Labradoodles have captured our hearts with their adorable faces and fun personalities. As a proud dog mom of two Labradoodles myself, how to groom a labradoodle was one of the first things I researched before bringing them into my life and the things I found were frightening and confusing. Now, five years in, I can tell you that one of the biggest aspects of caring for a labradoodle is grooming. But big doesn’t equal scary. If you are a first time owner of a labradoodle puppy, I want to share with you what I’ve learned in the last five years of owning labradoodles.
First time labradoodle mom? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with our New Puppy Essentials – Everything You Need For The First Few Months At Home.
If you, on the other hand, have a doodle pup yourself and are struggling to keep up with their grooming needs, I hope these insights and tips on how to groom a Labradoodle effectively, bring you some comfort and guidance. Whether you’re a new Labradoodle parent or looking to improve your grooming routine, this guide is here to help.
Grooming isn’t just about keeping your Labradoodle looking cute and fluffy (although that’s certainly a bonus!); it’s also essential for their health and well-being. From managing different coat types to mastering the art of brushing and bathing, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to grooming a Labradoodle.
Let’s explore the types of Labradoodle hair, essential grooming tools and products, tips for brushing and bathing, and techniques for ear care. With the right knowledge and a little bit of practice, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your Labradoodle looking and feeling their best.
Understanding Labradoodle Hair
Labradoodles, like many other doodle breeds, can sport a variety of adorable hair textures, each as unique as the pup itself! There are three main types of Labradoodle hair: curly, wavy, and straight. Curly-haired Labradoodles often have tightly coiled locks that resemble those of a Poodle, while wavy-haired doodles have loose, flowing waves. On the other hand, straight-haired Labradoodles flaunt sleek, smooth coats. Each hair type comes with its own set of grooming needs and challenges, but one thing’s for sure: no matter the texture, Labradoodles are bound to steal hearts with their fabulous fur!
My experience comes from owning two very different coated labradoodles. One has a curly/wavy coat that has a soft and thin texture and the other has wavy/straight coat with very thick and coarse hair. I’ve come to learn that they each have very different coat needs, but still share a lot in common.
Coat Transformation
Labradoodle coats undergo fascinating transformations as these adorable pups grow from playful puppies into full grown adults. During the puppy stage, Labradoodles often sport soft, fluffy coats that are a delight to snuggle and cuddle with. These coats may exhibit a range of textures, from silky waves to plush curls, as they inherit traits from their Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents. As Labradoodles mature into adulthood, their coats typically undergo a significant change known as “coat transitioning.”
This transition involves the shedding of puppy fur and the development of their adult coat, which may have a different texture and thickness. Some Labradoodles may experience a period of shedding, while others may maintain their puppy coat until they reach adulthood. The adult coat often settles into its final form, revealing the characteristic traits of the breed, whether it’s the tight curls of a Poodle or the sleek waves of a Labrador. Understanding and managing these coat changes is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your Labradoodle throughout their life stages.
Here is Luna, my wavy/straight and coarse hair labradoodle showing as a puppy vs now.
And here is Levi, my curly/wavy soft fine hair labradoodle as a puppy vs now:
Dog Mom Tips for Coat Maintenance
1. Establishing a grooming routine
Ok, here is where I’m going to share something that may scare you at first and contradict everything you’ve ever heard about proper dog grooming. I bathe my dogs every week or sometimes every other week. When I share this with other dog parents they think I’m crazy! But hear me out, this has been essential for keeping their coats in great shape. It keeps their coats clean and easy to brush through. It’s been a game changer!
2. Importance of regular brushing for Labradoodle health
Beyond just enhancing their appearance, grooming helps to prevent a multitude of health issues that can arise from neglected coats and hygiene. Labradoodles, with their thick and often curly or wavy coats, are particularly prone to matting and tangling if not properly groomed. These mats can harbor dirt, debris, and even pests like ticks and fleas, leading to skin irritation, infections, and discomfort for your pup. Grooming sessions also provide an opportunity to inspect the skin for any signs of irritation, lesions, or abnormalities that may require veterinary attention.
3. Ear Care for Labradoodles
Let’s talk ears! If you have a regular groomer, which I hope you do, they usually take care of this part and that is remove hairs from inside their ears. Clean, hair-free ears have a better chance of not harboring moisture and bacteria which lead to ear infections, a common issue in breeds with floppy ears like Labradoodles. I clean my doodle ears every week with some cotton balls and an ear solution. It’s simple and easy and we rarely have any issues. I’ll share my favorite ear solution below.
4. Signs of skin or coat issues to look out for during grooming sessions
Grooming sessions are a great time to keep an eye out for any signs of skin or coat issues that may require attention. One common indication of a problem is excessive itching or scratching, which could signal skin irritation, allergies, or the presence of parasites like fleas or ticks.
Redness, inflammation, or hot spots on the skin, can also indicate underlying infections or dermatological conditions. Additionally, any changes in the appearance or texture of the coat, such as dryness, dullness, or excessive shedding, should be noted, as they could be indicative of nutritional deficiencies or systemic health issues.
The presence of mats, tangles, or bald patches in the coat may suggest inadequate grooming or underlying health concerns. By remaining vigilant during grooming sessions and promptly addressing any signs of skin or coat issues, we can help ensure our pups receive the care they need to maintain optimal health and well-being.
Tips for Brushing your Labradoodle
Investing in the right tools makes all the difference. A slicker brush for curly coats or a pin brush for wavy or straight coats are in my opinion, essential. Sometimes, a pin brush will do while at others times a slicker brush is absolutely necessary.
Before you begin brushing, make sure you spray the coat with some sort of detangling spray. This not only makes the job easier, it also helps to prevent the coat from breaking. Begin brushing from the bottom of the coat and work your way up, gently detangling any knots or mats with your fingers or the slicker brush. When encountering a difficult knot, a dematting tool can be of great help. I can count with one hand the number of times I’ve had to use mine, but have been so thankful to have had it when I needed it.
Focus on one section at a time, ensuring thorough coverage and paying special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, around their collar or harness area, and the legs and tail. Be gentle but firm in your strokes, and reward your doodle with praise and treats to make the grooming experience enjoyable.
This is especially important to establish when they are puppies. I brushed by labradoodle puppies EVERY SINGLE DAY when they were puppies. They did not need it, but the experience established a routine that has made it super easy on all of us allowing them to actually enjoy the process as they get older.
Before you finish your grooming session make sure you check your brushing work with a metal comb. This is so important! That’s how you catch spots you have missed and allows you the opportunity to catch them.
At the beginning aim to brush your Labradoodle every day. We did that for well over a year. As they get older and their coats transition to their adult coats you will learn what their coats need and what you can and can’t get away with to prevent mats and keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.
Our Labradoodle Grooming Routine
My dogs are 5 and 4 years old now and what works for us has changed depending on the season of life we are in. We now bathe them every week and they get brushed after the bath. We also have a groomer come once a month for their hair cuts and they both get brushed the night before their grooming appointment.
Now, when our dogs are more active, we do have to brush them in between baths. But that is something you will learn to recognize and spot with your own pup. I can spot a mile away when a pup is in n need of a good brushing!
Product Essentials
Let’s talk tools! Below is a list of the tools that we have used for years and consider them essentials to have:
- High-quality dog shampoo and conditioner suitable for Labradoodle hair are a must. We switch these often, but we are currently using and loving: Botaniqa Show Line.
- Professional hair dryer.
- Detangling spray or conditioner for easier brushing. Currently using Botaniqa Tangle Free Spray but have also used iGroom Detangling Spray and Hydra Ultra Detangle and Dematting Spray.
- Slicker brush. Our favorite is the ActiVet® Brush: Pro Firm Purple.
- Pin brush
- Metal comb
- Dematting tool
- Ear cleaning solution. We use and absolutely love EcoEars Dog Ear Cleaner.
- cotton balls
Caring for a Labradoodle is a journey filled with love, laughter, and yes, a fair share of grooming adventures. I hope you find these tips helpful.
