Snowballs on cockers coat

J.R.

Anybody else experiencing this problem during the heavy snow.

The snow here in South Dublin is 12'' deep and 14'' deep in green areas. Haven't been out hunting in this weather but take the dog out for exercise each day.

As she's a cocker spaniel with short legs she sinks down through the snow...often down to the shoulders. She loves the snow & really enjoys it.....running around playing & snapping at the snow etc.

After a while the snow sticks to her coat. As she walks then more snow sticks to this snow. After a while the snowballs stuck to her coat will be the size of tennis balls on her legs and undersides. It sticks to the 'feathers' and loose hairs.

She will find it impossible to walk after a while as the snowballs get bigger & bigger. I stop and break off the snowballs which are very solid & compact.

I had her trimmed tight in Sept. but the hair has grown again. Didn't want to trim her again before the season as I wanted her to have some protection from cold and thistles/thorns/ heavy cover.

Have no idea how to solve this problem besides not taking her out in snow....but she needs exercise & really enjoys it until it becomes uncomfortable.

The photos don't show the snowballs full size as I'd broken most off to help her walk....they would completely cover the underside if left and as she walks more accumulates.

cowhands

Happens to my Shih Tzu too...still looking for a solution too..other than pulling them off

Coriolanus

You'll get the same problem with any relatively long coated dog. Nothing for it that I've ever found other than a short coat or manual removal.

terminator2

get a doggy overcoat for him/her a lot of gundogs in the states wear them

Hairdryer works for me when they're back. But when they're still out the only solution is to rub them off with the palm of your hand. They come apart after 4 or 5 strokes. Don't know if it'll help for a cocker. That just works for the terrier.

Coriolanus

terminator2 wrote: »

get a doggy overcoat for him/her a lot of gundogs in the states wear them

We make them for our terrier, but they only help so much. Especially on a short dog they form on the neck as well as the chest. She gets some on the legs as well unfortunately.

Thomasofmel

we used to have the same problem with our long haired bearded collie and other dogs back in Finland. The dogs just love snow, but after a while you have to relief them from those snowballs... break them or bring the dog inside in the warm

bazza888

my westie gets covered in them i just rub them off while walking or use luke warm water to wash them off after the walk.I use a jacket but her legs get covered in them!

Birdnuts

bazza888 wrote: »

my westie gets covered in them i just rub them off while walking or use luke warm water to wash them off after the walk.I use a jacket but her legs get covered in them!

Westies seem to be very prone to this kind of thing going on my childhood experiences:(