Welcoming a Bernedoodle into your home means having a furry friend with unique needs. These adorable hybrids of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles have captured the hearts of many, but their gorgeous coats require endless maintenance. Let’s talk about some important tips to develop an effective grooming routine that keeps your furry friend looking and feeling their best.
Establish a Regular Brushing Routine
When searching for a Bernedoodle or a micro Bernedoodle for sale many only consider size and color, but completely forget coat type, which is important when it comes to grooming. In fact, taking care of a Bernedoodle begins with brushing every day, and the type of coat they have will make things more challenging.
Ideally, you should get your puppy from quality breeders, as they are more likely to inform you about the type of coat your puppy has; straight, wavy, or curly. Based on their coat, they all demand different brushing techniques.
For instance, straight-coated Bernedoodles should have at least two to three brushing sessions a week using a normal brush, but curly-coated pups require more frequent brushing with a metal comb or a slicker brush. You may even need to invest in a pin brush that can be used when certain areas of extremely curly texture don’t respond to regular brushes.
Brushing daily is essential because it keeps painful mats at bay, spreads natural oils through the coat, and cysts down on shedding in your home. Just bear in mind that you should slowly introduce your pup to brushing. Your puppy may be a bit shy and may not like those grooming tools, so you must learn to be patient.
Master Bathing Techniques for a Healthy Coat
When it comes to bathing, you need to resist the temptation to do it often. The reason is that overbathing can steal oil from the coat, producing scratchy dryness. However, you should not wait too long between baths, as it can lead to dirty skin and bad odors.
The bathing process should begin with meticulous brushing to fix those tangles, or else water will set already present mats and make them harder to take out. Remember, it’s vital to have a calming environment when bathing your Bernedoodle puppies. Even the noise of running water can sometimes be overwhelming and startle them.
Similarly, you have to practice care when shampooing your Bernedoodle. For starters, opt for gentle dog-specific products and steer clear of human shampoos because they can throw the pH balance in your dog’s skin totally out of balance. You have to be more careful in areas that are more prone to getting dirty, like underbelly, paws, and face. Be gentle around the eyes and ears to prevent irritation and possible infections.
Ideally, Bernedoodles should be bathed every two to four weeks, but working dogs that spend most of their time outdoors will require it more frequently. Even if you do it all by yourself, understand that regular professional grooming sessions every six to eight weeks can make things a lot easier for you to handle.
Develop a Comprehensive Grooming Schedule
Brushing and bathing are vital, but you must aim for a more comprehensive grooming schedule that goes beyond the basics. For instance, trimming nails on a regular basis is just as important to prevent discomfort and possible gait impairment.
Besides trimming their nails, you should also do everything to ensure proper ear care. Bernedoodles have floppy ears that are perfect for holding moisture and dirt, which can lead to infections. A good way to handle it is by using vet-approved ear cleaners, mainly to the outer area with cotton balls. Remember, you should not try to clean the inner ear canal, as it can cause an injury.
When self-careing your pup, you must also be willing to make seasonal grooming changes as needed. For instance, a shorter haircut for hot weather cools your dog down, while winter needs long coats to maintain natural warmth. You can talk to professional groomers to learn about the best styles based on where you live and your dog’s activity levels.
Endnote
Taking the time to groom your Bernedoodle is vital for their appearance and overall health. Regular grooming is also a great way to create a stronger bond between you and your pup. Just learn to be patient at first and both you and your furry friend will learn to love each grooming session.