Autumn Grooming Tips: How to Keep Your Dog Looking & Feeling Their Best

Autumn is a beautiful season for long walks in the park, crisp leaves underfoot, and cosy evenings with your dog by your side. But with the changing weather come new grooming challenges. From muddy paths to damp coats, your dog might need a little extra care at this time of year.

Here are our top tips to keep your dog comfortable and looking their best this autumn:

1. Tackle the Mud

Fallen leaves, rain, and mud are part of the season. To avoid matting and endless cleaning, give your dog a quick rinse or wipe down after walks. If your dog has a long or curly coat, be mindful not to towel dry too vigorously as this can make the coat very knotty. It's best to gently pat your dog dry, or even better, wrap them up in a drying poncho.

2. Brush More Often

A wet coat is much more prone to tangling and matting. Regular brushing helps prevent knots and mats from forming, especially if your dog wears a jumper, coat or harness. We recommend keeping a slicker brush or comb handy by the door for a quick post-walk groom (see our range here). Frequent brushing also helps your dog become comfortable with grooming.

3. Protect Their Paws

Cold, wet ground and early grit spreading can irritate paw pads. A protective paw balm creates a barrier against moisture and helps prevent cracks. Be sure to check between toes for trapped grit, leaves, or burrs. We have a selection of deeply moisturising paw balms here which we use in the salon.

4. Keep Ears Clean & Dry

Breeds with long ears are more prone to ear issues when it’s wet. After walks, gently dry the inside of your dog’s ears to reduce the risk of infections. If your dog enjoys splashing in puddles, this step is especially important.

5. Don’t Skip Grooming Appointments

It might be tempting to put off a groom as the weather turns colder, but regular salon visits are essential to maintain coat condition. Our groomers often see more matting at this time of year. If you'd prefer to keep your dog's coat longer at this time of year, try and book in a bath & dry or bath & tidy in between full grooms. This ensures your dog's coat is being well looked after and thoroughly brushed through.

6. Add a Little Comfort

Autumn is also the perfect time to introduce cosy accessories like dog jumpers or fleeces. They don’t just look stylish, they also help keep your dog warm and dry. Just make sure you keep up with brushing to avoid tangles building into mats.

Final Word

Autumn can be a magical season to enjoy with your dog, but it does require a little extra grooming care. With the right routine (and a few handy products), you’ll keep your dog comfortable, clean, and ready for every autumn adventure.

If you’d like advice on the best brushes, paw balms, or drying coats, pop into George’s Dog Boutique or browse our online store. Our team is always happy to help.