Dogs with double coats have two layers going on: a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser topcoat on top of it. That undercoat is basically a built-in sweater, and like any sweater, it gets swapped out seasonally. As daylight hours shrink heading into fall, that change in light triggers a hormonal signal telling the body to shed the thinner summer undercoat and grow in something heavier for winter.

This year really has been the year "skinification" went mainstream in the pet world, the idea that a dog's skin barrier deserves the same ingredient-level attention we give our own skincare routines. What started as a niche talking point among groomers is now showing up everywhere: personalized, breed-aware routines instead of one-size-fits-all packages, quieter and lower-sensory tools for anxious dogs, and a real uptick in mobile and one-on-one grooming as owners look for a calmer, less chaotic experience than a busy salon can offer.

Helping your dog feel relaxed before the grooming even starts is so important. A calm dog tends to have a better overall experience.

Giving your dog a bath doesn’t have to be something you both dread. When you have a plan and a calm space, bath time can actually turn into a bonding moment.