If they don't go down in one, I'll typically dodge roll away from them, then drop kick back at them again and just accept that I'll repeat this until they drop or I do. It's worth noting your facing is NOT important for dropkicks...you will king in whichever way you are telling the animal to go when you press the kick button. This means you can kick backwards at their head the second your dodge roll ends and your jump begins.
The shovel makes a big impact and stopping an opponent from steamrolling with it should be your priority.