Autumn grooming checklist: prepping your dog’s coat for changing weather
As the crisp air of Canberra’s Autumn kicks in, it’s time to adjust your dog’s grooming routine to help keep them comfortable and healthy. The seasonal shift can bring dry air, fallen leaves, and cooler temperatures, all of which can impact your dog’s coat and skin. Follow this Autumn grooming checklist to ensure your buddy is well-prepared for the season ahead. Enjoy the crisp mornings and take those long walks with your dog.
Apply conditioning treatments
Autumn’s drier air can lead to itchy, flaky skin and a dull coat. To maintain moisture, use a conditioning treatment or leave-in spray designed for dogs. Our WOOOF Detangling Conditioner is formulated with aromatic therapy-grade essential oils and natural ingredients designed to nourish the skin to help your comb glide through the coat to minimise knots.
The natural ingredients mean you can use it as a daily treatment in between grooms. Especially if your dog wears a harness or loves swimming, rolling around on carpet and gets heaps of vigorous pats and hugs that can contribute to matting of the coat!
Trim fur around feet and belly
With leaves, mud, and debris covering the ground, it’s essential to regularly trim excess fur around your dog’s paws and belly. This helps prevent dirt buildup, matting, and painful tangles. Regular paw trimming also reduces the risk of slipping on wet surfaces and keeps your home cleaner.
Brush regularly to prevent matting
Brushing is a year-round necessity, but Autumn calls for extra attention. The combination of shedding Summer coats and growing thicker Winter fur can lead to matting if left unchecked. Brushing your dog regularly will help remove dead hair, distribute natural oils, and prevent knots. For double-coated breeds, a de-shedding brush is particularly useful.
Check and clean ears
With increased moisture in the air, dogs are more prone to ear infections during Autumn. Regularly check your dog’s ears for redness, odour, or excessive wax buildup. At WOOOF, we do a thorough ear clean during our Luxe Wash & Dry service to help monitor this, but if doing it at home, make sure to use a vet-approved ear cleaner.
Keep nails trimmed
Dogs may naturally wear down their nails in Summer due to increased outdoor activity, but they tend to grow longer in cooler months when exercise levels change. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails prevents overgrowth, discomfort, and posture issues. If you hear clicking on hard floors, it’s time for a trim! Please feel free to pop in for a quick nail trim any time without an appointment.
Bathe with a moisturising shampoo
Autumn's cooler temperatures and drier air can strip natural oils from your dog’s skin. If washing at home, use a moisturising, hypoallergenic shampoo during grooms to prevent dryness and irritation. Our WOOOF shampoos are 100% natural, vegan and palm oil-free, made in Australia using therapy-grade essential oils to encourage a silky, soft and shiny coat that is safe to use on your dog often. Be sure to brush before the bath to remove any knots and dry your dog thoroughly afterwards to prevent chills, especially for small or short-haired breeds.
Monitor for seasonal allergies
Autumn allergens like mould, pollen, and dust mites can affect your dog’s skin and coat. If you notice excessive sensitivity like scratching, licking, or hair loss, consult your vet about allergy relief options or possible dietary adjustments.
Adjust grooming for coat type
Different breeds have different grooming needs in Autumn:
Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds) should be brushed more frequently to remove dead hair and prevent matting.
Short-haired breeds (Boxers, Beagles, Dobermans) benefit from occasional brushing to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils.
Curly-haired breeds (Poodles, Cavoodles, Bichon Frises) need consistent brushing and trimming to prevent knots and maintain their coat’s texture.
Protect paws from cold and moisture
Wet leaves and colder pavement can be tough on sensitive paws. Consider using a pet-safe paw balm to keep their pads moisturised and prevent cracking. If your area experiences early frosts, protective booties can also help keep their feet warm and dry.
Book a seasonal grooming appointment
A professional grooming session can help prepare your dog for the seasonal coat transition. WOOOF can provide a thorough de-shedding treatment, trim problem areas, and ensure your dog’s coat is in top shape before Winter arrives.
By following this Autumn grooming checklist, you can keep your dog’s coat healthy, comfortable, and ready for the seasonal shift. A little extra care now will ensure a happy, well-groomed pup all season long!
