Doodles and other curly-coated dogs are snow magnets. Flakes cling to the coat, melt into the curls and soak down toward the skin. Leaving a doodle damp after a winter walk can lead to chills, tangles and a musty smell. Drying takes a little time, but a good routine makes it easier for both of you.
Start at the door
Before your dog bolts into the house, knock off the worst of it. Gently squeeze snow clumps from legs, paws and belly with your hands. Many clumps will melt quickly once you are inside, so a towel ready at the entry is essential. Wipe or rinse paws to remove salt and de-icer, and dry between the toes.
Towel the right way
Rubbing a curly coat vigorously can create tangles. Instead, press and blot. Wrap a towel around a section, squeeze gently and move on. Microfiber towels tend to absorb a lot of water and are lightweight. Work from the top down: back, sides, chest, belly, legs and tail. Keep a second dry towel for when the first one is soaked. On a dog with a long coat, towel drying alone may leave the fur near the skin damp, so feel down to the base of the hair to check.
Using a dryer safely
A dryer can speed things up and help you brush out the coat as it dries. Some owners use a dryer made for dogs; others use a human hair dryer carefully. Either way:
- Use a cool or low warm setting, not high heat
- Keep the airflow moving and hold it at a distance from the skin
- Avoid blowing directly into the face, eyes or ears
- Check the skin often to make sure it is not getting hot
- Introduce the sound gradually with treats if your dog is nervous
Brushing while drying, a section at a time, can help straighten curls and catch tangles before they set. Never leave a running dryer unattended near your dog.
Let the coat finish drying
If your dog is not a fan of the dryer, you can towel thoroughly and let them finish drying in a warm room on a dry bed, away from drafts and cold floors. Avoid putting a jacket, harness or collar back on a damp coat, since moisture plus friction is a recipe for mats. Wash and dry wet towels promptly, too, so they are ready for the next walk.
Prevention for next time
A well-fitted, water-resistant jacket can keep part of the coat drier, though legs and bellies will still collect snow. Keeping the fur between the paw pads trimmed reduces ice balls. Some owners choose a slightly shorter winter trim to make drying easier. Ask your groomer what length makes sense for your dog’s coat and your climate. If you notice red, irritated or smelly skin under the coat, or your dog keeps scratching after being wet, talk to your veterinarian. A dry doodle is a warmer, happier doodle, and a little patience after each walk keeps that soft coat in good shape.
