The air's getting a bit cooler, which means one thing, autumn's here! This is a great time to give your dog extra attention when it comes to grooming, especially with the weather getting a bit more changeable.
Today, we'll explore some useful dog grooming tips for autumn as we move from summer to autumn. We'll also explain why extra care is needed during this time of year.
Keep Up With Your Dog's Grooming Routine
The cooler air in autumn and winter can sometimes make their skin dry or even flaky. It's perfectly fine to keep giving your dog baths, even when it's cooler outside. Try Essential Dog’s Natural Shampoo to help with any dryness that might pop up.
And to make bath time even better, check out this awesome silicone dog shower brush! It's perfect for all hair types, helping to detangle and massage, so your pooch will love getting clean.
Speaking of keeping your dog happy, brushing your pup regularly is super important, too! Use an eco-friendly brush to prevent matting and keep their coat nice and smooth. This can also help prevent any sore spots or skin problems that can happen when fur gets matted.
How often you need to brush depends on their fur. Longhaired dogs need a good brush every day, while short-haired pups can get by with brushing once a week. And don’t forget to set a reminder in your phone’s calendar so you don’t miss your dog’s brushing routine!
Good Time To Check Your Dog’s Ears
All sorts of things can get stuck in your dog’s ear, so it’s important to give them a quick check during your regular grooming sessions. Healthy ears should be clean, odour-free, and without any redness or discharge.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog's Paws for Any Dryness
Keep an eye on your dog's paws and pads for any signs of dryness. In warmer weather, hot ground can make their paws sore, and in the autumn and winter, salty roads and sidewalks can be quite harsh on their paws.
After every walk, make sure to give their paws a good clean and wipe the fur around them. This helps to keep dirt and salt from hurting their paws and it also stops them from licking any salt off their feet. If their pads are sore or dry, a paw balm can help. If you see any cracking, bleeding, or pus, it's best to get them checked out by your vet.
To make paw cleaning even easier, use this Essential Dog Organic Rinse Free Paw Cleaner. No need to rinse or dry - your dog will be clean and ready to go in a flash! This paw cleaner is made with a unique, organic formula perfect for the UK market. It's free of nasty chemicals and made with ingredients like purified water, soya oil, vitamin E, and certified organic aloe vera.
Joints and Cooler Months
Have you noticed your dog moving a bit slower lately? It's common for dogs, especially older ones, to get a little stiff in the cooler months. It's a good time to pay attention to how their joints are doing.
Keep an eye out for things like moving slowly, being cautious when they walk, or a slight limp. These could be signs of arthritis. If you're concerned, it's best to talk to your vet for advice. They can help you figure out what's going on and suggest ways to keep your dog comfortable during the cooler months.
Autumn Allergies
Many dogs are sensitive to seasonal allergies, and autumn is a common time for these allergies to act up. Working with your vet to create a plan for managing your dog’s allergies is a great way to keep them comfortable. Regular grooming and baths are also important to remove allergens that stick to their fur and remember, those allergens can stick long after playtime in the autumn leaves is over.
We invite you to explore our selection of natural, organic dog care products designed to support dogs with itchy and inflamed skin. Every product is formulated with gentle, natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals. They’re suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and skin types.
Ticks and Fleas Don't Take a Break
Don't think that ticks and fleas disappear just because it's autumn or winter! They can survive some cooler weather, so it's important to keep up with your regular flea and tick control program. Your vet can advise you on when it's safe to take a break from treatment, but in many cases, it's a year-round thing.
Not All Festive Foods Are Dog-Friendly
With all the delicious holiday treats around, it's easy for your dog to get tempted, but it’s important to keep their safety in mind. Remember, they shouldn't be snacking on Halloween candy, Thanksgiving turkey bones, or holiday cookies. It's best to avoid giving your dog chocolate and cocoa because it's toxic.
Cooked poultry bones can splinter and cause internal injuries, so be sure to keep them away. Avoid giving them high-fat poultry skin, which can lead to pancreatitis.
Alcohol is even more toxic to pets than people, so make sure to keep it out of their reach. Also, raisins, grapes, onions, nuts, and nutmeg can all cause problems for your dog, including kidney failure, diarrhoea, and neurological issues.
Adult dogs are lactose intolerant, so milk can cause digestive upset and dehydration. And avoid giving them dough, as it can expand in their stomach and cause bloat, discomfort, and other digestive problems.
It's best to keep those yummy treats out of reach and stick to their healthy regular food. They'll thank you for it!
How Long Does Dog Grooming Take?
Grooming time for your dog really depends on what needs to be done. A quick bath and brush can take as little as an hour, leaving your pet looking and feeling fresh.
But a small dog with a long coat, like a Pomeranian, can take around two hours to brush out and groom completely. And if you're planning on getting a standard poodle fully groomed, including a bath and cut, you might be looking at a four-hour session!
The key is to stay on top of grooming, even in between professional appointments. Regularly brushing and wiping their ears clean can make a big difference in keeping those appointments shorter.
It's much easier to quickly clean ears that are already clean! And if you're looking for a great, eco-friendly ear wipe, check out this composable and biodegradable Pet Wipes Pack. They're perfect for keeping those ears clean in between grooming appointments.
