Doodle Coat Transition: Spring Guide

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Meta Description: Learn how to prepare your doodle’s coat for the winter-to-spring transition in Australia. Expert tips on managing seasonal shedding, preventing mats, and emerging from winter with a healthy coat.

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Introduction

If you’ve survived winter grooming with your doodle, congratulations. But the work isn’t over yet. In fact, one of the trickiest periods for doodle coats is just ahead: the winter-to-spring transition.

While most dog owners think of spring as a time of relief from winter’s grooming demands, experienced doodle parents know the truth. The transition period—typically August through early October in Australia—brings its own unique challenges.

This guide will help you understand what’s happening to your doodle’s coat during the seasonal shift and, more importantly, how to navigate it successfully.

Understanding Seasonal Coat Changes

How Dogs Respond to Seasonal Shifts

Dogs don’t respond to temperature changes directly—they respond to light. As days lengthen after the winter solstice (June 21 in Australia), your doodle’s body receives signals to begin preparing for warmer weather.

This process involves:

Hormonal triggers:
– Pineal gland responds to increasing daylight
– Signals sent to hair follicles
– Coat growth cycle shifts from “hold” to “release”

Physical changes:
– Dense winter undercoat loosens
– New, lighter coat begins growing
– Old coat needs to exit to make room

Timeline in Australia:
– June 21: Winter solstice, days begin lengthening
– July: Internal preparation begins
– August: Early shedding signs appear
– September-October: Peak transition period
– November: Spring coat established

Why Doodles Are Different

In double-coated breeds that shed naturally, the old coat simply falls out—you find it on your furniture, clothes, and floating through the air. The process is messy but relatively straightforward.

Doodles, with their poodle genetics, don’t shed in the traditional sense. The hair that needs to release gets trapped in the coat instead of falling out. This creates a unique set of problems:

The trapped hair phenomenon:
– Old undercoat loosens but can’t escape
– Tangles with surrounding hair
– Creates mats from the inside out
– Surface may look fine while underneath is matting

The hidden mat problem:
– Mats form at skin level
– Not visible until grooming
– Can develop quickly (days, not weeks)
– Often worse than winter matting

This is why spring transition can be harder than winter maintenance for many doodle owners.

Signs the Transition Is Beginning

Early Warning Signs (Late July – Early August)

Watch for these indicators that your doodle’s coat is starting to shift:

Texture changes:
– Coat feels different when brushing
– Less dense in some areas
– Fluffier or airier texture
– Brush moves through differently than in peak winter

Brushing changes:
– More loose hair coming out than usual
– Hair collecting on brush faster
– Comb catching in new places
– Previously easy areas becoming challenging

Visual changes:
– Slight colour variations (new growth showing)
– Uneven density across body
– “Cowlicks” or coat lying differently
– Dullness in areas about to shed

Behavioural signs:
– More scratching (loosening coat is itchy)
– Rolling on carpet or grass more
– Rubbing against furniture
– Increased interest in being brushed (or avoiding it)

Peak Transition Signs (September – October)

During active shedding:

Significant loose hair with every brush stroke
Visible undercoat clumps when brushing
Coat may look “blown” or messy despite grooming
Rapid mat formation if grooming is skipped
Possible increase in “tumbleweeds” of loose fur

Preparing Your Home and Routine

Pre-Transition Preparation (July)

Grooming tool audit:
Ensure you have:
– Quality slicker brush (not worn out)
– Undercoat rake for denser areas
– Metal comb (wide and fine teeth)
– Fresh detangling spray
– Leave-in conditioner

Replace any tools that have seen heavy winter use. Worn brush bristles are less effective.

Professional appointment:
Book a late July or early August groom specifically focused on:
– Removing as much winter undercoat as possible
– Trimming to manageable length
– Assessing coat health
– Creating “room” for new growth

This pre-transition groom is one of the most important of the year.

Routine adjustment:
Plan for increased grooming time:
– Winter: 15-20 minutes daily
– Transition: 25-30 minutes daily
– Active shedding: May need 30-45 minutes

During Transition (August – September)

Daily brushing protocol:

Line brushing technique:
Part coat into sections
Brush from skin out in layers
Don’t just brush the surface
Work systematically across entire body
Focus on high-shed areas:
Neck and shoulders
Haunches and back legs
Chest
Under the ears
Undercoat removal:
Use rake 2-3 times per week
Follow with slicker brush
Finish with comb test
Remove loosened undercoat before it mats

The comb test:
After every session, run a metal comb through the areas you’ve brushed. If it catches, you’re not done. The comb is your truth-teller.

Managing the Shedding Coat

Dealing with Loose Undercoat

The bathing strategy:
A strategic bath during peak shedding can remove significant amounts of loose coat:

Brush thoroughly before bath (remove what’s loose)
Use warm water to loosen remaining undercoat
Massage shampoo deep into coat
Rinse thoroughly
Apply conditioner and leave briefly
Rinse completely
Dry with high-velocity dryer (blasts out loose coat)
Brush when 90% dry
Final comb-through

A single well-executed “deshed bath” can remove more loose coat than a week of brushing.

Between-bath maintenance:
– Dry brushing daily
– Mist with detangling spray before brushing
– Use undercoat rake 2-3 times weekly
– Consider leave-in conditioner for dry, transitioning coat

Preventing Transition Mats

Why mats form faster during transition:
– Loose undercoat tangles with attached hair
– More hair volume in the coat overall
– Static can increase in transitional weather
– Coat structure is temporarily compromised

Prevention strategies:

Increase frequency, not just duration:
Better to brush twice daily for 10 minutes than once for 20 minutes during active shedding.
Target the mat-prone zones:
Behind ears
Under collar
Armpits
Groin area
Base of tail
Between toes
Don’t let mats “set”:
Address any tangle immediately. Transition mats tighten faster than winter mats.
Professional de-shedding:
Consider a mid-transition professional groom specifically for undercoat removal.

Adjusting Professional Grooming

Recommended Schedule During Transition

Standard winter schedule: Every 5-6 weeks
Transition schedule: Every 4-5 weeks

The faster cycle helps manage the increased loose hair and prevents mat buildup.

What to Ask Your Groomer

Pre-transition (July-August):
“Can we focus on removing as much undercoat as possible and getting the coat in good condition for spring?”

During transition (August-September):
“We’re in active shedding mode. Please prioritise undercoat removal and check for any hidden mats.”

Post-transition (October):
“Spring coat should be established. Can we assess the new growth and set our summer length?”

Length Considerations

Some owners choose to go shorter during transition:

Pros of shorter cut:
– Less coat to manage during shedding
– Easier to brush out loose undercoat
– Mats have less structure to form in
– Faster drying after spring rain

Cons of shorter cut:
– Less protection during variable spring weather
– May look “thin” as new coat grows in
– Requires more frequent trims to maintain

Discuss with your groomer based on your doodle’s specific coat type and your maintenance capacity.

Nutrition for Healthy Coat Transition

Supporting the Coat from Inside

A healthy new coat needs proper nutrition. During transition, consider:

Omega fatty acids:
– Omega 3 (fish oil) for anti-inflammatory benefits
– Omega 6 for coat texture
– Combined supplements often best

Protein:
– Coat is primarily protein
– Ensure diet provides adequate quality protein
– Consider premium food during coat growth

Hydration:
– Water intake affects skin and coat health
– Ensure fresh water always available
– Consider wet food or moisture additions

Supplements to consider:
– Fish oil (skin and coat health)
– Biotin (hair growth and strength)
– Zinc (skin health)

Consult your vet before adding supplements, especially if your dog has existing health conditions.

Foods to Support Coat Health

Beneficial additions (in moderation):
– Salmon or sardines (omega 3)
– Eggs (protein and biotin)
– Coconut oil (skin moisture)
– Blueberries (antioxidants)

Foods to avoid:
– High-sodium treats
– Artificial additives
– Low-quality protein sources

Common Transition Problems and Solutions

Problem: Patchy Shedding

What it looks like:
Some areas shedding heavily while others seem unaffected.

Why it happens:
Different body areas transition at different rates. High-friction areas and areas with most winter undercoat shed first.

Solution:
– Normal and expected
– Focus grooming on active shedding areas
– Other areas will catch up
– Should even out within 4-6 weeks

Problem: Sudden Mat Formation

What it looks like:
Finding mats that “appeared overnight” despite regular grooming.

Why it happens:
Loose undercoat tangling with attached hair creates rapid mat formation. Surface brushing misses the problem.

Solution:
– Switch to line brushing technique
– Increase rake usage
– Comb test every session
– Professional de-shed treatment

Problem: Excessive Scratching

What it looks like:
Dog scratching more than usual, especially around shoulders, sides, and haunches.

Why it happens:
Loosening undercoat is itchy. Hair releasing from follicles causes mild irritation.

Solution:
– More thorough brushing helps remove irritating loose hair
– Oatmeal bath can soothe skin
– If scratching is severe or causing skin damage, consult vet
– Rule out fleas (spring brings increased flea activity)

Problem: Dull, Dry Coat

What it looks like:
Coat looks lifeless and feels dry despite grooming.

Why it happens:
Old coat is dying off. New coat hasn’t fully come in. Winter damage becoming visible.

Solution:
– Deep conditioning treatment
– Omega supplements (takes 4-6 weeks to show results)
– Humidifying products
– Patience—new coat will have better condition

Problem: Skin Irritation

What it looks like:
Red patches, bumps, or flaky skin visible when parting coat.

Why it happens:
Seasonal allergies (spring pollen), recovering from winter dryness, or irritation from trapped loose coat.

Solution:
– Gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo
– If spring allergies suspected, consult vet
– Ensure all loose coat is being removed
– Anti-itch supplements or treatments as recommended by vet

Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month

July (Pre-Transition)

Coat status: Late winter coat, still dense
Focus: Preparation and assessment
Actions:
– Book pre-transition professional groom
– Audit grooming tools
– Begin omega supplements if not already using
– Continue regular winter grooming routine

August (Early Transition)

Coat status: Beginning to shift, early shedding signs
Focus: Undercoat removal
Actions:
– Increase brushing frequency
– Add undercoat rake sessions
– Watch for rapid mat formation
– Adjust professional groom timing if needed

September (Active Transition)

Coat status: Peak shedding period
Focus: Managing the shed
Actions:
– Daily brushing essential
– Consider de-shed bath
– Professional groom mid-month
– Vacuum more frequently (your home is shedding too)

Early October (Late Transition)

Coat status: Shedding slowing, new coat emerging
Focus: Nurturing new growth
Actions:
– Continue thorough brushing but may reduce frequency
– Focus on conditioning
– Assess new coat and adjust care routine
– Celebrate—you made it through!

Late October – November (Post-Transition)

Coat status: Spring coat established
Focus: Summer preparation
Actions:
– Adjust to summer grooming schedule
– Consider summer length trim
– Continue supplements for coat health
– Enjoy the lighter maintenance period

FAQs: Winter-to-Spring Transition

How long does the transition take?

Typically 6-8 weeks from first signs of shedding to established spring coat. Peak shedding usually lasts 2-3 weeks.

Can I skip professional grooming during transition?

Not recommended. Professional de-shedding removes undercoat that home tools can’t reach. Consider it essential, not optional.

My doodle seems to be shedding more than other years. Is this normal?

Heavy winter = heavy shed. If your doodle developed more undercoat than usual, they’ll shed more than usual. This is normal. However, if shedding seems excessive or is accompanied by bald patches, consult your vet.

Should I change my doodle’s food during transition?

Maintaining consistent, high-quality nutrition is important. Adding omega supplements can help, but dramatic diet changes can cause digestive upset. Make any changes gradually.

My doodle’s new coat looks different from their winter coat. Is this normal?

Yes. New growth can appear slightly different in texture or even colour. The coat should normalise as it fully grows in. If you notice significant colour changes or unusual texture, mention it to your vet.

Can I use deshedding tools designed for regular dogs?

Some work well; others can damage doodle coats. Avoid anything with blades that cut hair. Rakes and brushes designed to pull out loose undercoat (not cut) are appropriate.

When should I start preparing for next winter?

Autumn (March-April in Australia) is when winter preparation should begin. The cycle continues: spring coat, summer coat, autumn preparation, winter coat, transition, repeat.

Conclusion

The winter-to-spring coat transition is often overlooked in doodle care discussions, but it’s one of the most challenging periods for coat management. Understanding what’s happening—and why—helps you approach it strategically rather than reactively.

Key takeaways:

Transition starts before you see it: Internal changes begin as days lengthen, weeks before visible shedding
Doodles don’t shed normally: Trapped loose hair creates unique matting challenges
Increase grooming during transition: This isn’t the time to relax your routine
Professional help matters: Strategic de-shedding grooming is worth the investment
Nutrition supports the process: Healthy coats grow from the inside out
It’s temporary: Peak transition lasts 2-3 weeks, then things get easier

At WoofSpark, we see dozens of doodles navigate this transition every year. The coats that emerge into spring in the best condition belong to dogs whose owners understood the process and adjusted their care accordingly.

You’ve survived winter. Now let’s get through transition and enjoy that beautiful spring coat on the other side.

Need help navigating the transition? Book a pre-transition assessment at WoofSpark. We’ll evaluate your doodle’s coat and create a personalised plan for the coming months. Visit woofspark.com.au to book.

Last updated: January 2026

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