Fall Grooming Tips

As the weather begins to change, so do our attitudes. We may begin to reminisce about the end of summer, but we also remember what we love about the fall. Your pet also notices these changes! Whatever their feelings towards autumn, you can ensure a safe and happy transition with these specialized fall grooming tips.

Recovering from Summer

What fun summer is! Outdoor walks are a great way to bond and exercise with your dog, but they can also expose them to harsher conditions than usual. Their paws are particularly sensitive. Pavement and asphalt heats up dramatically in summer and can actually leave burns on your dog’s feet. Check out their feet; are they dry and chapped? If so, they may benefit from some light pampering. Grab some paw pad balm or petroleum jelly and slather it on their feet. While it is soaking in, give your dog a chew toy to keep them occupied. If their pads are actually cracked, schedule an appointment with your vet. In the meantime, you can use some ointment and gauze to create a temporary fix.

The summer sun can also wreak havoc on your dog’s coat. It may bleach or frizz certain areas, giving your dog a scruffier appearance. Thankfully, this is all temporary. The bleached and damaged bits all fall out eventually to be replaced with your pup’s natural coat. However, a professional grooming session certainly helps speed up this process. Groomers use special brushes to remove dead hairs and special conditioners to smooth out more damaged sections.

Maintaining a Routine

The most important part of grooming your pet is consistency. Many pet owners skip baths during the colder months, but more time indoors does not necessarily mean your dog is clean. In fact, that “dog smell” comes from oils that occur naturally on your dog’s skin. This is completely independent from the amount of walks your furry friend goes on. Furthermore, the beginning of fall tends to stir up a lot of allergens. Baths are a great way to clean pollen and dust from your dog’s fur.

You should also stay vigilant with brushing. Dogs’ coats change with the weather, and shedding is much more manageable with a regular brushing routine. Of course, brushing depends on your dog’s fur. Because of mats, long-haired dogs need to be brushed more often than short-haired dogs.

Professional Grooming

There is nothing quite like a professional groom. A trim here and there will keep the coat neat and tidy at all times. If you’ve been scheduling regular grooming sessions, keep it up! If not, the fall is a perfect time to go for a first visit. The groomers will assess your pet’s needs and work with you to determine the best courses of action.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, you can find professional grooming services for your cat or dog. Our passionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to you and your pet’s specific needs. We are currently open with safety precautions in place to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 714-962-1005.