When it comes to our fur babies, their health and happiness are of vital importance to us. And one way to ensure their happiness is a fantastic grooming routine. Even with dogs like a Bernedoodle, grooming is necessary.
Their wavy coats come with their demands that need to be met! From regular brushing to shedding, these affectionate dogs need our help to thrive at home and play problem-free! But how do you groom a Bernedoodle?
There are a few different types of coats and hairstyles that your Bernedoodle can rock, and it can be tricky to find the best one. The last thing you want to do is carry out incorrect grooming that could leave your dog with a poor coat or health complications.
But fear not, for OurCavapoo is here to save the dog grooming day! Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on grooming your Bernedoodle and some handy hints!
Types of Bernedoodle Coat
Before we get into how to groom your pup, let’s take a quick look at the coat of a Bernedoodle. They come in three different types, all of which have slightly different grooming needs. Find your coat below to help make grooming a breeze!
Straight Coat
Straight coats shed the most and are similar to a Bernese coat. These tend to need less brushing than the other types of coat.
Wavy Coat
Wavy coats are the easiest to maintain! They are easy to brush, and thanks to their softness, they don’t mat frequently. These tend to be best for allergy sufferers too!
Curly Coat
Curly coats are similar to poodles, and are fantastic for those with dander allergies. These coats can mat easily, though, and require the most brushing; ideally, daily brushing is needed!
How to Groom a Bernedoodle
Now that we have covered the coat that your Bernedoodle has, we can move onto grooming. It’s best to brush your Bernedoodle 2-3 times a week to prevent any matting and bathe them every 3-4 months to avoid stripping their coat of any natural oils.
You can use the following steps to groom your Bernedoodle:
Step 1: Inspect
When you begin your grooming, start with a full-body inspection. Check your dog for any lumps, bumps, dry patches, or hair loss. It can also help remove any dead hair and skin, making the grooming process easier! If you find anything troubling, be sure to contact your vet.
Step 2: Brush the Coat.
As we have mentioned, regular brushing is key to a healthy and well-managed coat of fur. A slicker brush is best to deal with matted fur and is a favorite among Bernedoodle areas.
Follow the direction of the fur and brush through your dog’s coat. Take care in any matted areas that you don’t hurt your dog, work slowly if you need to, to tease any tangles or matting out.
Ensure that the fur is brushed thoroughly and all knots removed before you move on bathing your dog.
Step 3: Bath Time!
Bernedoodles don’t need frequent bathing as it can irritate their skin. However, when they get dirty, it’s time for a good old clean! Use a dog-friendly or hypoallergenic shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals that could irritate.
Wash your dog thoroughly, and be sure there is no shampoo left in their coat as it can cause irritation and flakes, similar to dandruff that can be quite itchy for your fur friends!
Ensure that your dog’s fur is dried entirely after their bath too. Towel drying is excellent, or you can use a blow dryer. Test with the back of your hand to ensure the dryer isn’t too hot. Once dried, run a brush through their coat to remove any tangles.
Step 4: Cleaning
Cleaning is a vital part of your Bernedoodle’s grooming routine. Let’s break it down into each section to help keep your dog nice and fresh!
Eyes
Your dog’s eyes need to be checked often for any discharge or irritation. Grooming wipes are a fantastic way to remove this and clean your dog’s eyes gently. If the discharge is frequent or you notice any changes, be sure to consult your vet.
Ears
Cleaning your Bernedoodle’s ears frequently removes dirt and excess wax that can cause infections. You can use ear solutions to clean the dog’s ear; you simply pour it into the ear and massage it gently.
If you notice frequent ear scratching, irritation, odor, or your dog is shaking their head, consult your vet. There might be wax lodged deep in the canal or an infection. Untreated, these can cause deafness!
Some dog owners place cotton wool balls in their dogs’ ears to prevent water from entering them during bathtime. It is not essential but useful if your dog suffers from ear infections frequently. Just remember to remove them as soon as you are done!
Nail Clipping
Long nails can be painful for your dogs. They can cause improper walking that strains your pet. Clipping your dog’s nails is not an easy task, though! If you cut them too short, it can leave open wounds that can be infected.
Most owners opt to have a vet cut their Bernedoodle’s nails to ensure it is done correctly and without any pain caused to your dog.
Teeth
Oral hygiene is an essential part of your dog’s grooming routine. Plaque can cause heart disease in dogs, so regular dental care is imperative! Dog-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste are an option, but for dogs that don’t enjoy that, chew sticks, or dental toys are a fantastic option!
These tend to be widely available, and affordable too, so you can select the option that best suits your dog!
Hair cut time!
Bernedoodles should have their fur cut twice a year at a minimum and then cuts in between to maintain the shape. You will see two types, a winter cut which keeps the hair longer, and a summer cut that features shorter hair for your dog.
Some owners like to leave the professionals to the cutting, especially if their dog is a fidgeter! You can do the cuts at home, though, with dog-friendly scissors and clippers. Be sure the clippers have adjustable clips so you can adjust the length depending on the cut.
When cutting your dog’s fur, lots of positive praise and treats will make the process a lot smoother. Be sure that you use the scissors on the fur around the eyes, nose, and footpads and take care. If you cut your own dog’s hair, be sure you have followed the above grooming steps and that the fur is completely dry throughout!
You can find lots of fantastic videos talking you through the cuts if needed, although as our dog is quite the fidgeter, we leave it to the professionals!
Final Thoughts
And just like that, we have reached the end! As you can see, grooming your Bernedoodle doesn’t need to be a daunting task! Frequent brushing to remove mats and inspect their skin is the best way forward.
While you won’t need to bathe or cut their hair frequently, brushing must be completed weekly, if not daily! Be sure to report any concerns to your vet, and you are sure to have a happy and healthy pup!
If you are interested to know how to groom other doodle breeds such as Cavapoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles or Maltipoos, then check our our informative guides.
