There’s nothing quite like seeing your dog leap into the water on a hot day, ears flying, tail wagging, joy radiating from every paw splash. But behind those carefree dives lies a grooming routine that’s anything but casual. Whether your dog’s swimming in lakes, pools, or salty seas, their coat faces real wear and tear.

Without the right grooming habits before and after swimming, your dog can quickly develop issues like mats, skin irritation, and coat dullness. This is especially true for long-haired breeds, whose luxurious locks absorb and trap moisture, salt, and debris more than short-haired pups.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a full routine to protect your dog’s skin and coat—before the splash and after the shake—so they stay shiny, healthy, and ready for their next swim.

Why Grooming Matters More Around Water

A veterinarian examines a dog's ear while wearing gloves, with a stethoscope and medical tools on a table nearby.

Swimming offers loads of health benefits for dogs—low-impact exercise, cooling relief, and sheer joy. But water also brings risks:

  • Chlorine and salt can dry out the coat and skin
  • Mats and tangles tighten faster when wet
  • Waterlogged fur invites fungal and bacterial growth
  • Sand, algae, and debris can linger beneath the topcoat

That’s why a strong grooming game is crucial before and after every swim.

Pre-Swim Grooming: Setting Your Dog Up for Success

1. Brush Before You Splash

Think of brushing before a swim like stretching before a run—it prevents problems before they start.

Why it matters:

  • Removes loose hair, reducing mat formation
  • Detangles problem areas that tighten when soaked
  • Stops sand and debris from clinging to existing knots

Focus on:

  • Behind the ears
  • Underarms and hind legs
  • The base of the tail
  • Belly fur on long-coated dogs

Use a slicker brush or pin brush suited to your dog’s coat texture.

2. Coat Conditioning for Protection

Just like you might use a leave-in conditioner before swimming, so should your pup.

A pre-swim coat spray or lightweight conditioner:

  • Creates a barrier against chlorine or salt
  • Locks in moisture to reduce drying
  • Helps repel sand and grit

Look for products with natural oils (like coconut or aloe) and no silicones, which can weigh down the coat.

3. Ear Prep (Especially for Floppy-Eared Breeds)

Water in the ears = a recipe for infection.

Before swimming:

  • Use a vet-approved ear barrier product (gel or drops that prevent water from entering the canal)
  • Lightly trim hair around the ear entrance (only if trained)

For breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Golden Retrievers, ear care is non-negotiable.

During the Swim: A Few Simple Checks

While most grooming happens before and after, stay alert to these mid-swim signs:

  • Check for plant matter or algae after the first dunk
  • Avoid stagnant water, which harbours more bacteria
  • Watch for overexertion, which impacts recovery and grooming post-swim

And if your dog loves shaking water in all directions (who doesn’t?), bring a microfibre towel to gently pat dry between swims.

Post-Swim Grooming: Where the Real Magic Happens

The moment your dog steps out of the water, the clock starts ticking. Mats can form quickly. Bacteria love warm, damp fur. So don’t wait—here’s what to do.

1. Rinse Immediately with Fresh Water

Even if you’re not bathing them fully, rinsing off:

  • Removes chlorine, salt, or lake bacteria
  • Flushes sand and grit from the undercoat
  • Prevents lingering residue that can dry out skin

Use lukewarm water and gently massage through the coat to lift anything clinging to the fur base.

2. Drying: The Overlooked Step That Matters Most

Damp fur is the danger zone, especially for dogs with thick or long coats.

How to dry properly:

  • Towel dry in layers, starting from the paws up
  • Use a dog-specific blow dryer on low heat for thick coats
  • Focus on armpits, belly, tail base, and ears
  • Ensure they’re fully dry before resting or lying down

This step is your best defence against hot spots and post-swim matting.

3. Post-Swim Brushing: Reset the Coat

Once your dog is completely dry, it’s time to brush again.

Benefits:

  • Redistributes natural oils lost to water exposure
  • Smooths coat texture
  • Identifies tangles or mats early

For especially fluffy breeds, pair brushing with a conditioning spray to rehydrate the coat and ease detangling.

Need help choosing the right tools? This article on the best brushes for long-haired dogs can guide your kit selection.

Special Considerations by Coat Type

Different coat types respond uniquely to water.

Curly Coats (Poodles, Doodles)

  • Trap water and debris easily
  • Benefit from pre-swim coat shaping and detangling
  • Must be fully dried or risk tight mats

Double Coats (Retrievers, Collies)

  • The outer layer may feel dry while the undercoat is damp
  • Use an undercoat rake post-swim
  • Avoid overheating with non-drying towels

Silky Coats (Yorkies, Maltese)

  • Prone to salt and chlorine absorption
  • Always use conditioner and rinse thoroughly
  • Prevent tangles with gentle brushing while drying

Pool vs. Lake vs. Ocean Grooming Needs

Chlorinated Pools

A woman bathes a grey dog in a tub, spraying water over its head in a sunlit backyard, with droplets sparkling around them.

  • Can dry the coat and fade the pigment
  • Always rinse after and condition weekly

Lakes & Ponds

  • Higher risk of bacteria, algae, and leeches
  • Prioritise rinsing, ear care, and regular sanitising

Seawater

  • High salt content dehydrates fur
  • Use hydrating coat treatments after exposure
  • Watch for crusty residue behind ears and around joints

What About Frequent Swimmers?

If your dog swims several times a week, adopt a simplified yet consistent routine:

  • Rinse and dry thoroughly after every session
  • Brush daily, even without bathing
  • Bathe weekly with a hydrating, sulphate-free shampoo
  • Add a coat of serum or oil treatment once a week

This helps manage coat texture, hydration, and shedding, especially for active outdoor dogs.

You can also explore oils and serums for shiny dog coats for long-term shine and softness.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s wrap with some common post-swim grooming errors:

  • Skipping the rinse: Residues left behind cause irritation
  • Towel drying only: Leads to damp undercoat and hot spots
  • Forgetting the ears: Hello, yeast infections
  • Letting mats dry in place: They tighten into hard knots
  • Over-bathing: Strips natural oils—balance is key

Consistency trumps intensity. A 5-minute routine after every swim beats a 30-minute struggle with mats later.

Conclusion: Swim Happy, Groom Smarter

Grooming before and after swimming isn’t just about appearances—it’s a form of wellness. When you take a few minutes to brush, rinse, and dry properly, you’re protecting your dog’s skin, boosting their comfort, and giving them the freedom to swim again and again without stress.

So whether you’re headed to the beach or just splashing in the backyard, bring your brush, pack that towel, and keep your grooming gear ready.

Behind every wagging tail emerging from the water is a well-groomed coat that’s been cared for by you.