Fall Dog Grooming Tips: How to Prep Your Dog for the Cold Months Ahead

By Sarah Mitchell, Certified Master Groomer (CMG), International Professional Groomers Inc.

Fall is one of the busiest seasons for professional groomers — and for good reason. As temperatures drop and day length shortens, dogs begin their second major shedding cycle of the year, transitioning from summer coat to winter coat. For owners who aren't prepared for the "coat blow," fall can feel like a constant battle against dog hair.

Beyond shedding, fall brings specific grooming challenges: more outdoor time in wet leaves and mud, dried grass seeds and burrs in the coat, and the beginning of static season for dogs with long or fine coats.

Here's how to make fall grooming work for you.

Understand the Fall Coat Transition

Double-coated breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Goldens, Labs, Aussies, Berners) undergo a "coat blow" twice a year — once in spring when the winter undercoat sheds out, and once in fall when the summer coat releases to make way for the thicker winter undercoat.

For double-coated dogs, fall shedding means an increase in loose undercoat that needs to come out before the winter coat fills in. If this isn't managed, you get a thick, matted undercoat trapped under the new growth — which causes skin irritation, hot spots, and significant discomfort.

Action: Schedule a professional deshedding appointment in early-to-mid fall, before the worst of the coat transition. At home, brush your double-coated dog every 1–2 days with an undercoat rake during this period.

Don't Let the Coat Go Into Winter Matted

This is the mistake that generates the most grief for dogs and owners by January. If a double-coated or long-coated dog goes into fall with unresolved mats, the winter coat grows in on top of them and tightens them further. By February, what started as a manageable tangle can require shaving.

Action: Before the winter coat fully comes in, ensure the coat is mat-free. If your dog has existing mats, address them at a professional groom in September or October rather than waiting.

Watch for Burrs, Seeds, and Fall Debris

Fall outdoor time means walking through fields, leaf piles, and brush — all of which deposit burrs, dried grass seeds (especially foxtails in western regions), and debris in the coat.

Foxtails are a genuine hazard: the barbed seed heads can work their way through the coat into the skin, and from there into ears, eyes, nostrils, or internal tissues. They don't break down — they migrate and cause abscesses.

Action: After every outdoor walk, do a quick scan of the coat — especially around the ears, between the toes, and in the armpit area. Remove burrs with your fingers or a metal comb before they tighten. If you suspect a foxtail has penetrated the skin, see a vet.

Paw Care Before Cold Weather

Fall is the right time to get paw pads in good condition before the winter comes with its ice, salt, and cold-weather cracking.

• Keep the hair between paw pads trimmed. In wet fall conditions, long paw pad hair collects mud, leaves, and debris that hardens and causes discomfort.
• Inspect the paw pads for any early cracking. A dog-safe paw balm applied once a week can maintain pad health through the transition.
• Check between the toes for debris or early signs of yeast infection — wet fall conditions promote yeast growth in paw skin folds.

Managing Static in Fall

As the air gets drier, static becomes a grooming issue — especially for dogs with long, fine, or silky coats. Static makes brushing uncomfortable (it zaps the dog) and leaves the coat looking puffy and flyaway.

Solutions:
- Use a light leave-in conditioning or anti-static spray before brushing
- Humidify your home (benefits both your dog and your household)
- Wipe the coat with a barely damp cloth after brushing to reduce static charge

Ear Care in Wet Fall Conditions

Dogs with drop ears (Spaniels, Hounds, Doodles) are particularly prone to ear infections in fall when they're walking through wet grass and leaves. Check ears weekly and dry them thoroughly after wet outdoor sessions.

Should You Let the Coat Grow Longer Going Into Winter?

For double-coated breeds: the coat takes care of this naturally. Your job is to keep the undercoat healthy and mat-free so the winter growth can do its job.

For single-coated, short-bodied breeds (Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Boxers): some owners opt for longer trim lengths in fall to help retain warmth. A dog sweater or jacket can also help these breeds stay comfortable on cold walks.

For long-coated breeds kept in a puppy cut (Shih Tzus, Maltese, Poodles): you can ask your groomer to leave the coat slightly longer in fall. Just ensure it's being brushed frequently enough to stay mat-free.

Book Your Fall Grooming Appointment Early

Fall is peak grooming season. Professional groomers book up quickly in September and October, particularly for deshedding appointments. Schedule 4–6 weeks ahead and don't wait until the coat blow is in full swing.

For more seasonal grooming guides, explore our breed-specific articles. For natural approaches to coat health, connect with a holistic vet at Holistic Vet Directory.