Tips for Grooming Your Labradoodle

Since there’s not yet a fixed type for labradoodles, each individual will have slightly different grooming requirements. As a rule, there are two main types of labradoodle coats: the scruffy kind and the fleecy kind. The latter needs an extensive grooming regimen, whereas the former can get by with slightly less grooming. That said, neither are particularly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. It’s vital that you keep up a proper routine for grooming your doodle, as this will his skin and coat healthy, and is important for his well-being. 

Brushing and Combing

One of the things you find yourself doing most often is brushing or combing your labradoodle’s coat. If your dog has a fleecy or wool coat, you should really brush him daily, but if he has a shaggy coat, you can get away with doing so a few times each week. Make sure you brush him right down to his skin, as this will help to get dried of any dried skin flakes or dandruff and will improve the blood flow below the skin. Use a comb to ensure that you get all the knots or tangles out of his coat. Pay special attention to problem areas for matting, such as behind the elbows, in between his legs, around his tail, and underneath his tummy. Look out for any burrs or brambles that may have got in his coat while out walking. Most doodles shed a lot, so frequent brushing will help to avoid him getting his fur all over the house.

Time for a Trim

If you find the frequent brushing just a little bit too much hassle, you might prefer to get your labradoodle a haircut. Even if you don’t want to cut your pet’s fur short, many doodles benefit from a slight trim a few times a year, just to keep things under control. However, lots of owners opt to have their dog’s coat clipped short to make it more manageable, especially if the dog leads an active lifestyle. A short clip which cuts the fur to less than an inch long is often referred to as a kennel clip or a lamb trim. You can choose to leave the hair on your pup’s face long, giving him a cut, leonine look. If you don’t want to go too short, try a puppy cut, where all his fur will be trimmed to a length of 1 to 2 inches.

In the Bath

Like all dogs, your doodle will need regular baths. However, be careful not to bathe him too frequently has he could lose his natural oils and end up with a dry coat or dry skin. Once every couple of months should be more than sufficient. Make sure to use a shampoo that’s specially formulated for dogs, as it will be mild and you can be certain that it won’t cause him any irritation. Even so, be careful not to get it anywhere near his eyes, so avoid causing him discomfort. Rinse his coat thoroughly after shampooing to ensure all the suds have washed out. Be especially vigilant if your dog has a fleecy coat, as this kind of fur can be hard to rinse.

Other Grooming Tasks

To keep your pup in tip top condition, you’ll need to undertake a range of other grooming tasks. You should brush his teeth regularly – preferably daily – to avoid a buildup of plaque that can lead to gum disease. He will also need his nails clipped at regular intervals, though the frequency varies according to how much exercise he does and how much time he spends walking on hard surfaces. If you’re inexperienced, it’s best to get a vet or groomer to do this, because it is possible to nick a blood vessel.

Keep on top of your doodle’s grooming routine and he’ll always look at his best, as well as being comfortable and healthy.

Photo credit: Oracle7/Wikimedia

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