Summer changes the grooming equation for westies. Higher temperatures, more outdoor time, pollen, grass allergens, and hot pavement all affect the coat and skin differently than winter. The grooming routine that works in November probably needs adjusting by June.
Go Shorter, But Not Shaved
A shorter summer cut makes sense for most westies. Less coat means less heat retention, faster drying after baths, and fewer places for allergens to hide. I clip Sami shorter in summer than the rest of the year, especially when we’re traveling.
But never shave a westie to the skin. The double coat serves as insulation from both cold and heat – it works in both directions. The coat also protects against sunburn, and westies with their pink skin underneath are genuinely vulnerable to UV damage. A short clip (half an inch to one inch) gives you the practical benefits without the risks of shaving.
Ask your groomer for a summer cut: half inch on the body, slightly longer on the head, round ears. See our westie haircut styles guide for specific instructions to give your groomer.
More Frequent Bathing During Allergy Season
Summer usually means higher pollen counts, more grass contact, and more environmental allergens in general. If your westie has environmental allergies, you’ll likely need to increase bathing frequency during these months.
For Sami, summer means bath every 2-3 weeks instead of the monthly schedule I maintain in winter. If we’ve been in a park or walking through high grass, sometimes I’ll do a rinse-only session the same day to wash pollen off his coat and paws.
The daily paw wipe-down becomes even more important in summer. After every walk, wipe paws, belly, and face with fragrance-free grooming wipes. Pollen sticks to these areas and will cause irritation overnight if left on the skin.
Paw Care on Hot Surfaces
Pavement gets hot. If it’s too hot for your palm when you press it to the surface for five seconds, it’s too hot for your westie’s paws. Walk on grass or shaded surfaces during peak heat, and schedule walks for early morning or evening.
Check the paw pads weekly for cracks, dryness, or burns. In summer, the pads take more abuse from hot surfaces and dry ground. A paw balm can help keep them moisturized, but check the ingredients – you want something your westie can safely lick, because they will lick it.
Sami wears dog boots sometimes – originally I got them for his leg-skipping issue, but they’ve been surprisingly useful on hot pavement days. Not every westie will tolerate boots, but if yours will, they solve the hot surface problem entirely.
Ear Care in Humid Weather
Humidity and heat increase the risk of ear infections in westies. Warm, moist ear canals are ideal environments for yeast and bacteria. During summer, check ears weekly instead of monthly, and clean them more frequently if you notice any wax buildup or smell.
If your westie swims or gets wet ears during summer activities, dry the ears thoroughly afterward. Tilt the head to drain any water, then gently dry with a cotton ball. Leaving moisture in the ear canal is asking for trouble.
Summer Skin Monitoring
Summer can be a double-edged sword for westie skin. On one hand, more outdoor time means more allergen exposure. On the other hand, some westies actually do better in summer because humidity levels moderate compared to damp winter months.
Sami’s skin is actually better in dry summer weather than in the humid Portuguese winter. Every westie is different. Pay attention to what your dog’s skin does across seasons and adjust your routine accordingly.
The three-spot check stays the same year-round: behind both ears, between all toes, and around the muzzle. In summer, add the belly and inner thighs to your weekly check – these areas get more exposure to grass and ground allergens.
For the full year-round routine, see our complete westie grooming guide. If summer allergies are a recurring problem, our skin and allergies guide covers seasonal management in detail.
Watch: Sami’s Story
Our tips for protecting your westie’s paws in summer:
