The Ultimate Guide to Bernedoodle Grooming and Oral Hygiene: Keep Your Dog Healthy & Happy
Owning a Bernedoodle means enjoying a playful, affectionate, and curly-coated companion. But proper grooming and dental care are essential for their overall health and well-being. Bernedoodles do not shed much, so they need regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming to maintain a healthy coat.
In addition, oral hygiene is crucial to prevent plaque buildup, tartar accumulation, and dental disease. Bernedoodles inherit their dental structure from both Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs. This can make them prone to tooth crowding, gum disease, and decay if not properly cared for.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Bernedoodle coat care, grooming schedules, dental hygiene routines, and expert-recommended products to keep your furry friend clean and healthy.
- Key Takeaways ✅
- What Are the Basics of Bernedoodle Grooming?
- How Do You Groom a Bernedoodle Properly?
- How Often Should You Groom Your Bernedoodle?
- How Can You Ensure a Positive Grooming Experience for Your Bernedoodle?
- Why Is Oral Hygiene Important for a Bernedoodle?
- How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay in Bernedoodles?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts: Keep Your Bernedoodle Clean & Healthy
- Sources
Key Takeaways ✅
✔ Bernedoodles require frequent grooming to prevent matting and maintain their coat.
✔ Regular brushing (3–4 times per week) helps keep their fur soft and manageable.
✔ Brushing their teeth at least 3 times a week prevents plaque buildup and gum disease.
✔ Professional grooming & dental check-ups improve their overall dental health.
✔ Bernedoodle puppies should start grooming early to become accustomed to the process.
What Are the Basics of Bernedoodle Grooming?
Regular grooming is crucial for Bernedoodles’ coat health and hygiene. Because Bernedoodles do not shed much, their fur tends to trap dirt, debris, and oils, leading to matting if not brushed regularly.
Bernedoodle Coat Types & Grooming Needs
Bernedoodles inherit their coat type from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and Poodle parent, resulting in three variations:
- Curly Coat (Poodle-like) → Requires daily brushing to prevent matting.
- Wavy Coat (Balanced Mix) → Requires brushing every 2–3 days.
- Straight Coat (Bernese-like) → Sheds slightly, but still needs weekly brushing.
Expert Tip: Dr. Emily Parker, a professional pet groomer, says, “Bernedoodles with curly coats need brushing every other day, while wavy coats can be maintained with 3 brushes per week.”
How Do You Groom a Bernedoodle Properly?
A Bernedoodle’s grooming routine includes brushing, bathing, and haircuts to prevent matting and maintain their fluffy look.
Best Grooming Tools for Bernedoodles
Using high-quality grooming tools makes the grooming process easier:
- Slicker Brush → Best for removing tangles and loose fur.
- Metal Comb → Helps detangle hard-to-reach areas.
- Dematting Tool → Breaks up mats in thick fur.
- Dog Clippers & Scissors → Essential for trimming their coat.
Brushing Routine:
- Curly-coated Bernedoodles → Brush daily
- Wavy-coated Bernedoodles → Brush 3–4 times a week
- Straight-coated Bernedoodles → Brush weekly
Bathing Your Bernedoodle: Bathe them every 4–6 weeks using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Avoid over-bathing, as it can strip natural oils and cause skin irritation.
Haircuts: Bernedoodle haircuts should be scheduled every 6–8 weeks to prevent excessive matting.
How Often Should You Groom Your Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles require regular grooming to keep their coat free from tangles and mats. The frequency of grooming time depends on their coat type and activity level.
Mini Bernedoodles vs. Standard Bernedoodles: Does Size Affect Grooming Needs?
- Mini Bernedoodles often have tighter curls, making brushing more frequent.
- Standard Bernedoodles have a larger surface area, meaning grooming takes longer but can be spaced out more.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends brushing your dog’s coat multiple times per week to prevent skin infections caused by matted fur (AVMA, 2024).
Best Practices:
- Brush at least 3–4 times a week.
- Schedule professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
- Check for matting behind ears, under legs, and around the tail.
How Can You Ensure a Positive Grooming Experience for Your Bernedoodle?
Ensuring a positive grooming experience involves making the process enjoyable. Bernedoodle puppies should be introduced to brushing, bathing, and teeth cleaning at an early age to become accustomed to the process.
Troubleshooting Common Grooming Challenges
- If your Bernedoodle refuses teeth brushing, try flavored toothpaste like peanut butter or chicken flavor.
- If your dog hates bath time, use a slow feeder with peanut butter to keep them occupied.
- If matting is a problem, a detangling spray can make brushing smoother.
Dr. Parker advises always making grooming a rewarding experience with praise, treats, or a play session afterward.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important for a Bernedoodle?
Oral hygiene directly impacts a Bernedoodle’s overall health. Poor dental care leads to:
❌ Plaque buildup → Turns into hardened tartar.
❌ Gum disease → Can cause pain, inflammation, and infection.
❌ Tooth loss → Advanced decay leads to extractions.
Common Bernedoodle Dental Issues:
- Tooth Crowding (from their Poodle genes).
- Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease (caused by plaque buildup).
- Bad Breath (Halitosis) (due to lack of brushing).
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), daily brushing can reduce plaque buildup by up to 80 percent in dogs. Bernedoodles with Poodle-like teeth are more susceptible to crowded teeth, increasing the risk of dental disease (VOHC, 2024).
How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay in Bernedoodles?
To prevent dental disease, a structured dental routine is essential:
Bernedoodle Dental Care Routine
✅ Daily: Wipe teeth with dog dental wipes.
✅ 3–4 Times a Week: Use enzymatic toothpaste and a soft-bristled dog toothbrush.
✅ Weekly: Offer dental chews to help remove plaque.
✅ Every 12–18 Months: Schedule professional teeth cleaning at the vet.
Dr. Mark Lewis, a canine dental specialist, states that brushing your Bernedoodle’s teeth three to four times a week significantly reduces tartar buildup and prevents periodontal disease.
Best Dog Toothpaste for Bernedoodles:
- Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- SOOTHING AND EFFECTIVE – Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Gel Toothpaste is a veterinarian formulated soothing and effective …
- CLEANS AND FRESHENS – Freshens breath and gently cleans away plaque and tartar
- PART OF A HEALTHY REGIMEN – Supports your dog’s dental hygiene between annual cleanings at your vet’s office. Directions…
- For dogs and cats: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaqu…
- Safe for daily use: Includes no foaming agents so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- Vet recommended: Virbac is the top recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals and made in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you brush a Bernedoodle’s teeth?
Brushing their teeth at least 3 times a week prevents plaque buildup and gum disease.
Do Bernedoodles need professional dental cleanings?
Yes! Annual professional cleanings help remove tartar and prevent periodontal disease.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Use a soft-bristled dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste formulated for dogs.
How can I make grooming a positive experience?
Start early, use positive reinforcement, and keep sessions short and rewarding with treats and praise.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Bernedoodle Clean & Healthy
Bernedoodle grooming and dental care are essential for their overall health. Regular brushing, professional grooming, and vet check-ups ensure your Bernedoodle stays comfortable, happy, and free from matting and dental disease.
By following this expert-recommended guide, Bernedoodle owners can enjoy a healthy, fluffy companion for years to come.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. (2024). Bernedoodle Breed Information. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/
- American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Canine Grooming & Health Recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/
- Veterinary Oral Health Council. (2024). Dog Dental Health Standards. Retrieved from http://www.vohc.org/
- VCA Animal Hospitals. (2024). Dental Disease in Dogs. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs
- Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. (2023). The Importance of Canine Oral Health. Retrieved from https://jovd.info/