Miniature Schnauzer Breed Profile
September 4, 2026
Many dogs love swimming at the beach, in a pool or anywhere else they can make a splash. However, salt, sand, chlorine and other debris can remain on their skin and coat, potentially causing dryness or irritation, which is why you should wash a dog after swimming with clean, fresh water – and dry them properly too.
Saltwater and sand should always be rinsed from your dog’s coat after a trip to the beach.
Dogs with fine or silky coats may be more sensitive to dryness, while salt, sand and moisture can become trapped in the dense undercoat of double-coated breeds. If the coat is not rinsed and dried properly, this may contribute to itching, matting or skin irritation.
Some water-retrieving breeds have naturally oily, water-resistant coats, but they should still be rinsed to remove salt, sand and other debris.
Use clean, fresh water to rinse your dog from head to toe, paying particular attention to their paws, underside, armpits and anywhere sand may collect.
If your dog has a double coat, you can learn more in my grooming guide for double-coated dogs
Yes, dogs should also be rinsed after swimming in a chlorinated pool. Normal chlorine levels in a properly maintained pool are generally considered safe for most dogs. However, repeated exposure may dry the skin and coat, and some dogs can experience irritation around their eyes or ears.
Never let your dog swim immediately after a pool has received shock treatment or when chemical concentrations are unusually high. Chlorine tablets and other pool chemicals should also be stored securely where pets cannot access them.
You do not usually need to shampoo your dog after every swim. A thorough rinse with fresh water is often enough, unless they are particularly dirty, smelly or have been exposed to contaminants.
Using shampoo too frequently may strip away the natural oils that help protect the skin and coat.
When a proper wash is needed, choose a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Human shampoos are not designed for a dog’s skin and should be avoided.
The Doggone Gorgeous ‘Everyday Shampoo’ is pH-balanced for dogs and gentle enough for regular use when your dog needs a more thorough wash.
Always rinse out all shampoo and conditioner completely, as product residue may also irritate the skin. For more tips on choosing the right shampoo for your dog, click HERE.
If your dog has a long, thick or double coat, brush out any knots and mats before they get wet.
Water can cause existing tangles to tighten, making them more difficult and painful to remove. Moisture trapped beneath matting may also irritate the skin.
A padded slicker brush or grooming comb can help detangle longer coats, while a suitable de-shedding tool can remove loose undercoat hair from double-coated breeds.
Avoid cutting tight mats with scissors, as it is easy to accidentally cut your dog’s skin. Ask a professional groomer for help if the matting is extensive or close to the skin.
Follow these simple steps after your dog has finished swimming:
A dog-friendly coat spray can also help condition and detangle longer coats. The Doggone Gorgeous 4-in-1 Coat Spray is designed to condition, deodorise, add shine and assist with detangling.
Lingering moisture can create a warm environment in which bacteria and yeast may thrive, particularly beneath thick coats and around the ears.
A towel may be enough for a short-coated dog, while long-haired and double-coated dogs may require more thorough drying with a dog-safe dryer.
Make sure the airflow is not too hot and introduce your dog gradually to the sound and sensation of the dryer.
Check their skin as you dry them. Ongoing redness, itching, sores, an unpleasant smell or excessive licking should be checked by a veterinarian.
Dogs that swim frequently may be more susceptible to ear problems because moisture can become trapped in the ear canal. Dogs with long, floppy or hairy ears may be particularly prone to this.
Gently dry the outer ears with a soft towel, but never push a towel or cotton bud into the ear canal.
If your dog swims regularly or has recurring ear problems, ask your veterinarian whether a dog-safe ear cleaner or drying solution would be appropriate.
Seek veterinary advice if you notice head shaking, scratching, redness, discharge, odour or sensitivity around the ears.
Bring plenty of clean drinking water and offer it regularly so your dog is less tempted to drink while swimming.
Drinking seawater may cause vomiting and diarrhoea, while consuming a large amount can lead to dangerous salt toxicity. Drinking too much pool water may also cause digestive irritation.
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog becomes unwell after drinking seawater, pool water or water potentially affected by chemicals or algae.
Use praise, treats and a calm voice to help your dog form a positive association with rinsing, bathing, brushing and drying.
Introduce each stage gradually and reward calm behaviour. Placing a non-slip mat in the bath or wash area can also help your dog feel more secure.
If your dog becomes frightened, avoid forcing them through the process. A professional groomer or qualified reward-based trainer can help dogs with significant bathing or grooming anxiety.
You can also read more about anxiety in dogs and whether you may be reinforcing your dog’s anxiety.
The Australian-made Doggone Gorgeous range includes pH-balanced dog shampoos, coat sprays, brushes, combs and drying products to help care for your dog’s skin and coat after swimming.
Visit doggonegorgeous.com.au to explore the grooming and coat-care range.
Should I wash a dog after swimming in the sea?
Yes. Rinse your dog thoroughly with clean, fresh water to remove salt, sand and other debris, then dry their coat and ears properly.
Do I need to shampoo my dog after swimming?
Not after every swim. A freshwater rinse is usually sufficient unless your dog is particularly dirty, smelly or has been swimming in contaminated water.
Should I rinse my dog after swimming in a chlorine pool?
Yes. Rinsing helps remove residual chlorine and other pool chemicals that may dry or irritate the skin and coat.
Can I let my dog air-dry after swimming?
A short-coated dog may dry quickly in warm conditions, but long, thick and double coats should be dried thoroughly. Trapped moisture can contribute to matting and skin irritation.
What is the best way to wash a dog after swimming?
Rinse the coat thoroughly with fresh water, remove any sand or debris, gently dry around the eyes and ears, and dry the entire coat properly. Use a dog shampoo only when your dog needs a more thorough wash.
Can dogs drink saltwater?
Dogs should not be allowed to drink seawater. Small amounts may cause digestive upset, while consuming a large quantity can cause potentially life-threatening salt toxicity.
About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog
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