Seasonal Grooming Tips: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter

Just like humans adjust their routines with the seasons, dogs benefit from seasonal grooming care that matches the changing weather and coat cycles. Each season brings different challenges—shedding, heat, dryness, or matting—and adjusting your grooming routine helps keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and looking their best year-round.

Here’s a season-by-season grooming guide to help you care for your dog through spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Spring Grooming Tips

Spring is shedding season for many dogs, especially double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Labs. As temperatures warm up, dogs shed their heavier winter undercoat to make way for a lighter coat.

 

Focus Areas:

• De-shedding Treatments: Schedule a professional de-shedding session to help remove loose undercoat. Regular brushing at home can reduce shedding around your house and keep your dog’s coat healthy.
• Bath & Tidy Appointments: Springtime baths remove dander, pollen, and winter build-up while light trimming keeps your dog neat without compromising coat health.
• Paw & Nail Care: After winter, many dogs have overgrown nails and rough paw pads. Regular nail trims and moisturizing paw balms help get them back in shape.
• Check for Skin Changes: Warmer weather can bring seasonal allergies, so keep an eye out for redness, itching, or irritation.

 

Pro Tip:

Brush your dog more frequently during this season—daily for heavy shedders—to stay ahead of loose hair and prevent mats from forming as the undercoat loosens.

 

Summer Grooming Tips

Arizona summers can be intense, and dogs feel the heat too. Proper grooming helps keep them cool and prevents overheating, but it’s important to avoid shaving breeds that rely on their coat for temperature regulation.

 

Focus Areas:

• Shorter Trims, Not Shaves: For many breeds, a light trim around the belly, legs, or sanitary areas improves airflow and comfort without removing their protective coat. Shaving double-coated breeds can damage the coat’s structure.
• Frequent Brushing: Removes loose hair and allows better air circulation through the coat.
• Regular Baths: Summer play often means extra dirt and outdoor allergens. Regular baths (every 4–6 weeks or as needed) keep the coat fresh.
• Paw Protection: Hot pavement can burn paw pads. Consider walking during cooler hours and using paw balms for extra protection.
• Nail Maintenance: Dogs may walk more in summer, but regular trims are still essential to prevent overgrowth.

Pro Tip:

Use grooming appointments to check for fleas, ticks, and hotspots, which are more common in warm months.

Fall Grooming Tips

Fall is another major shedding season, as dogs shed their lighter summer coats and grow in a thicker winter layer. It’s also the perfect time to prepare your dog’s coat for cooler temperatures ahead.

Focus Areas:

• De-shedding Sessions: Professional de-shedding helps remove summer undercoat and makes room for healthy winter growth.
• Consistent Brushing: Keeps the coat smooth and reduces the amount of fur around the house during heavy shedding.
• Thorough Drying: If your dog gets wet from fall rains, dry them completely to avoid matting and skin issues.
• Skin & Coat Health: Seasonal changes can cause dry skin. Regular grooming helps distribute oils and keeps the coat hydrated.
• Paw & Nail Care: Trim nails to prevent overgrowth as outdoor activity levels sometimes decrease.

 

Pro Tip:

Brush your dog several times a week during this transition to prevent dense mats from forming underneath new coat growth.

 

Winter Grooming Tips

Even in Arizona, winter brings cooler, drier air. Dogs grow their thickest coats during this time, so keeping them clean, detangled, and healthy is key.

 

Focus Areas:

• Regular Bath & Tidy Appointments: Even though your dog may spend more time indoors, keeping up with bathing and light trimming helps prevent mats and keeps their coat manageable.
• Moisturizing Treatments: Dry winter air can lead to itchy skin. Ask your groomer about moisturizing shampoos or conditioners to help protect their coat.
• Nail Trims: Dogs often walk less in winter, so nails can grow longer and need more frequent attention.
• Brushing Routine: Regular brushing prevents tangles and distributes oils, which is especially important when skin is dry.
• Check for Mats: Thick winter coats are prone to hidden mats in armpits, behind ears, and under collars or sweaters.

 

Pro Tip:

Avoid over-bathing in winter—too many baths can strip essential oils from the skin. Stick to a regular but moderate grooming schedule to keep your dog comfortable without drying them out.

 

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Final Thoughts

Each season brings unique grooming needs, but the key is consistency. Regular brushing, seasonal de-shedding, and professional grooming appointments keep your dog’s coat healthy year-round.

At Gordie’s, we adjust our services to match the season—whether that means spring de-shedding, summer trims, fall coat prep, or winter skin care. By tailoring your dog’s grooming routine throughout the year, you’ll help them stay comfortable, clean, and healthy no matter the weather.