[Knute]

Most of you know I just relocated from a warm sub-tropical climate in China to a frozen tundra in in USA.

My mini-schnauzer and I are adjusting to the climate change. I still dislike the cold, but my dog seems to revel in it. Last night we received 2.5 inches of fluffy snow with temps in the mid 20s. As I was clearing the driveway of nature's gift I allowed my dog to run off-leash. He ran, played, rolled, rooted in the snow. Then we went for our first daily walk. His furnishings, belly, beard and mustache became completely encrusted snow. He had transformed into a 4 legged, excited snowball. He is lounging in his crate chewing off the snow on his legs.

Looks like the 3X/week brushing/combing will be changed to 4X/day after each walk. Oh well, he enjoys the snow while sniffing out the bunnies and squirrels. Me......I really dislike the cold and snow, but life takes you to new adventures.

How do you handle the snow encrusted dogs when they come indoor?

 

[RonE]

We used to dip Zeke in a shallow warm bath (no soap) when he came in like this and then dry him off. 10 minutes later, he wanted to go out again. Fortunately, there were only certain snow conditions that had this result. Usually it was less drastic.

 

[arcouillard]

Check out Equafleece! They make really nice, warm fleece suits for dogs that cover most of their body. there's an opening obviously for them to go to the bathroom, but most of the chest and legs are covered. I have one for our boxer mix because he gets cold in Minnesota winters...and just ordered one for our Cavalier because he also gets snowballs stuck in his fur and his feathers get dirty.

 

[DaySleepers]

A lukewarm bath is the best thing I've found for getting snowballs out. Prevention does tend to work better, if you have a dog who tolerates wearing a bodysuit when the snow is particularly deep/sticky. Many people in the Lagotto community here in Norway go that route - we haven't had much snow in our area yet so I haven't had to try it out with Frodo. Sam we just use booties and try not to let him get super fluffy during the worst of the snow, since he's not as inclined to go rooting around in snowbanks these days as when he was younger.