benefit from regular brushing to remove buildup
Without regular grooming, these coat types can create more heat retention and discomfort—especially during those blazing July afternoons.
Brushing and De-Shedding Do More Than You Think
Loose hair blocks airflow. That’s a problem in a dry summer like we get here in Denver and Lakewood. Brushing, especially with de-shedding tools, lifts that coat and lets skin breathe. It also gives you a chance to spot anything off—like ticks, dry patches, or skin irritation—before it becomes a bigger issue.
Benefits of regular brushing and de-shedding:
Removes loose, dead hair that holds heat
Increases air circulation through the coat
Reduces the chance of skin infections and hotspots
Helps your dog stay cooler and more comfortable indoors and out
At K-9 Castle, we offer de-shedding treatments that help reduce hair around your home and heat on your pup’s back.
What About Summer Haircuts?
This one comes up a lot: “Should I shave my dog for summer?” The short answer is, probably not—especially not double-coated breeds. Shaving can mess with the natural insulation and expose dogs to sunburn.
Instead, we recommend tidy trims that remove excess bulk and clean up problem areas like around the belly, paws, and rear. It’s about managing the coat, not removing it.
Summer-Specific Denver Dog Grooming Tips
Grooming goes beyond fur. Summer calls for a little extra attention to spots that get overlooked in winter.
Focus areas for summer grooming:
Paw care: Hot sidewalks can dry and crack paw pads
Ear cleaning: More time outside or in water can lead to trapped moisture
Nail trimming: Long nails change posture and can lead to overheating
We recommend regular paw balm use, gentle ear cleaning, and frequent nail checks. These small steps keep dogs more comfortable during heat spikes.
When to Call in the Pros
Some coats are high-maintenance. Others just get away from you when life gets busy. If brushing leads to frustration (yours or your dog’s), it’s time to call a groomer. Matting can turn painful quickly. So can skin infections under neglected fur.
A professional dog grooming session resets the coat, clears out the underlayer, and leaves your dog lighter—literally and figuratively. For many families around Denver and Lakewood, it’s easier to let the pros handle it.
Grooming at K-9 Castle (Denver & Lakewood)
Whether your dog is a daycare regular or just stops by for spa days, our grooming services make summer smoother. We groom all coat types and sizes, with services tailored to keep your pup cool and clean. That includes de-shedding treatments, tidy trims, ear and paw care, and more.
You’ll find us in both Denver and Lakewood—right where you need us. And yes, we take walk-in appointments when possible.
Keep Them Cool, Keep Them Happy
The heat isn’t going anywhere soon. A groomed dog is a cooler dog, and a cooler dog is a happier one. Whether your pup needs a full coat refresh or just a good brushing, we’re here to help.
🐾 Book your dog’s summer grooming session today at K-9 Castle in Denver or Lakewood.