Goldendoodles are super cute and cuddly, and their fur is a mix of traits from Golden Retrievers and Poodles. It can be soft waves or tight curls and the longest hair is usually on their legs, ears, and tails.
Giving your Goldendoodle a bath every 2-3 months on average is a good rule of thumb, but this depends on the personality of the dog. Golden Retrievers usually love to swim, so if your Goldendoodle has inherited this trait, you may need to bathe him more regularly. The frequency of cleaning depends on how muddy and messy your pup likes to get. Unless there’s an urgent need, you should not bathe them more than once a month. We’ve got some helpful tips on how to keep your furry friend fresh and clean, so keep reading.
How Often Should I Bathe My Goldendoodle?
If you’ve got a Goldendoodle, it’s important not to bathe them too often. Stick to it at most once a month unless they’re super dirty or stinky because overbathing can lead to skin issues and dryness. Goldendoodles produce a lot of oils to help maintain a healthy coat and skin barrier, so washing them too often can strip the coat of these. If your dog has allergies or other skin conditions, you should see your vet for the best products to bathe them with and how often. For most puppies, it’s recommended to wait between 4 and 6 weeks before their first bath.
Starting as a young god is best to ensure your dog is comfortable with brushing and grooming. This breed requires a fair amount of regular grooming, so establishing a routine early on is critical. Luckily, puppies love to play, making incorporating grooming into their daily routine easier.
Caring for Goldendoodle dogs can be a significant responsibility, as they require consistent grooming to maintain their fur’s best condition. Despite usually being low shedders (they are a cross breed so some can inherit more shedding from their golden retriever parent than others), regular brushing is crucial to prevent tangling and remove any dead hair that may accumulate. It’s recommended to provide them with a moisturizing bath every few months to keep their skin and coat looking healthy and radiant. This way, you can ensure your furry friend stays clean, comfortable, and happy.
Can I Use My Shampoo on My Goldendoodle?
If you have a Goldendoodle, you already know how important it is to keep their coat shiny and healthy. But did you know using your own shampoo on them isn’t the best idea? Dogs have different needs regarding shampoo, so it’s best to use a high-quality one specifically designed for their skin and coat. Using human products can do more harm than good since their skin is more sensitive and a different pH to ours. Human shampoo can disrupt the thin layer (acid mantle) on the surface of your dog’s skin, making it more prone to scaling, itching and irritation. To keep your furry friend looking their best, you should use the right kind of shampoo for them. Shampoo designed specifically for dogs is the best option.
The 4 Tips to Bathe a Goldendoodle
The following tips will help you with bathing your Goldendoodle at home instead of taking them to a groomer every time. Always provide lots of positive reinforcement while bathing your dog by providing treats throughout the process. You can even smear dog-safe peanut butter on your bathroom tiles to keep your pup occupied! If you prefer to have less mess, you can use a Lickimat to keep your dog entertained.
1. Start with Brushing
Before bathing your Goldendoodle, it’s essential to brush their coat thoroughly. Using a comb, gently detangle any matted areas and remove any debris. Certain parts of their fur may be challenging to reach with a brush and may require well-maintained and sharp clippers specifically designed for dog grooming. It’s important to avoid using human clippers as they may not be powerful enough to cut through the dog’s hair. Additionally, it’s crucial never to use scissors to clip your Goldendoodle, because it’s easy to make a mistake and cut your dog’s skin thinking it is just a hair mat.
2. Shampoo
To prepare for washing your Goldendoodle, you’ll need to gather a few supplies, like shampoo, conditioner, a brush, and a towel. Choosing a gentle, dog-specific shampoo that won’t irritate your dog’s skin is essential. Once you have the right shampoo, wet their fur with lukewarm water, starting at the back end. This hopefully means they will be more comfortable when you reach the more sensitive areas, like the tummy and the face. Make sure your dog is on a non-slip surface, so put down a bathtub mat so he can grip more easily. In larger breeds, a walk-in shower can be a better option. Once your dog is wet, apply the shampoo all over their coat, massaging it in for about 5 minutes. Be careful when washing their face so you don’t get soap in their eyes. You can use an extra-soft toothbrush and a dampened washcloth to clean their face gently.
3. Rinsing
Rinsing thoroughly is an extremely important step and should take longer than the shampoo stage.  Use a shower hose extension to avoid getting any soap in your pet’s eyes, and start by rinsing from the front, gradually working your way back. Remember to rinse multiple times to guarantee all the soap is removed, as you wouldn’t want your furry friend to experience skin irritation. Trust us, taking the time to do this will make for a much happier and healthier Goldendoodle.
4. Drying
Once you’ve shampooed and rinsed your dog, it’s essential to wipe them dry with a towel to get rid of any excess water. Allow your Goldendoodle to shake off any remaining water and then let them air-dry or use a blow dryer on a low setting to avoid startling your furry friend or damaging their ears.
Before continuing grooming, ensure your dog is completely dry. Additionally, carefully drying their ears is crucial to prevent water from accumulating in their ear canals, which could lead to ear infections. Use a ball of cotton wool to gently dry the underside of the ear flap (pinna) and the ear entrance. Don’t put anything into the ear canal.
FAQ
Can I Let My Goldendoodle Air Dry After a Bath?
It would be best if you took extra care when drying your Goldendoodle’s fur, as the thickness and curliness of their hair can lead to matting. While air drying is fine, using a hairdryer on the coolest and lowest setting to ensure their fur is thoroughly dried is best, as this will prevent matting and make it easier for you to brush their coat through afterwards. Make sure the hair-dryer is not too hot for your dog and take your time, using lots of positive reinforcement, to allow your dog to get used to the hair-dryer.
Why Does My Goldendoodle Smell Even After a Bath?
Suppose you have bathed your Goldendoodle but still have a lingering unpleasant smell. In that case, it may be best to schedule a visit with a veterinarian to investigate any potential skin issues. Note that the odor may not necessarily originate from their coat. Sometimes, it could be due to digestive issues or even dental problems. Therefore, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions to ensure the health and well-being of your furry friend.
Conclusion
In general, you should bathe a Goldendoodle every 2-3Â months. However, the frequency of bathing may vary depending on how dirty they get and how much they enjoy a swim. This is a general guideline, as there may be occasions when they need to be bathed more or less frequently than once a month. A freshly cleaned Goldendoodle is simply adorable!
Featured Image Credit: Matt Addis, Shutterstock