As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, autumn brings fresh walks, cosy evenings, and a few new challenges for your furry friend. Cooler temperatures, muddy paths, and shorter days mean it’s time to adjust your dog’s care routine to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable.
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your pup this autumn — from grooming tips to paw protection and beyond.
🍂 Keep Up with Regular Grooming
Even though the weather is cooler, regular grooming is just as important in autumn as it is in summer. A clean, well-maintained coat helps prevent matting caused by damp walks and keeps your dog’s skin in great condition.
Brushing also helps remove loose hair as your dog sheds their summer coat, reducing shedding around the home and keeping their coat looking sleek and shiny. If your dog’s coat has grown thick over the warmer months, a professional groom can help tidy things up for the season ahead.
🍂 Protect Those Paws
Fallen leaves, mud, and road salt can all be rough on your dog’s paws. After every walk, gently wipe their paws clean to remove debris and moisture. Applying a protective paw balm helps prevent cracking and dryness — especially important if your dog spends time on cold or damp surfaces.
Regular paw checks are also a good idea this time of year. Look out for small cuts, irritation, or trapped debris between the pads.
🍂Dry Thoroughly After Walks
Autumn showers can appear out of nowhere! Always towel-dry your pup when you return from a walk, paying special attention to their belly, legs, and between their toes. Damp coats can cause skin irritation, odor, and discomfort — and no one enjoys that “wet dog” smell lingering around the house.
For dogs with longer or thicker coats, a quick brush after drying can help keep their fur smooth and tangle-free.
🍂 Watch Their Diet and Exercise
With shorter days and cooler weather, it’s easy for outdoor walks to become shorter too. To prevent unwanted weight gain, keep an eye on your dog’s calorie intake and portion sizes.
If the weather’s too rough for long walks, try introducing indoor enrichment activities like puzzle feeders, training games, or short play sessions to keep your pup’s mind and body active.
🍂 Stay Visible on Dark Walks
As daylight fades earlier in autumn, visibility becomes key for safety. Reflective collars, leads, or harnesses help make your dog easier to spot during evening walks. You can also add a small light-up tag to their collar for extra visibility — and peace of mind.
🍁 Step into the Season in Style
Autumn is the perfect time for a fresh groom and a seasonal tidy-up. A professional groom can help manage shedding, keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy, and make them look their best as the seasons change.
Book your pup’s autumn grooming appointment today and let them step into the new season feeling fresh, comfortable, and ready for those crunchy leaf walks!