Pet stylists often work in confined spaces. The nature of our work means the humidity level is high (I’m looking at you dogs that shake the bathwater everywhere!), and our jobs are strenuous. These three things can add to an uncomfortable work environment when the temperatures soar. Here are five tips to help you keep cool while grooming in hot weather.
- Rethink your wardrobe - Switch out tight grooming clothes for looser versions. Most hair-repellant fabrics, such as grooming smocks, aprons, and pants, hold in the heat. Consider switching to a loose grooming vest instead of a snug jacket. This will allow for more air circulation while still repelling hair. You might also check out clothes that are marketed for athletes. Many are made from fabric that is somewhat hair-repellant and wicks moisture away from your skin. Most also have strategically built vents to make people more comfortable participating in active sports. Like grooming that once-a-year Doodle.
- Increase your hydration - When we are hot, we perspire more, so we need to drink more fluids to compensate. Each of us has a different requirement for how much water we should drink daily, but experts recommend consuming half your body weight in ounces daily. So, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink approximately 80 ounces of water daily. Add fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, cucumber slices, or other natural flavors to make that water a little more interesting. Invest in an insulated, reusable water bottle to keep your drink fur-free and icy cold all day.
- Vitamins can help you feel more comfortable - Studies conducted by the University of Alabama showed that something as simple as taking vitamin C can increase your tolerance for heat and make hot weather more comfortable. At just 250 milligrams a day, this is worth a try if summer heat is something you dread.
- Check out cooling neck wraps - The internet will show you many brands of cooling neck wraps. These are tubes filled with absorbent gel crystals, and when soaked in cool water, the crystals swell and retain moisture. Wear it around your neck to chill the skin and feel cooler on a hot day. Keep a spare one in the refrigerator or cooler to swap out when the first one warms up. Because so many major blood vessels run through your neck, these simple gadgets offer much comfort to be so low-tech.
- Add a dehumidifier - Removing some humidity from your hot workspace will make you feel far more comfortable. The ideal relative humidity is 40-50%. A dehumidifier will make your space feel cooler and help prevent mold and mildew, making the air you and the pets breathe healthier.
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals.
