As the weather starts to get warmer, pets with long hair and/or thick fur should have it trimmed.  Pets with thick fur and an undercoat are especially susceptible to overheating in temperatures that may seem mild to most humans.  Their coat traps the warm air, which is ideal in the winter, but during the summer, it can quickly cause overheating.

Grooming is key to your pet's comfort during the warm weather.

Dog breeds sporting thick fur include German Shepherd, Newfoundland, Poodle, Chow Chow, Akita, Sheepdog, Corgi and Great Pyrenees.  Cat breeds that have abundant coats include Norwegian Forest Cat, Himalayan and Persian.

In humid weather, dogs with long-haired coats (even if the fur is more silky than thick) may develop an offensive musty odor and should be bathed/groomed regularly.

Having your pet groomed regularly also helps to cut down on the shedding so you'll find fewer fur balls and less hair around the house.  Although, some breeds such as the poodle, don't shed at all, so regular grooming is a must for them.

Take a moment to schedule a series of regular grooming appointments at the start of the season to best ensure your pet's comfort throughout what is sure to be a long, hot summer.

As we humans know, a great haircut can make all the difference! 

P.S.  Don't forget to protect your pet from mosquitoes, black flies, fleas and other annoying pests by using flea and tick treatment regularly.  It's easier to prevent problems than to treat after the fact.