Grooming

When you welcome a designer breed into your home, such as a goldendoodle, you need to be prepared for the time and expense of grooming.  Here are a few tips

1.  Brush regularly.  Daily brushing will keep your dog’s coat looking shiny.  If you brush frequently it will also eliminate the amount of hair loss around the house.  Lack of brushing will cause matting.  Badly matted hair can cause your dog pain and irritation and even result in skin infections.  If there is severe matting a dog groomer will shave your dog to the skin.  This is a good brush.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LD27PZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M536RP146AKNDGD12V2X. This is another option,  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NGM3QRN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PN7HTPG970Z8E8VN1PMG. Here are some scissors too if you are up for some minor trimming in between grooming appointments.

2. Regular Baths. Keeping your dog’s coat clean will help your dog look its best. I recommend avoiding conditioner, because I feel that it contributes to matting. Shampoo is sufficient. Also avoid getting ears wet.  Bathing every other month is often enough.  Bathing too often will cause your dog to lose its natural oils.  Unless your dog has rolled in something that smells awful of course.  🙂  If you want a powerful dryer to speed up the process, there are lots of good options. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLQPJ58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MA78H3G3KF0P4V55VPJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
3. Small Hair Trims. In between grooming appointments, you can trim your dog’s hair to prevent overgrowth around eyes, paws and private areas.  It is so easy to accidentally cut your pet with clippers or scissors.  Always be cautious about trimming.  If you are at all uncomfortable just rely on your professional groomer.  
4. Nail Trims.  We like to protect our flooring in our home so we trim nails frequently.  We prefer to use a dremel in between appointments.  The earlier and more frequently you start, the more comfortable your dog will be with the process and vibration of trims.  Never trim or dremel below the quick of the nail.
5. Check for irritations.  As you practice grooming your dog, watch for itchiness, irritation or unusual lumps or bumps.  Especially in warmer conditions when ticks and insects may be present.  Use positive reinforcement when you first start to keep your dog comfortable.
6. Check ears.  Get into the habit of examining ears.  Infections can be so painful for a dog.  Watch for inflammation or moisture, discharge, odd smells or if the dog is pulling at ears alot.
7. Fleas.  If you live in an area that is prone to fleas or ticks, you should definitely take a proactive approach in prevention & treatment.  Do NOT use internal flea treatment.  They have been shown to cause seizures in dogs.  Frontline is a good option or Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home spray.