Just like humans change their routines with the seasons, your dog's grooming needs vary throughout the year. Understanding seasonal grooming requirements helps keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and looking their best all year long. Here's your complete seasonal grooming guide.
Spring Grooming (March - May)
Spring brings warmer weather and, for many dogs, the beginning of heavy shedding season.
Key Challenges:
- Shedding: Many dogs "blow their coat" in spring, shedding winter undercoat
- Allergies: Pollen and allergens can cause skin irritation
- Spring showers: Mud and moisture can lead to skin issues
- Parasites: Ticks and fleas become active
Grooming Adjustments:
- Increase brushing frequency: Daily brushing for heavy shedders
- Professional grooming: Schedule grooming before heavy shedding begins
- Deshedding treatments: Help remove loose winter undercoat
- Bathing: May need more frequent baths to remove pollen and allergens
- Skin checks: Check for ticks, fleas, and skin irritation regularly
- Paw care: Clean paws after outdoor time to remove allergens
Special Spring Considerations:
- Double-coated breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds) need extra attention
- Regular brushing prevents matting as they shed
- Keep coat trimmed if appropriate for your breed
- Monitor for allergy symptoms (excessive scratching, licking)
Summer Grooming (June - August)
Summer heat and humidity require special grooming attention to keep dogs cool and comfortable.
Key Challenges:
- Heat: Dogs can overheat easily
- Humidity: Can lead to skin infections
- Swimming: Chlorine and salt water require special care
- Pests: Peak flea and tick season
- UV exposure: Some dogs need sun protection
Grooming Adjustments:
- Regular grooming: Keep appointments every 4-6 weeks
- Shorter cuts: Consider shorter trims for long-haired breeds (consult groomer)
- Cool baths: More frequent cool baths help manage heat
- Paw pad care: Check for burns from hot pavement
- Ear cleaning: Increased moisture can lead to ear infections
- Flea/tick prevention: Regular checks during grooming
Special Summer Considerations:
- After swimming: Rinse with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt
- Drying: Ensure ears are completely dry after swimming
- Brushing: Regular brushing helps air circulate through the coat
- Never shave double-coated breeds: Their coat actually helps regulate temperature
- Sun protection: Some breeds with light skin or thin coats need protection
Fall Grooming (September - November)
Fall brings another shedding season and preparation for winter weather.
Key Challenges:
- Second shedding: Another heavy shedding period for many breeds
- Outdoor debris: Burrs, leaves, and seeds get caught in coats
- Weather changes: Temperature fluctuations
- Dry air: Indoor heating starts, causing dry skin
Grooming Adjustments:
- Deshedding: Help remove summer coat and prepare for winter
- Regular brushing: Remove outdoor debris daily
- Professional grooming: Schedule grooming before winter sets in
- Moisturizing: May need conditioning treatments for dry skin
- Coat preparation: Ensure coat is healthy before winter
Special Fall Considerations:
- Check for burrs and seeds after outdoor time
- Keep coat trimmed to appropriate length for your breed
- Begin preparing for winter grooming routine
- Address any skin issues before cold weather arrives
Winter Grooming (December - February)
Winter requires special attention to protect your dog from cold weather while maintaining coat health.
Key Challenges:
- Cold weather: Dogs need protection from elements
- Dry indoor air: Heating systems cause dry skin
- Salt and chemicals: Road salt and de-icers can irritate paws
- Less frequent bathing: Over-bathing can strip natural oils
- Matting: Moisture from snow can contribute to matting
Grooming Adjustments:
- Maintain regular schedule: Don't skip grooming in winter
- Conditioning treatments: Combat dry skin with moisturizing treatments
- Paw care: Clean and moisturize paws after walks
- Brushing: Continue regular brushing to prevent matting
- Trimming: Keep hair around paws trimmed to prevent ice balls
- Less frequent bathing: Every 6-8 weeks is usually sufficient
Special Winter Considerations:
- Paw protection: Clean paws after walks to remove salt and chemicals
- Drying: Dry your dog thoroughly after being in snow or rain
- Trimming: Keep hair between paw pads short to prevent ice buildup
- Skin care: Use moisturizing products if skin becomes dry
- Don't over-bathe: Preserve natural oils that protect against cold
Year-Round Grooming Essentials
Some grooming tasks remain consistent throughout all seasons:
- Regular nail trimming: Every 6-8 weeks regardless of season
- Ear cleaning: Regular cleaning prevents infections year-round
- Dental care: Daily brushing regardless of season
- Health checks: Regular checks for lumps, bumps, or issues
- Professional grooming: Maintain regular schedule
Seasonal Grooming Schedule Example
Here's how a typical grooming schedule might look throughout the year:
Spring (March-May):
Professional grooming: Every 6 weeks
At-home brushing: Daily for heavy shedders
Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks, or after heavy outdoor activity
Summer (June-August):
Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
At-home brushing: 2-3 times per week
Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks, more if swimming regularly
Fall (September-November):
Professional grooming: Every 6 weeks
At-home brushing: Daily during heavy shedding
Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks
Winter (December-February):
Professional grooming: Every 8 weeks
At-home brushing: 2-3 times per week
Bathing: Every 6-8 weeks (unless heavily soiled)
Breed-Specific Seasonal Considerations
Double-coated breeds: Need extra attention during spring and fall shedding
Long-haired breeds: May benefit from shorter cuts in summer, longer in winter
Short-haired breeds: Less variation, but still need seasonal adjustments
Curly-coated breeds: Regular grooming year-round, may need more frequent in humid seasons
Working with Your Groomer
At River Paws, we adjust our grooming approach based on the season:
- We understand seasonal shedding patterns
- We use appropriate products for each season
- We adjust techniques based on weather conditions
- We provide seasonal grooming recommendations
- We help prepare your dog's coat for upcoming seasons
Seasonal Grooming at River Paws
At River Paws in Waunakee, Wisconsin, our experienced groomers understand how seasonal changes affect your dog's grooming needs. We adjust our services and recommendations based on the time of year to ensure your dog stays comfortable and healthy throughout all seasons.
Whether you need help managing spring shedding, keeping your dog cool in summer, or preparing for winter, we're here to help. Schedule an appointment and let us help you maintain a year-round grooming routine that keeps your dog looking and feeling their best.
Remember: While seasonal guidelines are helpful, every dog is unique. Our groomers work with you to create a personalized grooming schedule that considers your dog's breed, lifestyle, and individual needs throughout the year.
