How to Groom a Goldendoodle Puppy?
How to Groom a Goldendoodle Puppy? (Guide By Veterinary Experts)
Let's explore how to groom your Golden Doodle puppy into a picture-perfect, adorable, and captivating companion. We will share exclusive tips from expert veterinarians on grooming your Golden Doodle effectively and comfortably and we will talk about why golden doodle puppy has become an interest of pet lovers in such a short time.
Understanding the Breed
The Golden Doodle is a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, first bred in the 1990s to combine the beneficial traits of both breeds. Golden doodle puppies are fluffy and have a teddy bear-like appearance.
Their coat color can vary from golden to cream to apricot color. They are easy to groom and are very fun to have. They are fun-loving and love to play outdoors and due to genetic improvement, they are excellent swimmers. According to some researchers, it is also stated that they are the best swimmers of all dog breeds.
Why are Golden Doodles so popular?
Golden Doodles have a lot of qualities like excellent swimmers, teddy bear faces, genetic improvements, resistance to various diseases, and strong immunity but to mention why they are in high demand purely because of these two reasons
- Low Shedding: Golden Doodles are known for their minimal shedding because of their curly hair coat which entangles dead hair preventing them from falling and creating a mess, making them an ideal choice for individuals allergic to puppy hair.
- Hypoallergenic Breed: This breed is particularly popular among pet owners who are allergic to puppy hair shedding. Some people become allergic to dog hair because of cleanliness issues which is common in almost every puppy owner. Take yourself and think would you want a dog’s hair on your food plate, no. Unlike most puppies that shed hair everywhere, including on furniture, floors, and clothing, Golden Doodles are an exception, shedding minimally.
Goldendoodle Hair Coat
Golden Doodles come in three primary coat types:
1. Straight Coat: This coat type sheds more than the others and is less favored. It requires less brushing, and grooming is relatively straightforward with fewer knots and tangles.
2. Wavy Coat: Wavy coat Doodles inherit traits from both parent breeds but tend to shed more than the curly-coated Doodles. Regular brushing is recommended, and grooming is straightforward.
3. Curly Coat: Curly coat Doodles don't shed as the dead hair tangles within their curls instead of falling around. Regular grooming is crucial for this type.
Grooming Golden Doodles
While Golden Doodles don't shed much, they require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles, which can become problematic later on.
Grooming Frequency in Golden Doodles
Golden Doodles should be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks, including bathing, trimming, and other grooming tasks. Additionally, weekly brushing is advised to eliminate dead hairs that can lead to tangles and mats.
Establishing Grooming as a Habit for Goldendoodles
Grooming can be stressful for puppies, and unfamiliarity may lead to signs of aggression. To avoid these issues, start brushing your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Weekly brushing not only familiarizes your puppy with grooming but also helps prevent mats, making grooming more routine.
Tools Required for Grooming Golden Doodles
- Scissors
- Steel brush
- Fine-toothed comb
- Shampoo
- Bathtub
- Nail clippers
- Towel
- Blow dryer
- Grooming table
Grooming Steps for Golden Doodles
Grooming is relatively straightforward and can be done at home. However, if you're not familiar with it, consider visiting a professional groomer or a veterinarian. Here are the steps for grooming Golden Doodles:
- Brushing and Combing
Begin with brushing to remove dirt, mud, tangles, or mats from the coat. Brushing frequency varies based on the coat type.
- Straight and wavy-coated Doodles require minimal brushing.
- Curly-coated Doodles need more frequent brushing to prevent common mats and tangles.
TIP: Ensure no mats or tangles remain after brushing to prevent difficulties during bathing.
- Bathing
Ensure you have a bathtub, lukewarm water, shampoo, towels, and a blow dryer. After brushing, start bathing your Doodle.
- Wet the coat thoroughly from head to toe.
- Apply shampoo, ensuring even coverage.
- Rinse until the water runs clean.
TIP: After bathing, rinse the coat thoroughly to avoid dermatitis and skin infections caused by leftover shampoo or foam.
- Drying
After the bath, towel dry your puppy and then use a blow dryer to ensure complete dryness.
TIP: Ensure your Doodle is completely dry to prevent skin rashes and scabies.
- Trimming
Golden Doodles generally require minimal trimming but some areas require hair around the eyes, ears, and paws for clear vision, better hearing, and comfortable walking.
Dental Care in Golden Doodles
Brush your Doodle's teeth once a week with a puppy toothbrush and puppy toothpaste for oral hygiene.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails as needed, ideally after bathing when they are softer. Use nail clippers recommended by a veterinarian, or consult a groomer if you are unfamiliar with nail trimming.
Eye Cleaning
Golden Doodles may develop eye discharge; clean it with cotton whenever it appears.
Ear Cleaning
Use specialized puppy ear drops available in the market. Apply 2 to 3 drops in each ear and clean with cotton weekly.
Extra Feathers Trimming of Feet and Tails
Trim the feathers on their feet and tails, as these can be a source of contamination and discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does grooming a Golden Doodle cost?
Grooming a Golden Doodle typically costs around $1,000 to $1,300 annually.
Q. How often should I bathe my Golden Doodle?
It's recommended to bathe Golden Doodles once a month. However, their love for outdoor activities may result in dust and mud on their coat, so veterinarians often advise bathing every two weeks.
