Fall Grooming Tips: Keep Your Dog Clean and Cozy as the Weather Cools

As the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to change, your dog’s grooming needs change too. Fall is a transitional season that often brings cooler weather, increased shedding, and more time spent outdoors in damp conditions. Adjusting your dog’s grooming routine during this time helps keep their coat healthy, reduces mess in your home, and ensures they stay comfortable heading into winter.

Here are some practical fall grooming tips to keep your dog clean, cozy, and looking their best.

 

1. Stay Consistent with Bath & Tidy Appointments

Even though summer is over, regular grooming should not take a break. Fall weather often means more mud, moisture, and debris. Scheduling consistent Bath & Tidy appointments helps remove dirt, control odor, and keep your dog’s coat manageable.

Dogs with longer coats benefit from regular brushing and professional baths to prevent tangles and mats, especially if they enjoy playing outside during cooler, damp days.

 

2. Address Seasonal Shedding Early

Many double-coated breeds “blow” their coats during fall, shedding their lighter summer undercoat to make room for a thicker winter coat. Brushing at home helps, but a professional de-shedding treatment can make a big difference.

Regular brushing and de-shedding reduce loose hair in your home, improve airflow to the skin, and keep your dog more comfortable. Fall is the perfect time to book a de-shedding session before the heavy winter coat fully grows in.

 

3. Keep Nails Trimmed to Prevent Discomfort

With cooler weather, many dogs spend less time on rough outdoor surfaces that naturally wear down their nails. Overgrown nails can affect posture, cause discomfort, and lead to splitting or breakage.

Schedule nail trims every 3–4 weeks during the fall to keep them at a healthy length. If you notice clicking sounds on hard floors, that’s a clear sign it’s time for a trim.

 

4. Dry Thoroughly After Baths or Outdoor Play

Fall often brings rain and damp conditions, which means your dog is more likely to get wet during walks or playtime. It’s important to thoroughly dry their coat afterward to prevent skin issues and odors.

Use a clean towel to remove excess moisture and, for long or dense coats, follow up with a blow dryer on a low, warm setting. Professional grooming services include thorough drying to ensure moisture doesn’t linger near the skin.

 

5. Don’t Skip Grooming Just Because It’s Cooler

Many owners assume grooming is less important when temperatures drop, but this is actually when regular maintenance matters most. Longer coats can trap debris and moisture, leading to matting or skin irritation.

Maintaining your dog’s regular grooming schedule throughout fall and winter keeps their coat healthy and makes spring cleanups much easier.

 

Final Thoughts

Fall is a beautiful season, and it’s also the ideal time to refresh your dog’s grooming routine. Consistent Bath & Tidy appointments, de-shedding, nail trims, and thorough drying after wet walks all help keep your dog healthy, clean, and comfortable as the weather cools.

At Gordie’s Grooming, we tailor each appointment to your dog’s specific coat type and seasonal needs. Book your fall grooming session online or give us a call to get started. Your dog will thank you for the extra care and comfort all season long.