There are many aspects to dog ownership and none is more fun than grooming Goldendoodle and having them look and feel their best. It is also quality bonding time that both of you can enjoy.
Goldendoodles are relatively low-maintenance dogs that require little work, unlike other dogs that can be heavy shedders. However, you’ll still need to give them some TLC from time to time. In this blog post, we’ll look at all the aspects of grooming your Goldendoodle and how often you should do each one!
Grooming Goldendoodble Steps:
1. Brushing Your Goldendoodle’s Coat
Goldendoodles are low shedders, especially if they take after their Poodle parent. Although Poodles have hypoallergenic coats that shed very little, Golden Retrievers are moderate shedders so a Goldendoodle could inherit either.
Many dog owners are unaware of the importance of brushing their dog’s coats. Brushing not only helps to remove dirt and debris but also stimulates the skin and hair follicles. It also promotes a healthy coat. In addition, brushing helps to distribute the natural oils produced by the skin. This helps to keep the coat shiny and soft.
Regular brushing can help to prevent mats and tangles from forming, making it easier to groom your dog in the future. If your Goldendoodle is a light shedder, you can brush their coats about three to four times a week. But if your pooch is a moderate shedder, you might have to brush them every day to keep the fur off your couch!
2. Clipping Your Goldendoodle’s Nails
Clipping your dog’s nails is an important part of their grooming routine. If the nails are left too long, they can start to curl under and grow into the pads of the feet. It will eventually cause pain and potential infections. In addition, long nails can also make it difficult for your dog to walk. As a result, they can get caught on things or get snagged on carpeting.
Regular nail clipping will help to keep your dog’s nails at a comfortable length and prevent any potential problems. You’ll need to clip your Goldendoodle’s nails every two to six weeks, depending on their activity levels. If your pooch runs and frequently walks on rough surfaces, this will naturally file their nails down and you can clip them less frequently.
It’s important to choose the right type of clippers. There are two main types of clippers available: guillotine style and scissor style. Guillotine-style clippers are simpler to use but can be more dangerous if not used correctly. Scissor-style clippers take a bit more practice to master, but offer greater control and are less likely to cause injury.
Next, you’ll need to find a comfortable place to work. Many dogs dislike having their feet handled, so it’s important to choose a spot where your dog feels safe and relaxed. Once you’ve found a good spot, gently hold one of your dog’s paws in your hand and extend the nail you wish to clip.
Now it’s time to start clipping. For best results, start by clipping only the very tip of the nail. This will help prevent you from accidentally cutting too far and causing your dog pain. If you cut too deeply, don’t worry – the quick (the blood vessel in the nail) will slowly grow back out.
3. Bathing Your Goldendoodle
How often to bathe your Goldendoodle will depend on your dog’s lifestyle. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors might need more frequent baths while sedentary dogs that live mainly indoors might need fewer.
Goldendoodles are relatively clean dogs so you can bathe them only once a month unless it found something rotten and roll around in it, which they seem to love doing! While it’s important to keep your dog clean, you shouldn’t bathe them too often as it can strip their fur of natural oils. This can lead to dryness, itching, and irritation. It can also increase the likelihood of hot spots and other skin problems.
The best way to clean your dog is to brush them regularly and spot-clean it as needed. This will help remove dirt and debris without taking away essential oils. If you need to give your dog a full bath, be sure to use a gentle shampoo that is designed for dogs. And always follow up with a conditioner to help restore moisture.
4. Cleaning Your Goldendoodle’s Ears
Goldendoodles have floppy ears that make them more prone to ear infections. You should clean your dog’s ears once or twice a week, and more frequently if they regularly go swimming.
They also have hair in their ears that can trap dirt, wax, and moisture. These can create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow, which can lead to an infection. Symptoms of an ear infection include shaking of the head, pawing at the ears, ear pain, and a bad odor coming from the ears.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet. We can treat this ear infection with ear drops or oral antibiotics. Avoid using cotton swabs in your dog’s ears as this could damage their eardrum. Instead, use a soft cloth to wipe around the inside of their ear.
5. Cleaning Your Goldendoodle’s Eyes
Goldendoodles are not susceptible to eye infections, but you should always keep a close watch on their eyes. To help keep your dog’s eyes healthy and free of debris, it is important to clean them every week, and more if you live in a dusty or sandy environment.
The best way to clean your dog’s eyes is with a sterile solution designed specifically for pets. Simply apply the solution to a cotton ball and gently wipe away any discharge or dirt. If you notice any redness or swelling, consult your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Goldendoodles are loving, affectionate dogs that are likely to love being groomed. After all, it IS giving them attention, so feel free to shower your Goldendoodle with some TLC as much as you want!