Breed-Specific Grooming Tips for Dogs in Hot Climates (Like Dubai!)

If you’ve ever walked your dog in Dubai around 2 PM, you know this: the heat is no joke. As a pet grooming professional living and working in the UAE, I’ve learned that breed-specific grooming, whether in a salon or through mobile grooming services – isn’t just about keeping dogs looking cute-it’s about helping them survive and thrive in a climate that feels like a sauna six months of the year.

Let me walk you through what I’ve discovered, what works, what doesn’t, and where I’m still learning.

Double-Coated Dogs: Don’t Shave, Deshed!

Let’s start with the dogs that probably shouldn’t be in Dubai but somehow are-Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Malamutes, Samoyeds. Their thick double coats make them look like they belong in a snow globe, not in a sandstorm.

Common myth: “If my Husky is overheating, I should shave him.”

Reality: Nope! Their double coat acts as a natural insulator. It protects them from heat and sunburn. Shaving it can lead to long-term coat damage and skin issues.

Instead, I recommend:

• Regular de-shedding using tools like the FURminator (honestly, it’s a miracle device).
  
  
• Bathing with a cooling shampoo once every few weeks.
  
  
• Blow-drying (not air drying), which helps loosen dead fur and prevents matting.
  
  

“Dogs like Huskies don’t need to be shaved-even in warm climates. Just manage their undercoat,” says Ryan’s Pet Supplies in their summer grooming guide.

I’ve had clients panic and ask for a full shave. After explaining the risks, most of them leave with a “teddy bear trim” and come back saying their dog seems much happier-not to mention cuter!

Short-Coated Breeds: Clean, Cool, and Quick

Next up: Beagles, Dobermans, Boxers, French Bulldogs. These breeds don’t have thick coats, but that doesn’t mean they’re low maintenance in the Dubai heat.

The trick here is keeping their coat clean. Sweat, sand, and pollution can irritate their skin, especially in the folds (I’m looking at you, Frenchies).

I usually recommend:

• A gentle oatmeal bath every 2–3 weeks
  
  
• Paw balm for dogs walking on scorching pavements
  
  
• A soft-bristle brush once a week to remove loose hairs and dirt
  
  

Don’t laugh, but I’ve also seen a pug get a heat rash on his belly because he was lying on hot tiles every day. Now we recommend cooling mats or simply placing a wet towel on the floor.

Curly & Long-Coated Dogs: High-Maintenance, High-Reward

Poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Bichon Frises—Dubai is full of these posh pups, and their coats need some serious care in the heat.

The heat doesn’t just make them sweat; it tangles their curls faster than you can say “matted mess.”

Here’s what I usually do:

• Short summer trims that keep hair off the ground but leave enough protection
  
  
• Weekly brushing (or daily, for long-haired breeds)
  
  
• Special attention to ears, tail, and underarms, where matting gets worst
  
  

Fun fact: I once spent over 90 minutes detangling a Maltese’s tail that hadn’t been brushed in a month. It was basically a dreadlock. We both needed a nap afterward.

What About Local Breeds Like Salukis?

Salukis, known for their grace and speed, are naturally adapted to hot climates. Their coat is thin, and they’re built for endurance. These dogs don’t need much grooming beyond regular baths and nail trims. But even they can struggle in peak summer when temperatures hit 45°C+.

Grooming tip: keep their ears clean and their paws protected-sand and heat can irritate these delicate spots.

Where I’m Still Learning

Not all dogs react the same way, even within the same breed. Some Golden Retrievers seem unbothered by the heat, while others look like they’ve just run a marathon after a five-minute walk.

There’s also ongoing debate about cooling sprays, paw booties, and UV-protectant shampoos. I’m still researching what’s genuinely effective versus what’s just a clever product label.

Looking Forward: Grooming in a Changing Climate

With Dubai getting hotter (yes, somehow that’s still possible), pet grooming will evolve too. I expect:

• More grooming tailored by breed + climate
  
  
• Better awareness among pet owners about coat types and sun exposure
  
  
• New innovations in heat-resistant grooming tools and cooling products
  
  

But for now, it comes down to this: know your dog’s breed, trust your groomer, and never underestimate the Dubai sun.

Final Woof

Grooming in hot climates like Dubai isn’t just seasonal-it’s survival. Whether it’s brushing out a shedding Husky or trimming down a curly Poodle, we’re not just giving dogs a makeover. We’re helping them feel good, stay cool, and enjoy life-even when it feels like we’re all living in a hair dryer.

And if you’re still unsure what your dog needs? Bring them in. We’ll have a look, a chat, and maybe even a little treat (for them and you).