Do you know what to do differently in autumn compared to the rest of the year? So that the dog has some fur left and doesn't freeze? A perpetually muddy undercarriage and leaves in long fur are also quite annoying. So, what to do about it?
Shedding again and again
Just as you pull out down jackets with the first cold gust of wind, dogs simply change their wardrobe by shedding their entire undercoat. All efforts to stop shedding are futile; it's time for a new winter outfit. You can only mitigate the effects of hair by adding quality omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (salmon oil), frequent brushing or various vitamin supplements. However, the effect is not significant, and you just have to endure it.
What helps? Try a brush for excessive shedding. Just be careful not to leave too little fur on the dog.
Trimming
What is it? It's the systematic combing out of dead hairs, including their roots. It helps mainly with wire-haired breeds that you can't comb out much otherwise – for example, Schnauzers, Wire-haired Dachshunds, or Westies. In wire-haired breeds, dead hair does not fall out; it stays in the skin, un-nourished and blocking new hairs. Therefore, it needs to be thoroughly removed. Regular trimming promotes the growth of new, better quality, and stronger fur.
Unshed hair itches! And the furry friend will scratch more and more…
Dry your dog thoroughly
It rains. A lot. Even if you have a thick-coated furry friend who is unfazed by anything, you absolutely must thoroughly dry their fur if it gets even slightly wet. Otherwise, you're setting yourself up for dermatitis, yeast infections, and other skin problems. When it's no longer 30°C in the shade, wet fur is not at all pleasant.
Don't look like a drowned rat. Check out waterproof raincoats.
Bathing again and again
Autumn is the season of dirty undersides; furry friends splash mud on their bellies with their paws, and active ones often get completely covered in mud while running. They run home, shake it off, and it's a mess. Autumn is therefore a period when owners are more actively interested in cleaning methods and tools for their dogs' muddy paws.
Nevertheless, many of them simply opt for washing paws in the bathtub or shower. No matter what antics your furry friend gets up to outside, try to limit bathing, even with shampoo, to once a month at most, so you don't disrupt their natural pH and coat oiling. Instead, focus on brushing; many breeds are naturally self-cleaning and will shed mud from their fur once it dries.
A damp chamois is also great for muddy paws.
