Australian Shepherds, affectionately known as Aussies, are energetic, intelligent, and absolutely stunning with their thick double coats. But that beauty comes with responsibility! Their fur requires regular grooming to keep them looking great, feeling comfortable, and staying healthy. If you’re an Aussie parent or considering adopting one, this guide covers everything you need to know about keeping their coat in top shape.

Understanding the Aussie Coat

Aussies boast a double coat, which consists of:

• A dense undercoatthat provides insulation.
• A longer, weather-resistant outer coatthat helps protect them from the elements.

This unique coat sheds year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Regular grooming is essential to manage shedding, prevent mats, and keep your pup looking their best.

Brushing: The Secret to a Healthy Coat

Brushing is the most important part of grooming your Aussie. Since their fur tangles easily, keeping up with a weekly brushing routine is a must.

How Often Should You Brush?

• Once or twice a weekis enough for most of the year.
• During shedding season (spring and fall), aim for daily brushingto manage excess fur.

What Brushes Work Best?

Use a combination of tools to reach both layers of fur:

• A slicker brushto remove tangles and loose hair.
• An undercoat raketo reach the dense underlayer and reduce shedding.
• A wide-toothed combfor delicate areas like the chest and behind the ears.

Brushing Technique

Start by brushing in the direction of hair growth, being gentle around sensitive areas. If you hit a mat, work through it slowly—never yank or pull, as it can hurt your pup.

Bathing: Less is More

Aussies don’t need frequent baths, as too much washing can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry, irritated skin.

How Often Should You Bathe an Aussie?

• Every 6–8 weeksis ideal, unless they get particularly dirty.
• If they roll in mud, poop, or mystery goop, rinse them with clean waterbefore resorting to shampoo.

Choosing the Right Shampoo

Opt for a mild, dog-specific shampoo that keeps their coat healthy and hydrated. Some great choices include:

• Oatmeal-based shampoos(for sensitive skin)
• Aloe or coconut oil shampoos(for moisture and shine)
• Deodorizing shampoos(for extra freshness)

Pro Tip: Always rinse thoroughly—residue can cause itching and irritation!

Nail Trimming: No Click-Clack Allowed

Aussies are super active, but their nails don’t always wear down naturally. Long nails can cause discomfort, posture issues, and even joint pain.

How Often Should You Trim Their Nails?

• Every 3–4 weeksto keep them short.
• If you hear clicking soundswhen they walk, it’s time for a trim!

Tools for Nail Trimming

• Dog nail clippers(guillotine or scissor-style)
• A nail grinderfor a smooth finish (if your dog tolerates it)

Tip: If you’re nervous about cutting too short, visit a professional pet groomer for a safe, stress-free trim.

Ear Cleaning: Preventing Infections

Those floppy Aussie ears may be adorable, but they’re also prone to wax buildup and infections.

How to Clean Aussie Ears

• Use a dog-safe ear cleanerand cotton pad (never use Q-tips!).
• Gently wipearound the ear canal and folds to remove dirt.
• If you notice bad odor, redness, or excessive scratching, check with a vet—it could be an infection.

Teeth Brushing: Keep That Aussie Smile Fresh

Aussies are prone to dental issues, so regular brushing is essential.

How Often Should You Brush?

• 2–3 times a weekis best, but daily is even better!
• Use dog-safe toothpaste(never human toothpaste).

Bonus Tip: Dental chews and raw bones help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Trimming & Shaping: To Cut or Not to Cut?

Aussies don’t need full haircuts, but some areas benefit from light trimming:

• Paws(trim excess hair for better grip)
• Sanitary area(for hygiene)
• Ears and tail(to prevent mats)

Avoid shaving an Aussie, as it damages their coat and affects temperature regulation.

Handling Shedding: Keeping Your Home Fur-Free

Aussies shed a lot, but you can manage the fluff with these tips:
Invest in a de-shedding tool for the undercoat.
Vacuum frequently (a pet hair vacuum works best).
Use a lint roller for clothes and furniture.
Feed a balanced diet with omega-rich foods for healthy fur.

Final Thoughts

Grooming an Australian Shepherd takes dedication, but it’s also a great bonding experience with your pup. Keep up with brushing, occasional baths, nail trims, and ear cleaning, and your Aussie will stay happy, healthy, and looking fabulous.

If you’re in Brooklyn and need professional pet grooming, read on for the best place to pamper your pup!

Pet Grooming With Brooklyn’s Best

Looking for top-rated pet grooming in Brooklyn? At Brooklyn Pet Spa, we do more than just puppy haircuts and nail trims—we put your pet’s comfort and joy first!

Whether your Aussie needs a deep clean, de-shedding treatment, or a stylish trim, our dog grooming experts in Brooklyn have you covered. We offer luxury pet spa treatments and pet hygiene services to keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best.

Book an appointment today at Brooklyn’s best pet spa—your pup deserves the royal treatment!