How Often Does a Labradoodle Need Grooming?

One of the things people love about Australian Labradoodles is that their coats barely shed. The trade-off is that the coat keeps growing, so it needs regular care. A well-groomed Labradoodle is soft, comfortable and healthy. A neglected one can get matted quickly. Here's what grooming really involves.

Why Labradoodles need regular grooming

Dogs that shed naturally drop old hair. Low-shedding coats like fleece and wool hold loose hair inside the coat instead. That's great for your floors and for allergies, but if the loose hair isn't brushed out, it tangles and forms mats. Mats pull on the skin, trap moisture and dirt, and can hide skin problems.

The fix is simple: regular brushing at home and professional grooming on a schedule.

How often to brush

A few times a week, and daily if your dog has a longer or wool coat or plays outside a lot. Pay special attention to the areas that mat first:

• Behind the ears
• Under the collar or harness
• The armpits and between the back legs
• The tail and back end
• The paws, between the toes

How to brush: Use a slicker brush and work in small sections, brushing all the way down to the skin, not just the top. Then run a metal comb through. If the comb catches, there's a tangle the brush missed. Hold the hair at the base when working out a knot so you don't pull the skin.

How often to see a groomer

About every 6 to 8 weeks for most Australian Labradoodles. A professional groom usually includes a bath, blow-dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning and a sanitary trim.

Some families keep a longer "teddy bear" look and book more often. Others prefer a shorter, easy-care cut, especially in summer, and can stretch it a little longer. Tell your groomer how much brushing you can realistically do at home and they'll suggest a length that fits.

The first grooming appointment

Your puppy's first professional groom should be a gentle introduction. Many groomers offer a short "puppy intro" visit with a bath, a light face and paw tidy, and a nail trim, so your puppy learns the grooming salon is a good place.

You can help a lot at home before that visit:

• Handle paws, ears and face daily
• Brush briefly every day with treats
• Run an electric toothbrush near your puppy so it gets used to buzzing sounds
• Practice standing still on a table or counter for a treat

Ask your vet when your puppy's vaccines are far enough along for a salon visit.

Grooming at home between appointments

• Baths: Every few weeks, or when your dog gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Brush out tangles before the bath, because water tightens mats.
• Drying: Dry thoroughly, especially in Houston's humidity. A damp coat left to air-dry can tangle and trap moisture against the skin.
• Nails: Trim every few weeks, or when you hear clicking on the floor.
• Ears: Labradoodles can grow hair in their ears and have floppy ears that trap moisture. Check weekly and clean with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Ask your vet or groomer about removing ear hair.
• Eyes: Gently wipe away any buildup at the corners.
• Teeth: Brush several times a week with dog toothpaste.

What grooming costs

Grooming prices in the Houston area vary with your dog's size, coat condition, the style you want and the salon. Larger dogs and matted coats cost more. Many groomers charge extra for dematting, and badly matted coats sometimes have to be shaved short. Regular brushing at home is the best way to keep costs down. Call a few local groomers to compare, and include grooming in your budget from the start. I cover other ownership costs in How much does an Australian Labradoodle cost in Houston?

Tools to keep at home

• Slicker brush
• Metal comb
• Detangling spray
• Gentle dog shampoo and conditioner
• Nail clippers or grinder
• Styptic powder, in case you trim a nail too short
• Ear cleaner
• Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
• Absorbent towels

Coat changes as your puppy grows

Many Labradoodles go through a coat change somewhere between about 6 and 12 months as the puppy coat gives way to the adult coat. During this time, mats can form faster than usual. Brush more often and keep up with groomer visits.

Grooming for allergies

If someone in your home has allergies, grooming helps a lot. Regular brushing and bathing remove dander before it spreads around the house. Read more in Are Australian Labradoodles really hypoallergenic?

Summer grooming in Texas

A shorter summer cut can make your dog more comfortable. Avoid shaving right down to the skin, though. A little coat protects against sunburn and heat. See my guide to keeping a Labradoodle cool in the Texas heat.

Questions?

Every Doodle's Kennel family gets lifetime breeder support, and grooming is one of the things families ask about most. Call or text me at 281-923-9266 any time. If you're still choosing a puppy, see Available Litters, learn about coat types on Labradoodles 101, or start your puppy application.