Loving Your Doodle Through the Winter Months

There’s something magical about winter: crisp air, sparkling snow, and cozy evenings indoors. But for our beloved Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles, the colder months bring both joy and unique challenges. At Fox Creek Farm, we know that even though our dogs are hypoallergenic and well-suited for year-round companionship, they still need special winter care attention when temperatures drop.

Winter care isn’t just about keeping your dog warm—it’s about ensuring their health, safety, and happiness during a season that can be unpredictable. With the right preparation, your Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle can enjoy winter walks, snowy playtime, and cozy nights without discomfort.

Understanding How Doodles Handle Cold Weather

Both Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles have coats that offer a certain level of protection from chilly conditions. Bernedoodles, with their Bernese Mountain Dog heritage, often handle cold weather better than Goldendoodles, whose Poodle lineage prefers milder climates. Still, no matter the breed, all dogs have their limits when it comes to low temperatures.

While their coats may be thick and luxurious, they’re not a guarantee against frostbite or cold-related illness. Factors like age, health, coat length, and even activity level all play a role in how your dog tolerates winter weather. The goal is to balance outdoor enjoyment with smart protection—keeping your Doodle safe, comfortable, and eager to join you on your seasonal adventures.

Essential Winter Grooming Tips

Cold weather doesn’t mean you can skip grooming—in fact, it’s one of the most important parts of winter care for Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles. Their beautiful, hypoallergenic coats can quickly trap snow, ice, and debris, leading to tangles or mats if not maintained.

Coat Maintenance

• Brush your Doodle regularly, ideally several times a week, to prevent matting. Mats can hold moisture against the skin, which can lead to irritation.
• Trim the fur between paw pads to stop snow and ice from clumping during walks.

Bathing and Drying

• Limit baths in winter to prevent stripping natural oils from the coat.
• Always dry your dog completely after a bath or snowy outing to keep them from getting chilled. Using a pet-safe dryer on low heat is a great way to speed up the process.

Protecting Paws from Snow, Ice, and Salt

Winter streets and sidewalks can be harsh on a dog’s paws. Ice, snow, and salt can cause dryness, cracking, or chemical burns if left untreated.

Ways to Protect Your Doodle’s Paws:

• Apply a paw balm before walks to create a protective barrier against ice and salt.
• Consider dog booties for maximum protection, especially during long outings or in heavily salted areas.
• After each walk, gently wipe your dog’s paws to remove salt, ice, or debris before they come indoors.

By keeping up with grooming and paw care, your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle can enjoy winter without discomfort—and you can feel confident knowing they’re safe from common seasonal irritants.

Keeping Doodles Warm Outdoors

While many Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles enjoy a playful romp in the snow, cold weather fun should always come with limits. Even with their beautiful coats, they can still lose body heat quickly—especially younger puppies, seniors, or dogs with shorter trims.

Tips for Outdoor Comfort:

• Limit exposure during extremely cold or windy days. Short, frequent walks are safer than one long outing.
• Use dog coats or sweaters for added warmth, especially for Goldendoodles, who may not tolerate cold as well as Bernedoodles.
• Watch for signs of discomfort such as shivering, holding up paws, or hesitating to walk—these are clues it’s time to head back inside.

Staying Active Indoors

When the weather is too cold for long outdoor play, keeping your Doodle engaged indoors is key to their health and happiness. Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are intelligent, active dogs, so mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.

Fun Indoor Ideas:

• Puzzle toys to challenge their problem-solving skills.
• Short training sessions to reinforce commands and teach new tricks.
• Interactive games like hide-and-seek with treats or toys.
• Tug-of-war or fetch in a safe, open space indoors.

By combining safe outdoor time with engaging indoor play, your dog will stay happy, fit, and entertained all winter long—without feeling the chill.

Nutrition Adjustments for the Season

In colder months, your Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle may burn more calories to stay warm, especially if they spend time outdoors playing in the snow. Some dogs benefit from a slight increase in food during winter, while others maintain their ideal weight without changes.

Winter feeding tips:

• Monitor body condition regularly—adjust portions only if your dog is losing weight.
• Keep fresh water available at all times; dogs can become dehydrated even in cold weather.
• Use high-quality food that supports skin and coat health, as dry winter air can lead to itchiness.

Special Considerations for Puppies and Seniors

Puppies and senior dogs have less tolerance for extreme temperatures. Puppies are still developing their ability to regulate body heat, while seniors may have joint stiffness or slower circulation in cold weather.

How to help:

• Keep walks shorter and offer extra layers for warmth.
• Provide soft, warm bedding away from drafts.
• Watch closely for signs of discomfort such as shivering or reluctance to move.

Keeping Winter Fun and Safe

At Fox Creek Farm, we believe that with the right care, every season can be a joy for you and your dog. Winter offers wonderful opportunities for bonding—whether it’s snowy adventures outside or cozy moments indoors. By focusing on grooming, paw care, warmth, nutrition, and safe activity, you can ensure your Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle stays healthy and happy all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Bernedoodles need coats in winter?
Not always, but coats are helpful for puppies, seniors, or short-trimmed dogs in very cold weather.

How cold is too cold for a Goldendoodle?
Generally, temperatures below 32°F require extra caution, and below 20°F means outdoor time should be brief.

Can salt hurt my dog’s paws?
Yes—salt and ice-melt chemicals can cause irritation or burns. Always wipe paws after walks.

How do I keep my dog active indoors during winter?
Puzzle toys, short training sessions, and interactive games are great options.

What signs of frostbite should I watch for?
Look for pale or gray skin, especially on ears, tail, and paws. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately.