Fall Coat Care: Getting Your Dog Ready for Cooler Weather

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and your dog's coat may be changing too!

Fall is an important time to pay a little extra attention to your dog's skin and coat. For many dogs, cooler weather brings a seasonal shedding cycle as their coat transitions toward winter. You may suddenly find what feels like an entire second dog covering your couch, your clothes, and your house.

But how you care for that coat during the fall can depend quite a bit on what kind of coat your dog has!

So, what should you be doing to get your pup ready for the seasonal coat change?

It comes down to —

UNDERSTANDING FALL SHEDDING 🍂✨️

If your dog seems to be shedding significantly more than usual this time of year, don't panic. For many dogs, especially those with double coats, increased shedding in the fall is completely normal.

Dogs with double coats have a protective outer coat and a softer undercoat. During seasonal coat changes, much of that undercoat will loosen and shed in clumps as the coat transitions. This is sometimes referred to as "blowing the coat."

Dogs with heavy undercoats, such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and many other breeds and mixes, may experience particularly noticeable seasonal shedding.

Not every dog follows the exact same pattern, though. Breed, coat type, grooming schedule and individual differences can all affect how much and when a dog sheds. Dogs that spend most of their time indoors may also shed throughout the year rather than having perfectly defined seasonal shedding periods as they are not living out in the elements. Think of it like the leaves changing. When it gets cold the leaves turn colors and fall off the trees. Same can go for double coats!

So if your house suddenly looks like it has been carpeted in dog hair, fall may be the culprit. 🐶

BRUSHING BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT 🐾✨️

Regular brushing is one of the best things you can do during seasonal shedding.

Brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up on your furniture, clothes, and floors. It also helps prevent loose undercoat from becoming trapped in the coat, particularly in dogs with thick or longer coats. (Which when left for long periods of time can turn into matting)

Here's the important part:

Not every brush is right for every dog.

A slicker brush, undercoat rake, comb, bristle brush, or other grooming tool may be appropriate depending on your dog's coat. Using the wrong tool—or using too much pressure—can cause discomfort and potentially damage the coat or skin.

And when you're brushing, don't just brush the top layer.

Your dog's coat can look perfectly brushed on the surface while still being tangled underneath. Pay particular attention to areas where mats commonly develop, including behind the ears, underneath the legs, around the armpits, and along the back legs. If you are unsure it is always best to consult your groomer about the correct tools and techniques for your pup!

If you can easily run an appropriate comb through the coat all the way to the skin, that's a much better indication that the coat is actually brushed out and free from impacted undercoat!

So....

WHAT ABOUT DOGS WHO DON'T SHED?

Not every dog is going to leave tumbleweeds of hair around your house in the fall.

Dogs with continuously growing coats, such as Poodles and many Poodle mixes, don't typically experience the same type of seasonal undercoat blowout as heavily double-coated breeds. However, that doesn't mean their coats suddenly require less maintenance.

In fact, long, curly, or continuously growing coats can be especially prone to tangling and matting if they aren't brushed regularly.

Fall also brings plenty of opportunities for your dog to pick up leaves, burrs, sticks, and other debris in their coat. Regular brushing and coat checks can help catch these things before they turn into bigger problems!

How do I know if....

MY DOG NEEDS A DESHED?

If your dog is producing enough hair to furnish a second living room, a professional deshed may be worth considering! If you begin noticing excess amounts of loose fur or tufts sticking out from your dogs coat it might be time to consider a deshedding treatment.

A professional deshed is designed to help remove loose undercoat and shedding hair that brushing alone may not completely remove.

Depending on your dog's coat, a deshed may include a thorough bath, appropriate coat products, high-velocity drying, brushing, and other professional techniques to help release and remove loose coat.

A professional deshed can be especially helpful during heavy seasonal shedding periods.

However, not every dog needs the same treatment. A short-coated dog, a double-coated dog, and a curly-coated dog all have very different grooming needs.

AND OF COURSE DON'T FORGET THE BATH

Fall is also a good time to make sure your dog's coat is getting properly cleaned.

Dogs may be spending more time outside enjoying cooler weather, rolling around in leaves, playing in damp grass, or exploring wooded areas. All of that can leave dirt, debris, and other things trapped in the coat.

A proper bath can help remove buildup and loose hair while leaving the coat clean and comfortable.

Just remember that bathing frequency should be based on your individual dog. Bathing too frequently without the right products can contribute to dry or irritated skin, while some dogs may need more frequent bathing because of their lifestyle or a veterinary skin-care plan.

DONT FORGET – CHECK THE SKIN, TOO

Fall isn't just about the hair.

Whenever you're brushing or grooming your dog, take a moment to actually look at the skin underneath the coat.

Keep an eye out for things like:

• Red or irritated skin

• Bald or thinning patches

• Unusual bumps or sores

• Excessive dandruff

• Persistent itching

• Unusual odor

• Sudden or excessive hair loss

Some seasonal itching or shedding can happen for completely normal reasons, but changes in your dog's skin or coat can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem.

If your dog's coat suddenly changes dramatically, they're developing bald patches, or they're uncomfortable or persistently itchy, it's a good idea to talk with your veterinarian rather than assuming it's simply seasonal shedding.

FALL IS ALSO A GOOD TIME TO CHECK THOSE HARD-TO-REMEMBER AREAS

Your dog's coat isn't the only thing that needs attention.

it never hurts to check:

🐾 Nails

🐾 Ears

🐾 Paw pads

🐾 Between the toes

🐾 Behind the ears

🐾 Armpits

🐾 Sanitary areas

Leaves, sticks, burrs, mud, and other outdoor debris can get caught in these areas surprisingly easily.

Longer hair around the feet and between the toes can also collect dirt and moisture, so keeping those areas maintained can make fall adventures a little easier to clean up afterward.

SO, WHAT DOES YOUR DOG ACTUALLY NEED THIS FALL?

That depends on your dog!

A short-haired Beagle isn't going to need the same fall routine as a heavily coated Husky. A Golden Retriever isn't going to need the same maintenance as a Shih Tzu. And a Doodle certainly isn't going to have the same grooming needs as either one.

The best fall grooming routine is one that matches your dog's coat, lifestyle, and individual needs.

For some dogs, that may mean more frequent brushing at home.

For others, it may mean scheduling a professional deshed.

For long or curly coats, maintaining a consistent grooming schedule may be the most important thing you can do to prevent tangles and matting.

And for dogs with changes in their skin or coat that don't seem normal, your veterinarian should be your first call.

SO ARE YOU READY FOR FALL?

Whether your pup is preparing to blow their summer coat, getting ready for cooler weather, or simply needs a good fall cleanup, keeping up with their grooming routine can help keep their coat clean, comfortable, and manageable throughout the season.

And if you're not sure what your dog actually needs, that's okay!

That's what we're here for. 🐾

Give us a call and we will be happy to help you determine which grooming service is right for your pup this fall. 🍂🐶