How do I get matted snow out of my Doodle's fur?

[GatorGirl]

I let Cooper out to play today in our first big snow--we have lived in VA for less than two years and have lived in South Florida up until then--we're new to this snow thing. He had an absolute ball bounding around in the stuff, but when I went to bring him in, it's totally matted all throughout his fur. I tried drying him and using a mat comb on him, but finally just let him in and decided it will melt and I'll have to try to brush it out later. His fur gets matted so easily and he had to get a VERY bad haircut because of them last year. I really don't want that to happen again. Any tips/tricks for me would be much appreciated!

[Gina]

Bailey absolutely loves romping in the snow, too, & we had the exact same problem with snow stuck in his coat - he looked like the abominable snowman! Lots of different options to try...You can put him in the tub for a lukewarm shower to get it all off - it works but too much overhead if you have to do it every time he goes out to play. We have also warmed up some towels in the dryer & put them on the floor with Bailey on a tether with a nice chew stick - he would have to stay on the warm towels while enjoying the chewie & it would slowly melt off. That works OK, but takes awhile & you may have to re-warm the towels repeatedly if he's really balled-up. A Paw Plunger with warm water stationed by the door works well for snow/ics balls in the feet, but doesn't help with the body. We ended up getting booties & a coat & this has been the best solution for us. His paw pads are protected from the salt & icy stuff, & he stays relatively free of snow. A warm wash-cloth generally gets rid of whatever is stuck to his face when he comes in.

Happy Doodling!

[Sandy]

We have lots of snow here through the winter. My technique is - let him come in and melt, watch out for water puddles, and wait for the carpet to dry. Honestly - I would have spent my entire winter picking the snow off him if I'd gone that route. He doesn't seem to mat badly, so that was in my favour.