Fall Grooming

The leaves are changing, the weather is growing cooler, and everything is pumpkin spice. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, I just love the colors. That also means a significant change in my dogs from their tip of their nose to the tip of their tail they make me aware that fall is upon us. Here are just some of the reasons why.

Skin and Coat

I know when fall is here because I have to use more moisturizers. This trend is just as applicable to our pets. We tend to see shorter daylight which means we are inside longer, turn on our heaters, and do not realize how dry the weather can be. The dogs also experience these symptoms. We often see a need to up our conditioner in these beginning months of fall to put a bit of extra moisture back in that fur. Dog’s coats will often try to expel the summer dead stuff, and you will see an increase in shedding because of it. The first month of fall this includes short-coated dogs as well. By getting out this dead coat and giving pups a good brushing we can extend their natural oils and make those lovely dog coats healthier and shiny. Once you get all that extra hair, dirt, and dander out of your pet you might just notice a decrease in your seasonal allergies as well.

Paw and Nail Care

As groomers we are always going to tell you dogs nails need to be done at least every six weeks. Dogs’ nails grow in a circle and if you are not one of those blessed people that the dogs naturally wear their nails down, they need professional care. Since they are inside more through these cooler months it will help them with their movement and help (especially elder dog’s) getting up. As the human in the relationship, we do not always see when a dog may be in need of a pad trim. Just like nails, pads are essential for movement. The older pets get the more hair they grow between those pads and are more likely to slip or need aid in getting to their feet. When you have your pet seen regularly, we will keep an eye on that and do that for you, but you can always request that as well. We know dry grass and leaves can be problematic during fall and with shorter feet and tidy pads most dogs won’t drag all that into the house again helping with seasonal allergies. Pads can also be prone to drying and cracking and with a bath we can do an extra bit of moisturizing to keep that from happening.

Grooming

Just because we think that dogs need fur off during the summer (so NOT true) this often leads to the extreme of getting them cut short. Now as we are going into the winter months those coats have had some time to grow out and may be starting to mat up again or tangle. This is the perfect time to keep that coat a bit longer, so they have some insulation and to make a decision to make it a positive transition to winter. Shorter hair may still have the freedom from troubling your pet with clothes that can actually lead to a lot of stress if dogs have to be shaven in several spots so they will be comfortable wear clothes.

The fall season is sweater weather, a nice long walk due to cooling temperatures, and wonderful fall colors. Let you and your pet enjoy it to the fullest by scheduling appointments to get these grooming tips done. We love spoiling your pet and we really are good at doing the hard work for you (if you’ve tried to shave your own dogs nails you know exactly what I mean.) So, this fall season, let us pamper your pets and maybe make your own life a little easier and less hairy.