Labradoodles are a great fit for those with dog allergies since they are non to low-shedding – thanks to their Poodle parents.
The catch? Since their hair doesn’t fall out like most dog breeds, it requires a whole lot of grooming to keep it in tip-top condition!
Once your furry friend gets used to haircutters, scissors, nail clippers, and brushes, grooming actually becomes a pretty easy process.
This Labradoodle grooming guide contains everything you need to know – from the best way to groom a Labradoodle coat to how often you should bathe your furry friend and more!
If you don’t keep your Labradoodle’s coat short, you will have to deal with a lot of matting and knotting. Grooming your Labradoodle regularly means you won’t have to brush them as often, plus it will keep your pup cooler in the summer months.
How often your Labradoodle needs a trim will depend on the following:
But as a rule of thumb, your Labradoodle will need a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. Dog experts recommend that you have your Labradoodle professionally groomed at least three times a year.
Ready to give your Doodle a fresh cut?
Here are the most popular styles for you to choose from next time you have your Labradoodle’s haircut:
This is the most basic haircut, with the hair being no longer than 2.5 cm over the entire body. This cut will ensure your Labradoodle avoids tangles and needs minimal brushing.
If you want your furry friend to look more cute and cuddly, you can go for a longer haircut, which keeps its hair 5 cm long. This style does require more brushing to avoid knotting.
Who could resist a pup that looks like an adorable teddy bear? This cut typically leaves the dog’s face, legs, and ears with long hair while trimming the body hair short. Again, this is a higher-maintenance look.
This is possibly the most popular Labradoodle haircut, making your Doodle look like a cute little puppy.
Similar to the teddy bear cut, this style involves shorter body hair and longer hair on the head, but it is usually easier to maintain.
Time to give your canine companion a much-needed clean? With the right Labradoodle grooming tools, you can follow the easy steps below to groom your four-legged friend at home.
Bathing your pup not only removes the built-up grime but also helps to remove any tangles and matted hair, making the brushing process easier.
Splash some water on your Labradoodle, and then rub the dog shampoo into their coat. Rinse it off, and then follow with some conditioner. Once you’ve given your dog a good rinse, dry him with a towel.
Be careful not to get too close to your dog’s eyes and ears – these are sensitive areas.
Use an undercoat rake to remove any dead, loose hair and dirt trapped in your dog’s coat since you last groomed him.
Using the right undercoat rake will ensure you don’t pull on or hurt your dog’s skin.
Next, you’ll need to spritz your dog with detangling spray evenly over all the hair on his entire body.
While you do this, brush your dog’s hair and stop to spray more product over any stubborn tangles.
Make sure to shield your dog’s eyes from the spray.
After you’ve removed all the tangles, it’s time for a proper Labradoodle brushing!
The best way to get through that thick coat is by using a slicker brush – especially if your Doodle has a wavy or curly coat.
Start from the bottom (at your dog’s paws) and brush the hair section by section as you work your way up. Stop when the hair feels smooth.
Once you’ve finished brushing your pup, use a comb to get rid of any smaller tangles that the slicker brush missed.
You can also use more detangling spray if necessary.
If you’re grooming your Labradoodle for the first time, you might want to take your pup to a professional groomer for a haircut.
But if you feel confident enough to trim the hair yourself, it’s best to watch a video tutorial to guide you.
You will need to clip your pup’s nails regularly with nail clippers so they don’t snag on something or get torn. This includes the claws on the inner sides of their front paws.
1-2 times per month.
If you’re brushing your Doodle’s teeth for the first time, you will need to build up the process gradually with plenty of rewards.
Begin by getting your pup used to you touching their mouth and then touching the toothbrush to their teeth.
Build it up gradually by brushing a single tooth until, eventually, you are brushing all of their teeth.
Make sure only to use dog-safe toothpaste.
At least three times a week.
Mix together a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar, or use an ear-cleaning product like Epi-Otic, designed for dogs.
Pour the solution into your dog’s ear and massage the ear canal to loosen up any dirt inside the ear.
Be prepared for your pup to shake his head. Once he stops, use paper towels to remove whatever is left inside your dog’s ear canals.
Every 2 to 3 weeks.
Most Labradoodle owners wait between 6 to 8 months before grooming their Labradoodle puppy for the first time.
The Labradoodle puppy coat doesn’t tend to matt or tangle as much as an adult coat, so professional grooming isn’t necessary until they have matured.
Labradoodles tend to need a bath in-between haircuts and professional grooming sessions, especially if they enjoy rolling in the mud!
You can expect to wash your Doodle every two to three weeks but do not overwash – as this can strip the beneficial natural oils from their coat.
Yes, depending on how quickly your pup’s hair grows, you will need to have him professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks to keep his skin and coat healthy.
No, you should never shave your Labradoodle down to the skin, as it will actually make him hotter.
Your dog’s coat acts as insulation to regulate his body temperature and protect him from sunburn.
Instead, groom your pup regularly and provide him with plenty of shade and fresh water on hot summer days.
Labradoodle grooming might seem daunting if it’s your first time, and it might take you a few hours initially; however, the process will become quicker and quicker every time you do it.
Once you become a dog grooming pro and your pup is acclimated to grooming, it shouldn’t take you longer than an hour to groom your lovely pooch – and you’ll likely begin to enjoy it!
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