The Best After-Swim Grooming Routine for Dogs
Beach days and lake dips are brilliant fun. This is how to look after the coat and skin afterwards.
5 min read | August 2026
There is nothing quite like watching a dog throw themselves into a lake, chase a ball into the sea, or flop into a paddling pool on a hot day. It is one of the simple joys of summer. But whatever your dog has been swimming in, whether that is a chlorinated pool, a muddy river, or the open sea, it is worth giving them a proper once over afterwards.
Water that looks harmless can carry things that irritate skin, upset stomachs, or leave a lingering smell in the coat. A short after-swim routine, done consistently, keeps your dog comfortable and stops small issues turning into bigger ones.
Why swimming needs a grooming follow-up
Different types of water bring different problems. Pool water contains chlorine, which can dry out skin and strip natural oils from the coat. Sea water is salty and can leave a residue that irritates paws and bellies if it is not rinsed off. Lakes, ponds, and rivers can carry bacteria, algae, and parasites, especially in warm, still water during the hottest weeks of the year.
On top of all that, a wet coat that is left to dry on its own, especially in a warm car or a humid house, creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to build up. That is often where that unmistakable "wet dog" smell that lingers for days comes from.
What Different Water Can Leave Behind
Swimming pool
Chlorine can dry out skin and coat
Sea
Salt residue can irritate paws and belly
Lake or river
Can carry bacteria and algae in warm water
The step-by-step after-swim routine
As soon as you can, rinse the coat with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or general grime before it dries in.
Trapped water in the ear canal is one of the most common causes of summer ear infections, so dry them gently with a towel.
A proper wash removes anything a rinse alone cannot, especially after a swim in a lake, pond, or the sea.
Pay attention to the belly, armpits, and any skin folds, since these areas stay damp the longest.
This helps prevent tangles from setting in and lets air reach the skin properly.
Common mistakes to avoid
| Habit | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Letting the coat air dry outdoors | Towel dry first, then let it finish drying somewhere warm and ventilated |
| Skipping the ears because your dog dislikes it | Use a soft towel and go gently, it only takes a moment |
| Assuming a quick rinse is always enough | Shampoo after lake or river swims, since rinsing alone will not remove everything |
| Brushing a wet, tangled coat | Wait until mostly dry, brushing wet fur can cause more matting |
Keeping an eye out afterwards
Most dogs handle a summer of swimming with no issues at all. Still, it is worth watching for a few signs over the following day or two: head shaking or scratching at ears, redness between the toes, or a stronger than usual smell to the coat. These can be early signs of an ear infection or skin irritation that is worth a quick vet check if it does not settle.
None of this needs to slow down the fun. A rinse, a towel, and a proper dry are quick habits that protect your dog's skin and coat all summer long, so the only thing you need to worry about is how many times they will ask to go back in.
A shampoo that lathers fast for quick after-swim clean-ups
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