ALDs & Snow

Do Australian Labradoodles Like the Snow?

Just like humans are different, not all dogs are the same. While some people love beauty of a white blanket of snow, or the snow days it brings with sledding and snowmen building; others might not. For them, the thought of snow means icy roads, shoveling sidewalks and drives, etc.

So, while some Australian Labradoodles may love to play in the snow, that doesn’t mean they all do.

Do Australian Labradoodles Tolerate the Cold?

For the most part, Australian Labradoodles tolerate the cold just fine, but that doesn’t mean that they should be allowed to be in it for extended periods of time. Unlike humans, dogs may not realize that they need to take a break from playing in the cold. This is why it is important for their owners to set a limit for how long they’re out at a time. While many doodles generally tolerate the cold more than humans, that doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. Think of it this way, if you’re cold, then they probably are too.

Keep in mind that some doodle breeds such as Saint Berdoodles, Pyradoodles, or Huskidoodles may tolerate the cold more than others since they were bred to withstand colder climates.

You should always take into consideration the temperature outside. There is a difference between “cold” and “freezing” temperatures.

Cold Weather Tips

Below are some of our top tips for keeping your doodle warm and comfortable in the winter!

KEEP THEM WELL GROOMED

While having a longer coat will help to keep them warmer in the winter, keep in mind that it should still be well groomed. A coat that is matted won’t keep them as warm as a coat that is tangle free.

You should also keep your doodle’s feet trimmed to help prevent ice and snow from balling up in their fur.

PROTECT THEIR PAWS

Use a product such as Musher’s Secret or booties to help their paws free of ice and other debris! If you’re not using one of these products, then you should always be sure to wipe your dogs paws after a walk to remove any ice, salt, etc.

For paws that are dried out, use a high quality paw balm or lotion.

BUY THEM A COAT

A coat can help keep your doodle warm and may be a good option for those with a shorter coat or those that don’t tolerate the cold well. The coat should cover from their neck to the baseline of their tail.

WATCH FOR ICE

Be sure to watch for ice patches while on your walks. Just like humans can slip and fall on ice, so can our pups!

DON’T LEAVE THEM IN THE VEHICLE ALONE

Many know the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot vehicle during the summer, but did you know that leaving them in the vehicle in the winter can also be dangerous? Once off, the vehicles temperature will drop quickly and may become at the very least uncomfortable for your pup while you’re in the store.

NEVER LEAVE THEM OUTSIDE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME

Just because your Australian Labradoodle may tolerate the cold better than you, doesn’t mean that they don’t get cold! You should never leave your dog outside for extended periods of time. Depending on the temperature, trips outdoors may need limited to just a few minutes at a time to prevent frostbite, hypothermia, etc.

REMOVE SNOW STUCK IN THEIR FUR

Doodles with longer fur may be more prone to getting “snow balls” stuck to their coat. It is necessary to remove these in order to prevent matting. Plus, who wants snow tracked in all over their house?!

One way to remove the snow is to soak them in some WARM water (never use hot water). Another way is to use a towel or blow dryer to dry them off.