Animology in Action: Washing Off Winter and Caring for Your Gundog
Matthew Holland
Washing Off Winter
By the time March arrives on the calendar, the drives may be finished, but our working dogs still seem determined to carry the season with them- in their coat, their paws, and that unmistakable “eau de marsh” that lingers long after the last shot.
As we ease into spring, it’s the ideal time for a real reset. Not just a quick hose-down at the yard gate, but a thorough wash and check-over that keeps your gundog healthy, comfortable and ready for the months ahead.
We’re not talking pampered pooches, but responsible dog care. And in this guide, we’ll look at why post-season grooming matters, what winter really does to a working coat, and how the right routine (with the help of Animology) helps you wash off winter properly.
So fetch in your four-legged field partner, and let’s begin
The Reality of Winter Wear and Tear
Between back-to-back shoot days, training sessions and wet weather that never quite dries out, winter can certainly build up, no matter how careful we are.
Sometimes there’s only time for a quick rinse and towel-off before the next outing, but even with a decent scrub after each shoot, by March there are often surprises we had no idea were even lurking in that coat- mainly in the form of dried mud close to the skin, lingering game scent, grit from frosty ground, and even the odd missed burr buried deep in feathering.
The reality of owning a hard-working gundog is that it’s not unusual to find irritated paw pads, clogged fur, matted patches behind the ears, or the first signs of flaky skin from months of soaking and drying. It’s all part of a solid season, but a proper bath and careful once-over now help catch the small things before they turn into bigger problems in later months.
And of course, the work doesn’t simply stop, either. The season may be over, but country life isn’t. The walks continue, training carries on (along with the showers and boggy ground), and the checks should too.
Why Animology Is Top Shot for Working Dogs
When it comes to cleaning up said season’s worth of mud and marsh, we want something that makes the job easier.
Animology's pH-balanced, sulphate-free formulas are a go-to for working and pet dogs alike, and are designed specifically for canine skin. They rinse quickly (which can be very useful with a fidgety spaniel), dry efficiently, and include built-in conditioner with Pro-Vitamin B5 to support coat health.
But most importantly (especially if your dog lives in the house), they neutralise odour rather than simply masking it. Add UK manufacturing and cruelty-free credentials, and it’s practical, effective care we stand by here at Serious Country Sports.
From the Animology Collection, we recommend these as post-season essentials:
- Dogs Body Shampoo – A solid, all-breed, all-round wash, Dogs Body can be used on all coat and skin types, including sensitive skin, and is suitable for all dogs from 6 weeks old.
- Fox Poo Shampoo – Do we need to say much about this one? The Fox Poo Shampoo is an indispensable after certain “committed” retrieves (or serial smelly offenders).
- Clean Ear Solution- Again, a must-have for spaniel owners, Animology’s Clean Ears Solution ensures those famous ears remain clean and healthy. Adding it as a regular part of your grooming routine can help remove wax and reduce dirt buildup.
- Flea & Tick Shampoo- One to consider as temperatures start to rise and the critters start to creep back in; this Flea & Tick is a soothing dog shampoo that helps to wash out unwanted visitors from your dog's coat. Enriched with tea tree and neem oil, it also helps to soothe irritated bitten skin.
Get the essentials and you’re halfway there!
How to Groom a Gundog After the Season
Ok, so we’re not here to teach anyone how to suck eggs. Most of us have been rinsing down muddy dogs for years. But if this is your first full season with a spaniel, especially one currently carrying half a hedge in its ears, a good routine (and a bit of reassurance) never goes amiss.
Here’s a simple guide to stick by:
- Brush first. A step that many people miss. Before jumping straight to the bath, use a firm-bristle brush to lift dried mud, loose coat and burrs first.
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Lukewarm water only. Now it’s bath time. Wet the coat thoroughly, then work in a shampoo like our Animology Dogs Body (or Fox Poo Shampoo if the day’s been particularly fragrant!)
- Focus on problem areas. As we know, paws, armpits, belly and feathering hold the worst of the grime, so make sure to hone in on these areas with the shampoo and a scrub.
- Rinse well. Take your time and avoid getting water into your inner ears and eyes, which can cause irritation.
- Dry properly. Towel-dry thoroughly, or use a drying coat or a dog dryer if they’re comfortable with it (In our house, an old bath towel has to do!)
- Finish calmly. A quiet lie-down and something to chew goes a long way, and makes for a nice reward if the price of rolling in fox poo isn’t quite your dog's favourite pastime.
We say, as a rule, a full wash every 4–6 weeks is usually enough unless they’re really in a mess.
In between, Animology Dirty Dawg spray or Clean Sheets wipes are ideal for top-ups on paws, ears and back legs.
Conclusion & CTA: Ready for Spring, the Clean Way
The season may be over, but those four-legged friends that stood by us on every cold morning and muddy retrieve still deserve the same attention now as they did in the field.
March is the perfect time to give them that bit of well-deserved TLC- a decent brush, a thorough bath and the right kit in the cupboard makes washing off a breeze.
If you’re building your own wash-down routine, now’s the time to get it sorted. Why not explore the full Animology range at Serious Country Sports and put together a grooming kit that works as hard as your dog does.
About the Author
Matthew Hollland
Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on enjoying the British countryside. From field sports to woodland walks, Matt is a proud enthusiast of all country pursuits, with a keen interest in country sports and the heritage, traditions, and tales they offer. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matt combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons while embracing the thrill of country sports and the beauty of country life.