As the leaves turn golden and the weather turns colder, it’s time to give your dog’s care routine a seasonal update. Autumn weather can bring challenges like muddy paws, chilly, windy walks, and more shedding but with a little extra care and the right grooming routine, your dog will stay comfy and happy through the seasonal changes.
Here’s everything you need to know about autumn dog grooming and care, right here in the UK.
Grooming Tools For Seasonal Shedding
- Autumn usually brings the start of your dog’s summer coat shed in preparation for their thicker winter coat coming through. Grooming them more frequently during this time is essential to remove the oose hair and prevent it from becoming knottedl and forming matts in the coat.
- Brushes and combs are the perfect tools for detangling the coat while slickers, rakes and grooming mitts will help to remove the loose, shedding summer coat.
- Small mats that are not tight to the skin can be gently broken up using a dematting and detangling comb and then carefully brushed out. Other small mats can be removed using the Showmate dog trimmer or our A5 dog clippers with a 10F clipper blade. For dealing larger matted areas, it's best to seek help from a professional groomer.
- The amount of hair shed around the home can be greatly reduced with regular brushing, and it’s a great time for some bonding with your dog.
- Keping your dog’s hair well-groomed also promote a healthier, shiny coat and will help to keep it tangle free between home clips or grooming visits.
Clipping For Cooler Weather
Whilst clipping keeps your dog looking great, we need to ensure their coat offers them enough protection from the changing weather too.
- If your dog is due for a clip, you may want to leave their coat a little longer during autumn to help them stay warm. A longer coat provides protection against environmental factors like brambles, thorns, and cold winds.
- Use a longer clipper blade or a comb attachment to maintain a cosy layer of fur. Use dog coats or jackets for clipped dogs during bad weather to keep them dry and warm.
Keeping Paws Clean And Healthy
- Autumn walks can leave your dog’s paws muddy, but keeping them clean helps prevent irritation and infections.
- A quick rinse with a mild shampoo does wonders, and regular trimming around their paw pads stops dirt from getting stuck. Our range of Wildwash all-natural dog shampoo’s perfect for muddy autumnal adventures!
- Make sure to check for grass seeds, especially between the toes as they can cause serious problems if left unchecked. If your dog has lots of hair around the feet, trimming the hair around the paws and between the pads will help to spot any issues, provide better grip on surfaces and prevent debris and grit from getting caught in the hair and causing irritation.
- Just like us, dogs can suffer from dry, cracked skin as the weather turns colder. Use a soothing specialist balm for dogs to keep their nose and paws soft and moisturised and to help create a barrier against the cold.
Taking Care Of Their Eyes And Ears
Autumn isn’t just about pretty leaves – allergens like mould and pollen can irritate your dog’s eyes and ears.
- Use gentle products for eye and ear care to keep them clean and free of debris. Regular care of these sensitive areas will prevent itching and discomfort, especially after breezy autumn walks.
- Bull nose scissors and thinning scissors are ideal for trimming the hair away from the eyes and tidying up fluffy ears to help air flow and prevent infections caused by damp and dirt.
Parasite Protection
Don’t let the cooler weather fool you – fleas and ticks are still a threat in autumn. Keep your dog’s flea, tick and worm parasite prevention up to date.
- A quick check during grooming sessions ensures your dog stays pest-free. Adding a flea comb to your dog grooming routine can catch any unwanted visitors early on.
- Taking the time for an all over groom will also help you to spot and feel for ticks, wounds or unusual lumps and bumps on the skin.
Beware of Seasonal Hazards
- Acorns, conkers, and grass seeds are everywhere during autumn, but they can be dangerous if swallowed or caught in your dog’s fur or paws.
- Regular grooming helps you spot and remove nuisance grass seeds before they cause any harm.
- Make sure to keep a close eye on your dog during walks and clean them up as soon as you get home.
October and November bring the additional worry of Halloween dangers and fireworks. Check out our Halloween blog here tips to keep your pets safe during Halloween and how to keep them calm come Diwali and Bonfire Night here.
Enjoying Autumn Adventures With Your Dog
Autumn is such a beautiful season, and with a like extra grooming care and adjustments, your dog will enjoy it just as much as you. Keep your pup looking and feeling great this autumn:
Regular brushing: To manage seasonal shedding, keep their coat tangle free and spot issues early on to keep them healthy.
Longer clips and trimming: To balance warmth and facilitate grooming whilst providing protection from the elements.
Seasonal hazards: Watch out for parasites, acorns, conkers, mud and grass seeds that can irritate your dog or make them poorly. Be mindful of events such as Halloween and Firework celebrations and take extra measures to keep your dog safe.
With a little extra grooming attention, you’ll ensure your dog is comfortable and ready for all the autumn fun. Feel free to browse our range of dog clippers and grooming accessories, or get in touch with us if you’d like any further grooming advice.
