Southern California's mild climate is one of the reasons so many dog owners love living in the Conejo Valley. But "mild" doesn't mean "unchanging" — the seasons bring distinct weather patterns that directly affect your dog's coat, skin, and grooming needs. At Cuddles N Suds, we've been grooming dogs in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and the surrounding cities since 2006, and we adjust our grooming approach with every season.
This guide walks you through what to expect from your dog's coat in each season and how to adjust your grooming routine accordingly — whether you're managing a heavy-shedding Golden Retriever in Simi Valley or a curly-coated Doodle in Westlake Village.
Spring: Shedding Season Arrives (March - May)
Spring is the busiest time of year for Cuddles N Suds, and for good reason. As temperatures warm up in the Conejo Valley, dogs with double coats begin "blowing" their winter undercoat — releasing massive amounts of loose fur over a period of 2-4 weeks. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Corgis, and Australian Shepherds shed the most dramatically during this period.
Even single-coated and curly-coated dogs experience changes in spring. The increased daylight triggers hormonal shifts that can affect coat growth patterns, and the warmer temperatures may cause dogs to scratch more as their skin adjusts.
Spring grooming tips:
- Increase brushing frequency to daily during the shedding peak. For double-coated breeds, use an undercoat rake followed by a slicker brush.
- Schedule a professional de-shedding treatment with Cuddles N Suds. Our high-velocity dryer removes loose undercoat far more effectively than any home tool — most owners are amazed at how much fur comes out.
- Consider shortening the grooming interval to every 3-4 weeks during peak shedding (March through May).
- This is also the start of foxtail season in the Conejo Valley. Keep the fur between your dog's toes trimmed short and check for foxtails after every outdoor walk.
Summer: Heat, Sun, and Outdoor Adventures (June - August)
Conejo Valley summers are warm and dry, with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and Moorpark. The heat affects your dog's comfort, activity level, and grooming needs in several ways.
One of the most common mistakes we see is owners shaving their double-coated dogs in summer, thinking it will keep them cooler. Never shave a double-coated breed. The double coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold. Shaving removes this natural protection and can lead to sunburn, overheating, and permanent coat damage. Instead, keep the coat well-brushed and free of mats so air can circulate through it naturally.
Summer grooming tips:
- For curly and long-coated breeds, a shorter summer cut can help with comfort — just don't go too short. Leave at least an inch of length to protect the skin from UV exposure.
- Increase bathing frequency if your dog swims or plays in water. Chlorine from pools and salt from ocean water (for Malibu beach dogs) can dry out the coat and skin. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming.
- Watch for hot pavement burns on paw pads. If the asphalt is too hot for your bare hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Schedule walks and outdoor time for early morning or evening.
- Flea and tick activity peaks in summer. Maintain your prevention regimen and ask us to check for parasites during grooming appointments.
- Keep the sanitary area trimmed shorter in summer to prevent bacterial buildup in the heat.
Fall: Santa Ana Winds and Dry Air (September - November)
Fall in the Conejo Valley brings the infamous Santa Ana winds — hot, dry winds that blow through the mountain passes and can drop humidity to near zero. These conditions have a significant impact on your dog's coat and skin that many pet owners don't anticipate.
The dry air strips moisture from your dog's coat and skin, leading to flaking, itching, and static electricity that causes tangles. Dogs with long or curly coats are especially affected — the static makes their fur cling together and form mats more quickly than usual. Many of our clients in Calabasas and Agoura Hills notice a dramatic increase in matting during Santa Ana events.
Fall grooming tips:
- Add a moisturizing conditioner to your at-home care routine. Our Specialty Shampoo add-on ($15) includes a hydrating formula that helps combat dry-air damage.
- Use a leave-in detangling spray before brushing to reduce static and prevent breakage.
- Increase brushing frequency during Santa Ana wind events — the dry air accelerates mat formation.
- Some dogs experience a second, lighter shedding cycle in fall as their winter coat begins growing in. This is normal and manageable with regular brushing and professional grooming.
- Fall is also the tail end of foxtail season. Continue checking your dog's coat after outdoor walks through November.
Winter: Mild but Not Maintenance-Free (December - February)
Conejo Valley winters are mild compared to most of the country, but they still bring changes that affect your dog's grooming needs. Temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s at night, occasional rain returns, and the shorter daylight hours can affect coat growth cycles.
Many pet owners make the mistake of reducing grooming frequency in winter, thinking their dog's coat needs less attention. In reality, winter coats grow thicker and denser, which means more potential for matting — especially in curly and long-coated breeds. The combination of a thicker coat and reduced brushing is the number one cause of severe matting we see at Cuddles N Suds between December and February.
Winter grooming tips:
- Maintain your regular grooming schedule — don't skip appointments because it's "not as hot." Winter coats need just as much professional attention as summer coats.
- After rainy walks, dry your dog thoroughly, especially between the toes and in the ear flaps. Moisture trapped in a thick winter coat can lead to skin infections and hot spots.
- Continue regular brushing at the same frequency as other seasons. The thicker winter coat actually needs more brushing, not less.
- If your dog wears a sweater or jacket, remove it regularly and brush the areas underneath. Clothing can compress the coat and accelerate mat formation.
- Paw care is important in winter too — while we don't have snow and ice, wet sidewalks and mud can irritate paw pads. Wipe paws after walks and check for cracks or dryness.
Year-Round Grooming Schedule for Conejo Valley Dogs
Based on nearly 20 years of grooming experience in the Conejo Valley, here's the grooming schedule Cuddles N Suds recommends for the most common coat types in our area:
Curly coats (Doodles, Poodles, Bichons): Every 4 weeks year-round, no exceptions. These coats mat quickly in every season.
Double coats (Goldens, Shepherds, Huskies): Every 4 weeks in spring (shedding season), every 6 weeks the rest of the year. Add de-shedding treatment in spring and fall.
Long silky coats (Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus): Every 4 weeks for long styles, every 6 weeks for shorter puppy cuts. Add moisturizing treatment during Santa Ana season.
Short coats (Labs, Beagles, Bulldogs): Every 6-8 weeks year-round. Add de-shedding treatment in spring.
Wire coats (Schnauzers, Terriers): Every 4-6 weeks year-round.
Cuddles N Suds provides year-round mobile pet grooming across Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Malibu, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Oak Park, and Camarillo. We adjust our grooming approach with the seasons so your dog always looks and feels their best. Book your next appointment online or call (805) 409-7189.
