5 Reasons Why Goldendoodle Grooming is Important | The Contemporary Pet
Goldendoodles are everyone’s new favorite type of dog. Often considered a “designer dog” by many, this is a hybrid breed—a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Some may scoff at the seemingly pretentious label, but the breed’s popularity grows.
What makes Goldendoodles so special, you ask?
Many say that the Goldendoodle inherits the best of the two breeds. They have the intelligence of the Golden Retriever and the low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Like with any other dog, though, Goldendoodles require regular grooming. While they may be considered to be a low-shedding dogs, they do need some extra care to keep their coats healthy.
Let’s explore.
5 Benefits of Goldendoodle Grooming
A Goldendoodle’s coat is quite textured, so as an owner, it will be your responsibility to ensure it is well-kept. To do so, you must be equipped with the correct grooming essentials.
This includes the best shampoo for Goldendoodles, coat grooming tools, nail clippers, and the like.
Here are five reasons why Goldendoodle grooming is essential:
Prevent Matting
Goldendoodles have curly, wavy coats that can easily become matted if not groomed regularly. Matting can be painful for dogs and can cause skin irritation and infections and even lead to hot spots.
When your dog’s hair becomes matted, it can quickly escalate from causing mild skin irritation to infecting wounds—not good! Additionally, fleas and ticks can hide in these mats, and mats around the hind end can lead to an accumulation of feces that can cause defecation issues.
And what’s more, is that severe hair mats can get so tight that they restrict or even cut off blood circulation. It has often been described as a feeling of having a really uncomfortably tight ponytail. However, the number of matts the dog has, the number of awfully ‘tight ponytails’ it has.
In some difficult situations, infections from matting have even led to saddening amputations.
Regular grooming, including brushing and combing, can prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
Maintain Hygiene
Regular grooming helps maintain your pup’s hygiene. If unwashed and unkempt for long periods, a Goldendoodle’s coat can get greasy and stinky. This, in turn, can lead to many problems, including skin infections, fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Even if it doesn’t mat immediately, an unclean coat is unhealthy for the skin.
How does one prevent this? Pretty simple. Regular bathing, brushing, and trimming. Brush them as often as possible, and bathe them at least once a month. Trim their nails to stay comfortable, and their paw pads can stay healthy.
Goldendoodles also require regular ear cleaning. If you don’t want to wait for the groomer’s visit, you could do it yourself. Start by inspecting the ear for anything unusual—redness, discharge, etc.
Then take a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution and gently clean it with a clean and soft cloth. Rinse away, and you’ll be done. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners—they can irritate ulcers within the canal (if your dog has any). Read more about ear cleaning here.
Lastly, of course, if the coat is out of control, you might want to trim your dog’s fur.
Control Shedding
A reason why Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are considered to be hypoallergenic. However, this doesn’t mean zero shedding. Regular grooming can also help regulate when and how much your dog sheds.
Many groomers use high-velocity driers to blow out the undercoat. It’s better for the dog to get a proper blowout than to shed all over the hair. Let’s face it, no one like dog hair all over their furniture. Besides high-velocity driers, one can also control shedding by regularly brushing their dog.
De-shedding, however, starts with the dog’s nutrition and well-being. A nutrient-rich, and vet-approved diet, along with proper physical exercise and simulation, is needed. A stressed or bored pup also sheds a lot!
By taking these steps and making grooming a regular part of your Goldendoodle’s care routine, you can help keep shedding under control and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable home for you and your furry friend.
Check for Health Issues
Grooming is an excellent opportunity to check for health issues such as skin problems, lumps, or bumps. Regular grooming sessions provide an excellent opportunity to detect health issues in your Goldendoodle that you may not be aware of.
A professional groomer can identify potential problems such as cysts, skin conditions, and ear infections that could be hidden under your pet’s fur. By catching these issues early on, you can take the appropriate steps to address them and help ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy.
Bonding Time
More than anything else, grooming time can be bonding time. Many have described grooming their dogs as a relaxing activity; one full of endorphins! Your dog is comfortable around you, so grooming could be as relaxing for them as it is for you.
Grooming the dog early on helps them stay at ease when they visit the groomer. And most importantly, it strengthens the bond between dog and human!
Conclusion on Goldendoodle Grooming
In conclusion, regularly grooming a Goldendoodle is more important than one might think. Whether you do it at home or with a professional groomer, it is more than just about the dog’s looks. It can come down to the dog’s comfort in the short term and health in the longer run.
If you are looking for a professional groomer, make sure you’re seeking referrals from trusted sources such as veterinarians, friends, or relatives. This can ensure that your pet is in good hands. Start grooming your dog early so they don’t view it as punishment but as an enjoyable time!
Keep your dog healthy and clean, which will benefit both of you.
