Autumn means beautiful colors and fresh air, but unfortunately also rain and mud. And that makes grooming your doodle a greater challenge.
How do you ensure your doodle is well-prepared for autumn walks? With these tips, you'll keep your dog comfortable, both before and after the walk!
Before the autumn walk
Your doodle's coat is prone to matting, especially when wet. Combine that with wet leaves and mud, and you have a recipe for a tangle fest! Therefore, it's wise to properly prepare your doodle before you venture out into nature together.
1. Regularly blow and brush your doodle's coat
Before you go out, it's smart to blow your doodle's coat with a pet dryer. This removes loose hair, dirt, and helps blow out knots from the coat.
Then brush with a slicker brush or a wide-toothed comb. This way, your dog is knot-free, which ensures that you are less likely to get new knots and tangles in the coat during your walk.
2. Trim the coat in strategic places
You'll save yourself a lot of work by keeping your doodle's coat a bit shorter in certain places. Think of areas where dirt easily accumulates.
Use a straight scissors or safety scissors to trim the hair around the eyes, on the belly, and between the toes. This prevents mud and leaves from sticking to the coat.
3. Protect your doodle from rain and cold
During long outdoor activities, a wet coat can quickly feel cold. Therefore, consider a waterproof dog coat to keep your doodle dry. This saves time drying after the walk and prevents your dog from getting cold.
4. Ensure safety in the dark
With shorter days, you'll notice that you walk more often in the dark. Make sure your doodle is highly visible with reflective accessories such as a collar, harness, or a small light. This increases safety during your evening walks.
After the autumn walk
Your doodle has happily run through wet leaves, mud, and puddles – the ultimate autumn fun! But after such an adventurous trip, the coat needs some extra love.
1. Blow-dry and clean the coat and paws
After a muddy autumn walk, it's important to quickly dry and clean your doodle. Use a pet dryer to dry the coat and paws and remove dirt.
Do you notice dirt stuck between the paw pads? Then trim the hair between the toes shorter with safety scissors. This keeps your doodle's paws free from irritations.
2. Bathe your doodle if absolutely necessary
Is the coat still too dirty after blowing? Then it's time for a bath. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner like Cowboy Magic. They keep your doodle's coat clean, soft, and tangle-free. You can read how to wash your doodle here.
Then dry your doodle with a microfiber towel and use the pet dryer again to completely dry the coat. This prevents the coat from matting and your dog from getting cold.
Do you have stubborn tangles? Then the first aid for tangles package is your savior.
3. Create a cozy spot to warm up
After a brisk autumn walk, there's nothing better than a warm and comfortable spot to rest. A donut bed gives your dog the perfect place to relax. Make sure this spot is quiet and cozy, so your doodle can fully unwind.
Enjoying autumn with your doodle
With these practical tips, you and your doodle can fully enjoy autumn. By paying a little extra attention, you ensure that your dog feels comfortable during and after your walks. This way, autumn becomes a season full of adventure and coziness for both of you!
