Gold Coast Guide to Seasonal Dog Grooming

Living on the Gold Coast means navigating heat, humidity, shedding seasons and weather that swings hard from one week to the next. For dogs, that means the grooming routine needs to shift through the year. Here's a season-by-season guide to keeping your dog comfortable, clean and properly cared for, no matter the temperature.

Spring: deshedding and fresh starts

As the weather warms, dog coats shift. Spring is peak deshedding season for most breeds, especially double-coated ones like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and German Shepherds.

What's happening to the coat

• The thick winter undercoat is being shed in big quantities.
• Humidity starts creeping in, which can leave unwashed coats feeling sticky.
• Dogs are more active outdoors, picking up pollen, grass seeds and debris.

Spring grooming priorities

• Deshedding treatments to remove the loose undercoat and reduce fur in your home.
• Full wash and dry with skin-safe products to clear out allergens and built-up dirt.
• Nail trims and paw checks, since paws often show winter wear like cracked pads or buildup between pads.
• Ear clean and eye trim, since tear staining and ear gunk both increase as the weather warms.

Summer: cool-offs and skin care

Gold Coast summer is hot, humid and full of sand, salt and backyard activity. Grooming becomes essential to keep dogs comfortable.

What's happening to the coat

• Dogs can overheat fast, especially fluffy or dark-coated breeds.
• Saltwater and chlorine irritate skin and dry out the coat.
• Parasites (fleas, ticks, hot spots) thrive in the heat.

Summer grooming priorities

• Summer trims for breeds like Poodles, Cavoodles, Spoodles and Maltese. Important note: never shave double coats. The undercoat actually helps with temperature regulation. Strategic trimming, not full shaves.
• Regular warm baths, especially after beach visits. Salt, sand and sunscreen residue all need rinsing out properly.
• Paw pad trims and balm for hot pavements and beaches.
• Light deshedding for short-coated breeds like Staffies, Labs and Kelpies.
• Ear and tail trims for breeds where long fur traps moisture.

Summer is one of our busiest seasons. Book early.

Autumn: prep for cooler days

Autumn on the Gold Coast is unpredictable. Hot one day, cool the next, with dry winds and rain mixed in. It's also when dogs start regrowing thicker coats for winter.

What's happening to the coat

• Coats start bulking up, especially in thick or long-haired breeds.
• Dirt and loose hair get trapped during the seasonal transition.
• Dogs are still active outdoors but swimming less, which means brushing matters more than rinsing.

Autumn grooming priorities

• Brushing and coat maintenance to prevent the new coat from matting as it grows in.
• Mini trims or tidies around eyes, feet and hygiene areas, leaving the protective coat intact.
• Light deshedding for dogs still dropping the last of their summer coat.
• Ear and eye cleaning, since wind and pollen levels stay high in early autumn.

Winter: warmth and moisture management

It does get cold, even here. Less beach time, more lounging on the couch. Some owners assume grooming becomes less important. It doesn't, it just changes shape.

What's happening to the coat

• Dirt, oils and dead fur still build up, even without daily swims.
• Long winter coats mat easily, especially on the chest, underarms and behind the ears.
• Dry indoor heating and cold outdoor wind can leave skin flaky and irritated.

Winter grooming priorities

• Warm baths in a climate-controlled studio. No cold hoses or wet vans.
• Longer trims, not full shaves. We keep the protective coat length but tidy the problem areas.
• Skin conditioning products that lock in moisture and soothe dryness.
• Ear and nail care. Ear infections and overgrown nails both spike in winter when grooming routines lapse.

Senior dogs and puppies, all year

Older dogs and young pups need consistent gentle grooming through every season:

• Senior dogs benefit from regular nail trims, soft brushing and warm baths year-round, especially when arthritis or sensitive skin are factors.
• Puppies need grooming desensitisation from around 12 weeks. Short, positive visits build the foundation for stress-free grooming as adults.

Seasonal schedule by coat type

Short-coat breeds (Staffy, Frenchie, Beagle): groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Deshed at seasonal transitions. Nail trim monthly.

Long or curly-coat breeds (Cavoodle, Maltese, Poodle): groom every 3 to 4 weeks to avoid matting. Full bath, brush, trim, and eye or tail tidy. Add deshedding during transitions.

Double-coat breeds (Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Husky): groom every 6 to 8 weeks. Major deshed in spring and autumn. No shaving, just smart trimming and coat care.

Stay ahead of the seasons

Whether your dog needs a spring deshed, summer trim, autumn tidy or winter skin rescue, we've got it covered year-round. Book your next seasonal groom at Pets Juicy and we'll match the work to the weather.