Before diving into seasons, it's helpful to know how your pet’s coat naturally functions.

Coat Growth Cycles Explained

Dogs and cats experience 4 coat phases:

• Anagen – active growth
  

• Catagen – slowing phase
  

• Telogen – resting phase
  

• Exogen – shedding phase
  

Seasonal changes trigger shifts between these phases, especially in double-coated breeds.

How Temperature Changes Impact Skin Health

Weather affects:

• Dryness
  

• Oil production
  

• Skin flaking
  

• Irritation
  

• Sensitivity
  

Every season brings its own challenges, which is why professional grooming becomes especially valuable throughout the year.

Summer Grooming Guide

Summer is the season of heat, humidity, shedding, and outdoor mess. A smart grooming routine keeps your pet cool, clean, and comfortable.

Essential Summer Grooming Tasks

1. De-shedding

Pets shed their winter undercoat heavily in early summer. Removing dead hair:

• Improves airflow to the skin
  

• Prevents matting
  

• Reduces overheating
  

2. Regular Bathing

Summer increases exposure to:

• Dirt
  

• Pollen
  

• Lake or beach water
  

• Chlorine
  

Professional baths help remove buildup without drying the coat.

3. Paw and Pad Protection

Sidewalks get extremely hot and sometimes hot enough to burn paws.

Grooming tasks include:

• Trimming hair between pads
  

• Applying paw balms
  

• Checking for cracks or dryness
  

4. Avoid Shaving Double-Coated Breeds

Shaving may seem like a cooling solution, but it removes the coat’s natural insulation system. Instead, groomers use de-shedding and coat-thinning techniques.

According to the American Kennel Club, shaving eliminates the coat's natural cooling system and can cause long-lasting regrowth issues.

Tools and Products for Hot Weather

• Cooling coat sprays
  

• Deshedding rakes
  

• Coat-safe sunscreen (for light-coated breeds)
  

• Aloe or oatmeal shampoos
  

Summer Water Activities and Coat Care

Swimming is great fun, but it can create:

• Tangled fur
  

• Ear moisture
  

• Skin dryness
  

A professional groomer can help clean, dry, and fluff the coat properly to prevent summer mats.

Fall Grooming Guide

Fall is a transitional season as your pet prepares for colder temperatures.

Preparing for Seasonal Coat Changes

Pets begin growing thicker coats in the fall. Groomers help:

• Remove loose fur
  

• Prevent undercoat matting
  

• Prepare coats for winter insulation
  

Managing Shedding and Allergies

Raking leaves, mold, and fall pollen can irritate sensitive skin.

Professional fall grooming includes:

• Gentle baths
  

• Moisturizing treatments
  

• Ear cleaning
  

• Coat protection sprays
  

This prevents irritation and keeps the coat clean as the humidity drops.

Winter Grooming Guide

Cold weather brings dry skin, thicker coats, and paw irritation from ice and salt.

Protecting Your Pet From Harsh Cold

Winter grooming is all about:

• Moisture
  

• Coat integrity
  

• Insulation
  

Many people mistakenly skip winter grooming, but it’s one of the most important times of the year.

Coat Maintenance for Insulation

Winter coat care includes:

• Regular brushing
  

• Light trimming (not shaving)
  

• Undercoat balancing
  

• Removing winter tangles
  

A clean, brushed coat keeps your pet warmer than an unmaintained one.

Winter Paw and Skin Care

Salt, ice, and snow can be hard on paws.

Professional winter care includes:

• Paw hair trimming
  

• Paw balm application
  

• Checking for cracks
  

• Gentle cleansing after walks
  

Dry winter air also increases skin flaking, something groomers help manage with hydrating, pet-safe products.

Spring Grooming Guide

Spring means shedding—a lot of shedding.

Shedding Season Essentials

Spring grooming focuses on:

• Deep de-shedding
  

• Blow-outs to remove winter undercoat
  

• Removing mud and spring debris
  

• Shaping coats after winter growth
  

Professional blow-outs remove more loose hair than most owners can handle at home.

Spring Allergies and Skin Sensitivity

Spring allergens include:

• Pollen
  

• Grass
  

• Mold
  

Groomers help by washing away irritants and keeping the coat clean and breathable. While we don’t diagnose allergies, we can help manage coat hygiene, so pets stay more comfortable.

Year-Round Grooming Essentials

Seasonal grooming changes, but some things stay consistent all year.

Behavioral Benefits of Consistent Grooming

Regular grooming:

• Reduces anxiety
  

• Builds trust
  

• Keeps pets used to handling
  

• Prevents grooming fear
  

Nail, Ear, and Sanitary Care

These basics are always essential:

• Nail trims every 3–6 weeks
  

• Ear cleaning
  

• Sanitary trimming
  

• Paw pad trimming
  

• Tear stain cleaning (breed-dependent)
  

Routine care prevents discomfort and keeps pets looking fresh.

Professional Grooming vs. Seasonal DIY Care

When DIY Works  And When It Doesn’t

DIY grooming is helpful for:

• Light brushing
  

• Wiping paws
  

• Bathing between sessions
  

However, DIY becomes risky when dealing with:

• Matted fur
  

• Thick undercoats
  

• Nails
  

• Sanitary areas
  

• Ear care
  

• Heavy seasonal shedding
  

How Professional Groomers Support Seasonal Needs

At Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming Salon and Dashing Dogs Dental, our groomers and dental techs:

• Follow coat-type specific seasonal routines
  

• Use professional de-shedding tools
  

• Provide dental cleaning
  

• Understand coat growth patterns
  

• Offer safe, stress-conscious handling
  

We don’t diagnose or treat medical issues—but we keep pets clean, groomed, and comfortable all year long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I groom my pet each season?

Most pets benefit from professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on coat type and lifestyle.

2. Should my pet be shaved in the summer?

Generally, no, especially not double-coated breeds. Shaving removes natural insulation. Groomers instead use de-shedding techniques.

3. How do I protect my dog's paws during winter?

Trim paw hair, use balms, and clean paws regularly. Groomers help maintain paw health.

4. Why does my pet shed more in spring and summer?

Seasonal coat changes! Pets shed their winter coats heavily in preparation for warmer temperatures.

5. Do grooming needs change for indoor vs. outdoor pets?

Yes. Indoor pets may shed year-round due to artificial light cycles, while outdoor pets show stronger seasonal shedding patterns.

6. Is non-anesthesia dental cleaning safe?

Non-anesthetic dental cleaning performed by trained dental techs, not medical dental treatment.

Seasonal grooming ensures your pet stays comfortable, clean, and happy every month of the year. From summer shedding to winter insulation, each season presents unique grooming challenges, and professional care helps your pet transition smoothly.

At Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming Salon and Dashing Dogs Dental, our trained groomers and dental techs provide high-quality grooming and no sedation dental cleaning services to keep your furry companions feeling confident and cared for all year long.

For more pet grooming information, you can visit the Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming Salon and Dashing Dogs Dental