Fall Grooming Tips for Dogs and Cats in the East Valley

Fall in Arizona doesn't look like fall in other parts of the country.

There's no wall of orange leaves. But the days get shorter, the nights cool off, and your pet's coat notices.

That makes fall one of the best times to check in on your pet's coat, skin, and paws.

Do dogs and cats shed more in the fall?

Many do.

As the weather cools, pets start letting go of their lighter summer coat to make room for a thicker one. Double-coated dogs like Aussies, Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Huskies tend to notice it most. Long-haired cats do, too.

Even short-haired pets can shed more as the seasons change.

Here's what helps:

• Brush several times a week. Loose undercoat that stays in the coat is what turns into tangles.
• Book a deshedding groom. A bath, blowout, and deshedding removes loose undercoat that brushing at home often misses.
• Skip the shave-down. Shaving a double-coated dog doesn't stop shedding and may affect how the coat grows back.

Why do mats show up in the fall?

Because the old coat and the new coat are overlapping.

Loose hair gets trapped against the skin, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the belly. If it isn't brushed out, it tangles. Once it's tight against the skin, it can become uncomfortable for your pet.

Staying ahead of the coat change is much easier than fixing mats later.

How do I care for my pet's skin as the weather changes?

Start by paying attention.

Arizona air gets drier this time of year, and some pets show it. You might notice flaky skin, extra scratching, or a coat that looks dull.

A few simple things can help:

• Brush regularly to spread natural oils through the coat
• Don't over-bathe between grooming appointments
• Use a pet-safe shampoo made for your pet's skin and coat
• Make sure the coat is fully dried after every bath

If your pet is scratching constantly, or you see redness, sores, or hot spots, call your vet. Skin problems can have a lot of causes, and a groomer can't diagnose them. We can point out what we notice, though.

Do paws need extra care in the fall?

Yes.

Pavement can stay hot well into the fall here. Before a walk, press the back of your hand against the pavement for several seconds. If it's uncomfortable to hold there, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

A few other fall paw tips:

• Walk early or late when the ground is cooler
• Keep nails trimmed. Long nails change how your pet walks and can split or snag
• Trim the hair between the pads so it doesn't trap dirt and debris
• Check paws after walks for burrs, grass seeds, or small cuts
• Watch for dry or cracked pads as the air dries out

Do cats need fall grooming too?

They do.

Indoor cats still go through seasonal coat changes. Fall is a good time to brush more often, check the belly, armpits, and behind the ears for tangles, and keep nails trimmed.

Long-haired cats are especially prone to matting when they're shedding. If your cat is starting to look a little rough, or you're finding more hair on the couch than usual, a professional groom can make a big difference.

And with mobile grooming, your cat never has to leave home to get it done.

Your fall grooming checklist

• Brush your pet a few times a week
• Schedule a bath, blowout, and deshedding if your pet is shedding heavily
• Check for tangles behind the ears, under the legs, and around the belly
• Keep nails trimmed and check paw pads
• Watch for dry, flaky, or irritated skin
• Book your next groom before the holiday calendar fills up

The takeaway

Cooler weather means coat changes, drier skin, and paws that still need protection from hot pavement. A little attention now saves a lot of tangles later.

Ready to get your pet's coat ready for cooler weather? Book your Bark & Mane mobile grooming appointment today.