Summer is great for dogs. More walks, more outdoor time, more swimming, more adventures. But warmer weather also brings a specific set of challenges for coat and skin care — and for owners of dogs with sensitive skin, it's the time of year when a consistent grooming routine matters most.
Here's what changes for your dog's skin in summer, what to watch out for, and how a simple, gentle routine can help keep them feeling comfortable all season long.
Why Summer Is Harder on Your Dog's Skin
More outdoor exposure Longer walks, time in long grass, running through undergrowth, paddling in streams — all of this means more environmental debris, more moisture exposure, and more contact with pollen and seasonal particles than at any other time of year. For dogs with sensitive skin, this increased exposure can affect how their coat and skin feels.
More swimming and water exposure Dogs who love water are wonderful — but wet fur that isn't dried thoroughly creates warm, damp conditions close to the skin, particularly in areas with dense coats like the neck, hindquarters, and skin folds. Making a habit of drying your dog thoroughly after every swim or wet walk is one of the most effective things you can do for their skin in summer.
Higher seasonal particle counts Grass pollen, dust, and environmental particles peak in summer. Dogs with sensitive skin may need more frequent coat checks and more regular grooming during peak season.
Heat and activity Warmer temperatures mean dogs can overheat more easily, and post-activity skin care becomes more important. Areas between the toes, around the muzzle, and on the underbelly are particularly worth checking after active outdoor sessions.
Insect season Flies, midges, and other insects are more active in summer. Dogs may attend to areas where they've been bothered by insects — worth keeping an eye on during coat checks.
What to Look Out For
Regularly checking your dog's coat and skin — particularly after outdoor activity — means you're more likely to catch anything that needs attention early. During summer, pay particular attention to:
- Areas under dense fur where moisture can become trapped
- Between the toes after walks
- Around the ears and neck
- Skin folds on breeds that have them
- Any area your dog is repeatedly attending to
If you notice anything that looks more than superficial — raw or broken skin, significant redness, discharge, odour, or your dog is clearly distressed — consult your veterinarian promptly rather than managing at home.
Building a Simple Summer Grooming Routine
The most effective thing you can do for your dog's skin in summer isn't a product — it's consistency. A simple routine that you do regularly is worth far more than an elaborate one done occasionally.
Daily
- Check paws after walks — remove debris and dry thoroughly between toes
- Quick visual check of ears, muzzle, and underbelly
- Dry thoroughly after any water exposure
Weekly
- Full coat brush — removes debris, improves airflow to the skin, and lets you check the skin beneath
- Ear check — look for any changes in wax, odour, or your dog's response when you touch the ear area
- Apply a targeted serum to any areas that feel dry or have had a lot of environmental exposure
After outdoor activity
- A light spray or gel application to paws and any areas that have had significant contact with grass, mud, or water helps keep the skin feeling clean and comfortable
The Products
Advanced Recovery Serum for Dogs — £12.95
A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum designed for targeted everyday skin care — ideal after outdoor activity, post-grooming, or for areas that need a little extra attention during summer. Formulated with:
- Aloe vera — cooling and hydrating for skin that needs moisture after outdoor exposure
- Chamomile and blue yarrow — botanicals with long traditional use for their soothing, conditioning qualities
- Konjac root — lightweight plant-derived hydration
- Vitamin E — conditions and nourishes the skin and coat
- Tea tree — a botanical with long traditional use in natural grooming formulations
- Colloidal silver — a naturally derived ingredient included to help maintain a clean, fresh-feeling skin surface
The serum's lightweight, breathable formula means it stays on the targeted area without heaviness — useful for areas that need air circulation as much as care.
Colloidal Silver Petcare Multi-Purpose Gel — £14.95
A versatile everyday gel formulated with colloidal silver. Easy to apply to paws, skin folds, or any area that benefits from extra care after outdoor activity. Lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for regular use as part of a grooming routine.
Use the gel as a first step to freshen and clean an area before applying the serum, or independently for general post-activity coat maintenance.
Preventing Skin Concerns Before They Start
The owners who tend to have the fewest skin concerns with their dogs in summer are the ones who build these habits consistently:
Dry thoroughly after every swim or wet walk — particularly around the neck, hindquarters, and anywhere the coat is densest. Moisture trapped close to the skin in warm weather is the single most common contributing factor to summer skin concerns in dogs.
Brush regularly — even a quick brush a few times a week keeps the coat free from debris and improves airflow. For dogs with thick or double coats this is particularly important in summer.
Keep up with flea and parasite prevention — a vet-recommended flea control routine consistently applied is one of the most straightforward things you can do to reduce the likelihood of flea-related skin sensitivity.
Act early — if your dog starts paying attention to a particular area, have a look at what's there rather than waiting. Catching changes early gives you options; waiting tends to reduce them.
Check the whole coat, not just obvious areas — skin concerns under dense fur can be well established before they become visible. Running your hands through the coat during grooming is the best way to spot changes before they become more significant.
When to See a Vet
A good grooming routine and attentive care can support your dog's skin significantly — but there are situations where a vet call is the right move:
- Any area of broken, raw or weeping skin
- Redness that is spreading or worsening
- Discharge or odour from any skin area
- Your dog is in obvious discomfort or won't let you near an area
- Persistent scratching, licking or chewing at one spot that doesn't settle
- Any change that concerns you — when in doubt, call
A quick vet call costs nothing and can make a significant difference to how quickly a concern is resolved.
The Simple Version
Summer skin care for dogs doesn't need to be complicated. Dry them after walks. Brush regularly. Check the coat and skin a couple of times a week. Apply a gentle, natural serum to any areas that need extra care after outdoor activity.
The Advanced Recovery Serum and Multi-Purpose Gel are both designed for exactly this kind of consistent, gentle daily care — lightweight, naturally derived, and easy to build into an existing routine.
Our pet care products are cosmetic grooming products — not veterinary medicines and not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition. Always consult your veterinarian for any health concerns about your dog.
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Shop the Petcare Multi-Purpose Gel →
