Dog Coat Care in Autumn — When Brushing Really Matters

September is the month when many dog owners suddenly notice more fur balls around the house than ever. The summer coat starts giving way to a thicker winter one, and if brushing has taken a back seat over the summer, it catches up with you now.

Coat type determines how much care your dog needs

Not all dogs shed the same way, and it's worth thinking about how much time you're willing to spend on coat care even before choosing a breed.

Breeds with a thick undercoat (many herding breeds, for example) shed heavily in spring, but shedding also picks up in autumn. For these breeds, brushing effectively removes loose hair and stimulates blood circulation at the same time.

Short-haired, smooth-coated dogs, on the other hand, don't really shed seasonally — hair comes out steadily throughout the year, and there's barely any undercoat to speak of.

Long-haired dogs, especially those with an undercoat, need the most regular care: this coat type mats the easiest, and mats can pull tight and even damage the skin if left unattended.

Curly coats (poodles, for example) consist almost entirely of undercoat, so very little hair falls out on its own — instead, they need regular trimming. Wiry, water-resistant coats also don't shed on their own and require plucking instead.

Brushing belongs in a dog's routine from puppyhood

The best time to get a dog used to brushing is as a puppy, before it has a chance to become a strange or unpleasant experience. Right after a walk, when your dog is already a little tired, is often a good time to practice — somewhere calm, with a reward for good behaviour. Once a dog learns to enjoy brushing from puppyhood, it can become a lifelong, relaxing routine for both dog and owner.

Regular brushing doesn't just remove loose hair — it prevents matting and improves circulation. It also spreads the skin's natural oils through the coat, making it slightly more water-resistant, which is useful right now as the rainy season approaches. Many owners also find that brushing time is a nice, shared pause in a busy day.

Which brush for which coat

• Dog brush is a classic choice for both short and long coats — it adds shine and smooths the coat gently, and is suitable for puppies too.
• Dog metal bristle brush works best for long and show coats — it also helps work through mats and prevents new ones from forming.
• Dog mixed bristle brush combines the benefits of both and suits long and short coats alike, gently working through tangles.

A good brush lasts for years, so it's worth choosing a quality option suited to your dog's coat type from the start, rather than replacing a poor one every few months. Browse our brush collection and find the right one for your dog.