Smart dog owners treat fall as preparation season. The grooming and care tasks you complete in September and October determine how comfortably your dog handles the five months of Canadian winter ahead. Here is a practical fall prep checklist that sets you and your dog up for success.
Condition the Coat, Do Not Cut It
Fall is when your dog grows the winter undercoat that will insulate them for months. This is the worst time for a short clip — let the coat do its job. Instead, focus on conditioning: regular brushing distributes natural oils, removes the last of the summer's loose fur, and prevents mats from forming under the incoming dense coat. Brush a few times a week through fall, increasing frequency for long-haired breeds.
The Furbliss One-Click Deshedding Brush is ideal for this transitional period, clearing out dead summer coat so the winter undercoat can grow in healthy and mat-free.
Toughen and Protect the Paws
Paw pads that have spent summer on grass and dirt need to be ready for ice, salt, and frozen pavement. Start a paw balm routine in fall so pads are supple and resilient before the first deep freeze — cracked pads in January often trace back to dry, neglected paws in October. The Furbliss Lick-Safe Paw & Nose Balm moisturizes and protects, and starting early lets your dog get used to the routine.
Fall is also the time to trim the fur between paw pads. Long inter-pad fur collects ice balls in winter; keeping it trimmed from fall onward prevents the problem before it starts. If you plan to use booties, begin introducing them now — dogs accept new gear far more easily when it is not also freezing outside.
Check and Refresh Winter Gear
Dig out last year's winter gear before you need it. Check coats and sweaters for fit — puppies grow, seniors lose weight, and straps wear out. Test booties for lost pairs or stretched closures. Replace anything worn, and order new gear early; the best-fitting winter products sell out once the first snowfall hits. Stock up on paw balm and paw-cleaning supplies so you are not scrambling in a January cold snap.
Adjust Bathing and Skin Care
As indoor heating kicks in, skin dries out. Shift to less frequent baths with a moisturizing shampoo, and brush more often to distribute oils. If your dog had summer skin issues — hot spots, allergy flare-ups — fall is the time to confirm they have fully resolved before winter complicates treatment. Persistent itching or flaking deserves a vet check, not just a product change.
Review Diet and Exercise Plans
Dogs often gain weight as activity drops in colder months. Establish your winter exercise plan now: shorter but more frequent walks, indoor play routines, and puzzle toys for mental stimulation. Talk to your vet about whether food portions should adjust for the season — very active winter dogs may need more fuel, while couch-prone dogs need less.
Key Takeaways
- Let the winter coat grow in; focus fall grooming on brushing and conditioning.
- Start paw balm in fall and trim inter-pad fur before ice season.
- Introduce booties early so your dog accepts them before the cold hits.
- Audit winter gear now — replace worn items before the seasonal rush.
- Plan winter exercise and diet adjustments before bad weather arrives.
An hour of preparation each week through fall saves countless uncomfortable moments in winter. Your dog will step into the first snowfall ready — and so will you.
Shop Furbliss grooming essentials at furbliss.ca and make pet hair, messy paws, and tangled coats a thing of the past.