By William Ethan 
I’ll be honest—I used to groom my Golden Retriever, Bailey, whenever I remembered or when she started smelling a bit too “doggy.” It wasn’t until our vet pointed out some matting behind her ears during a checkup that I realized my random approach wasn’t cutting it. She needed consistent, seasonal care that addressed what her coat and skin actually needed throughout the year.
That conversation led me down a rabbit hole of research about how seasons affect our pets’ grooming needs. What I discovered completely changed how I care for Bailey, and I wish someone had explained this to me years ago. Your pet’s grooming needs aren’t static—they shift with the weather, daylight hours, and seasonal activities. Here’s the year-round calendar I’ve developed that keeps Bailey comfortable, healthy, and looking great no matter what month it is.
Why Seasonal Grooming Matters
Your pet’s coat is a sophisticated system that responds to environmental changes. In spring, many pets shed their winter undercoat to prepare for warmer weather. During summer, they need protection from sun and heat. Fall brings preparation for colder months, and winter requires different care to combat dry air and harsh conditions.
I used to think Bailey’s excessive shedding in spring was just part of having a dog. Turns out, with the right grooming schedule, I could manage it so much better. Instead of finding tumbleweeds of fur in every corner, a strategic approach made the transition smoother for both of us.
Beyond aesthetics, seasonal grooming prevents real health issues. Matted winter coats can trap moisture and cause skin infections. Summer coats that aren’t properly maintained can’t regulate temperature effectively. It’s not about making your pet look pretty—it’s about keeping them genuinely comfortable.
Spring Grooming: The Great Shed
March through May
Spring is when I earn my grooming stripes. Bailey sheds her thick winter undercoat, and if I’m not proactive, my house looks like it’s growing fur carpeting.
The Spring Blowout
This is the big one. Around early April, I schedule what groomers call a “deshedding treatment.” For Bailey, this means an hour of thorough brushing with an undercoat rake that pulls out all the loose winter fur before it ends up on my couch.
If your pet has a double coat—Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Collies—spring deshedding is non-negotiable. I brush Bailey outside every other day during peak shedding season. My neighbor thought I was crazy until she tried it with her Aussie and texted me a photo of what looked like an entire second dog made of shed fur.
For short-haired breeds, spring shedding is less dramatic but still happens. A rubber curry brush or grooming glove used twice weekly does wonders.
Dealing with Spring Allergens
Pollen season affects pets too. Bailey comes inside from walks covered in yellow dust that makes her itchy. I started giving her a quick rinse of her paws and belly after outdoor time, which dramatically reduced her scratching.
Consider increasing bath frequency slightly during allergy season—maybe every two to three weeks instead of monthly. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo because you don’t want to dry out their skin with too-frequent bathing.
Tick and Flea Season Begins
This is also when I start my obsessive tick checks. After every walk, I run my hands over Bailey’s entire body, paying special attention to ears, armpits, between toes, and around her collar. Finding ticks early prevents disease transmission.
Keep your grooming tools clean during this season. I sanitize brushes weekly because they can harbor flea eggs and larvae.
Summer Grooming: Heat Management
June through August
Summer grooming is all about keeping your pet cool and protected. I learned the hard way that shaving Bailey’s coat thinking I was helping her stay cool actually did the opposite—her coat insulates against heat too.
The Shaving Debate
Unless your vet specifically recommends it, don’t shave double-coated breeds. Their coat regulates temperature in both directions. I felt terrible when our vet explained that Bailey’s coat acts like insulation in a house—it keeps heat out as well as in.
Instead, keep the coat clean and well-brushed so air can circulate to the skin. I brush Bailey three times a week in summer, focusing on removing any dead undercoat that might be trapped.
For breeds that do need haircuts—Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese—summer is perfect for shorter styles. Just leave at least an inch of fur to protect against sunburn.
Cooling Baths and Paw Care
I increase bath frequency to every two weeks in summer. Bailey swims, plays in sprinklers, and generally gets dirtier. Plus, a cool bath genuinely helps her temperature regulation on hot days.
Pay attention to paws during summer. Hot pavement can burn paw pads. I check Bailey’s feet after every walk and apply pet-safe paw balm weekly. The asphalt in our neighborhood gets hot enough to fry an egg, and I’ve seen too many dogs limping from burned pads.
Parasite Prevention
Summer means daily tick checks become even more critical. I also keep Bailey’s coat short enough around her rear end for sanitary reasons—flies are attracted to waste, and keeping that area trimmed prevents potential problems.
Brush before bathing in summer to remove loose fur. Wet, matted fur is incredibly difficult to deal with and can lead to hot spots—painful skin infections that dogs get from excessive licking and moisture trapped against skin.
Fall Grooming: Transition Time
September through November
Fall is sneaky. You might think grooming needs decrease as weather cools, but this is actually prime preparation time for winter.
Building the Winter Coat
Around September, I notice Bailey’s coat starting to thicken. She’s growing her winter undercoat, and this is when I reduce bath frequency back to every three to four weeks. Too much bathing during coat-building season can interfere with natural oil production.
However, brushing becomes even more important. I’m up to four times weekly now, helping distribute those natural oils throughout her growing coat and preventing the new undercoat from matting.
Managing Muddy Season
Fall rain means mud. So much mud. I keep a bin of grooming supplies by our back door—towels, waterless shampoo, paw wipes. Bailey gets a quick clean before she’s allowed back inside after wet walks.
This is when I learned about grooming for practical cleanliness versus health. A quick paw wipe isn’t optional grooming—it’s preventing my house from becoming a mud pit. I spent one October letting this slide and ended up deep-cleaning carpets.
Preparing for Indoor Time
As we spend more time indoors, I trim Bailey’s nails more frequently. When she was running on concrete all summer, natural wear kept them short. But indoor flooring doesn’t wear nails down, and I can hear them clicking on hardwood by mid-October if I’m not proactive.
I also check her ears weekly now. Indoor heating can dry out ear canals, and fall allergies from mold and fallen leaves can cause ear infections.
Winter Grooming: Protection Mode
December through February
Winter grooming isn’t about less maintenance—it’s about different maintenance. Bailey’s thick coat needs consistent care to stay healthy.
The Anti-Bath Stance (Sort Of)
I dramatically reduce bath frequency in winter. Unless Bailey rolls in something disgusting, she gets bathed maybe once every six weeks. Winter air is dry enough without stripping natural oils with excessive bathing.
When I do bathe her, I make sure she’s completely dry before going outside. A damp dog in freezing weather can get hypothermia. I use a blow dryer on cool/warm settings, not hot, and make sure to dry all the way down to her skin.
Brushing for Static and Mats
Dry winter air creates static electricity in Bailey’s coat. I switched to a wooden brush for winter because metal ones were giving us both shocks. Brushing every other day helps distribute oils and prevents the mats that form when static makes fur clump together.
Pay special attention to areas where your pet wears clothing or harnesses. The friction creates mats faster in winter. I check under Bailey’s coat collar and around her harness contact points daily.
Paw Care is Critical
This is the season I’m obsessive about paws. Salt and ice melt chemicals irritate paw pads and are toxic if ingested when pets lick their feet. After every walk, I rinse Bailey’s paws with lukewarm water or use paw wipes.
I also apply paw balm before walks in winter. It creates a protective barrier against salt and ice. Trim the fur between paw pads to prevent ice balls from forming—those are painful and can cause frostbite.
Fighting Dry Skin
Indoor heating sucks moisture from everyone, including pets. I add a humidifier to rooms where Bailey spends most time. Signs of dry skin include flaking, excessive scratching, and dull coat. If moisturizing shampoo and humidifiers don’t help, talk to your vet about omega fatty acid supplements.
Your Monthly Grooming Checklist
Regardless of season, some grooming tasks should happen on a regular schedule. I keep this checklist on my phone and tick things off as I go.
Weekly Tasks:
- Brush coat thoroughly (frequency varies by season and breed)
- Check and clean ears
- Inspect paws and trim fur between pads if needed
- Quick dental check and tooth brushing
Bi-Weekly Tasks:
- Trim nails (or weekly for fast-growing nails)
- Deep ear cleaning if needed
- Check for lumps, bumps, or skin changes during brushing
Monthly Tasks:
- Bath (adjust frequency by season)
- Sanitary trim around rear end
- Thorough inspection for parasites
- Clean and disinfect grooming tools
Quarterly Tasks:
- Professional grooming or full haircut for breeds that need it
- Anal gland expression (if your pet needs this—ask your vet)
- Deep conditioning treatment
- Replace worn grooming tools
Breed-Specific Considerations
The calendar I’ve outlined works great for Bailey’s Golden Retriever coat, but different breeds need adjustments.
Long-Haired Breeds (Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese): These guys need more frequent brushing year-round—daily is ideal. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps coats manageable. Their hair grows continuously and mats easily.
Short-Haired Breeds (Beagles, Boxers, Bulldogs): Don’t let the short coat fool you. They still shed and need regular brushing, just less frequently. Weekly in most seasons, twice weekly during spring and fall shedding.
Hairless Breeds (Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli): These breeds need regular baths, skin moisturizing, and sun protection. Their seasonal needs focus more on skin care than coat care.
Cats: Yes, cats groom themselves, but they still benefit from help. Long-haired cats need daily brushing to prevent hairballs and mats. Short-haired cats appreciate weekly brushing to reduce shedding and hairballs. Seasonal shedding affects cats too.
Creating Your Personal Calendar
I printed out a calendar and marked Bailey’s grooming tasks for the entire year. Seeing it visually helped me stay consistent. Here’s how I organize it:
Start with your pet’s heavy shedding periods. For most dogs and cats, that’s spring and fall. Block out daily brushing sessions during those months.
Add your regular tasks—nail trims every two weeks, baths monthly (adjusted by season), ear checks weekly. I use different colored pens for different task types.
Note seasonal activities that affect grooming. If your dog swims all summer like Bailey, plan for more frequent bathing. If winter means salt-covered paws, add daily paw care to that season.
Be realistic about your schedule. I learned that planning daily brushing year-round when I realistically only have time for that during peak shedding season just led to guilt and inconsistency. Better to create a schedule you’ll actually follow.
When to Call in Professionals
I handle most of Bailey’s grooming myself, but I’m not shy about using professional groomers for certain tasks. I cannot safely trim her nails because she’s terrified of it—our groomer has the right setup and experience to do it calmly.
Consider professional help for:
- Nail trimming if your pet is aggressive or terrified
- First spring deshedding session to learn proper technique
- Heavy matting that you can’t safely remove
- Breed-specific cuts and styling
- Anal gland issues
- Any time you’re unsure or uncomfortable
Professional groomers can also teach you techniques. I spent an extra half hour with Bailey’s groomer learning how to properly use an undercoat rake. Best money I ever spent.
The Real Benefits of a Grooming Schedule
After two years of following this seasonal schedule, I’ve noticed dramatic differences beyond just less fur on my furniture.
Bailey’s skin is healthier. We haven’t had a single hot spot or skin infection since I started consistent seasonal care. Her coat is shinier and softer. She seems more comfortable—less scratching, less obsessive licking.
Our bond is stronger too. Regular grooming is quality time together. Bailey now enjoys grooming sessions instead of tolerating them because they’re predictable, positive experiences.
And honestly, keeping up with seasonal grooming is less work than scrambling to deal with problems after they develop. Preventing mats is easier than removing them. Managing seasonal shedding is easier than living in a fur tornado.
Your pet spends their whole life in their coat and skin. Taking care of it throughout the year isn’t vanity—it’s basic comfort and health care. Start with small changes, build a routine that works for your schedule and your pet’s needs, and adjust as you learn what works best. The calendar I’ve shared is a starting point, not a rigid rule. Pay attention to your individual pet’s needs, and don’t be afraid to modify as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do indoor-only pets still need seasonal grooming adjustments?
A: Yes, though the changes are less dramatic than for outdoor pets. Indoor pets still experience seasonal shedding triggered by changing daylight hours, even if temperature stays constant. They’re also affected by indoor heating and air conditioning—winter heating causes dry skin just like it does for outdoor pets. However, indoor-only pets typically need less frequent bathing and fewer parasite checks. I’d still adjust brushing frequency for shedding seasons and moisturize skin during dry winter months.
Q: My pet has skin allergies. How does that change the seasonal schedule?
A: Allergies actually make seasonal grooming even more important. Pets with allergies often need more frequent bathing during their trigger seasons—maybe weekly instead of monthly—to remove allergens from their coat. Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoos recommended by your vet. You might need to brush daily during pollen season to remove environmental allergens before they cause reactions. Keep detailed notes about when symptoms worsen and adjust your grooming schedule accordingly. Always consult your vet about the right bathing frequency, as over-bathing can worsen some skin conditions.
Q: Is it really necessary to change my grooming routine every season, or can I just stick with one approach year-round?
A: You could stick with one routine, but your pet will be less comfortable and you’ll likely face more problems. Think of it like wearing the same weight jacket all year—technically possible, but not ideal. Seasonal adjustments prevent issues before they start. For example, not increasing brushing during spring shedding leads to matting. Not adjusting winter paw care leads to chemical burns from salt. Not modifying summer bathing can lead to hot spots. That said, if consistent year-round grooming is all you can manage, that’s still better than sporadic or no grooming. Start with consistency, then add seasonal adjustments as you’re able.
Q: How do I know if my grooming schedule is too much or not enough?
A: Your pet will tell you. Signs you’re grooming too much include dry, flaky skin, dull coat, or your pet becoming stressed and avoidant about grooming sessions. Signs you’re not grooming enough include matting, excessive shedding throughout your house, visible dirt in the coat, odor, or your pet scratching and licking excessively. The right amount leaves your pet with a shiny coat, healthy skin, and calm behavior during grooming. It should feel like maintenance, not crisis management. If you’re constantly dealing with mats or skin issues, increase frequency. If skin looks dry or irritated, pull back slightly and focus on gentler methods.
Q: What if I’ve neglected grooming and my pet’s coat is already matted? Where do I start?
A: First, don’t beat yourself up—you’re here now and that’s what matters. For severe matting, start with a professional groomer. Trying to remove heavy mats yourself can hurt your pet and damage their trust. A groomer might need to shave the coat short, which is okay—it’ll grow back. Once you’re starting fresh with a shorter coat, begin implementing a seasonal schedule immediately to prevent matting from returning. Start with just five minutes of brushing daily until both you and your pet are comfortable with the routine. Use detangling spray and work in small sections. If you catch small mats early, you can often work them out with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. The key is never letting it get that bad again through consistent maintenance.