1. Brush your poodle's fur thoroughly before going out in the snow. This will help remove any mats or tangles that could trap snow and ice.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your poodle's fur. This will help keep the fur from drying out and becoming brittle, which can make it more susceptible to damage.
3. Consider a shorter haircut for your poodle. You may want to consider a shorter haircut for your poodle during the winter months. This will make them easier to keep clean and dry, and it will help reduce the amount of snow that they can gather in their fur.
4. Rinse your poodle's fur with warm water after going outside. This will help remove any snow and ice that has gathered in the fur. You can also use a mild soap if your poodle's fur is very dirty.
5. Towel-dry your poodle's fur thoroughly. Make sure to dry the fur completely, as leaving it damp can lead to skin irritation and other problems.
6. Keep your poodle indoors as much as possible. This will help protect them from the cold and the snow. If your poodle must go outside, make sure that they are dressed appropriately for the weather.
7. Watch for signs of cold stress, frostbite or frostnip, such as trembling, shivering, lethargy, or changes in behavior.
For dealing with ice balls in the fur:
- Gently use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to work loose the ice balls. Be careful not to tug on the hair.
- Use warm (not hot) water to melt the ice balls. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the skin and fur of your poodle.
- Do not use salt to melt the ice balls as this can irritate your poodle's skin.
- Be patient and avoid pulling or cutting out the ice balls, as this can damage your poodle's fur.