How Often Should You Bathe Your Bernedoodle?

Dogs are animals that naturally clean themselves and only need to be bathed when they start to smell bad or have gotten into something dirty. Or like my dog, when the kids have decided that the dog should play with them in the mud!! Bathing and grooming a Bernedoodle is a question that many dog owners have. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might think.
So, you’re wondering how often you should bathe your Bernedoodle? What’s the right answer? Well, that really depends on a few things. For starters, how active is your dog? And how to keep your Bernedoodle clean between baths Some people say you should bathe your pup every week, while other people think that since the Bernedoodle doesn’t shed, they don’t need to be bathed often or at all. However, this is not true! Bernedoodles are still a breed of dog and as such, they will get dirty just like any other dog. There are many different things you should consider before you decide to bathe your pup.

5 Parameters for Bathing Your Bernedoodle

1. Activity Level

If your puppy is active and spends time outside, even if they’re spending time at home too, they will get dirty easily. If this is the case, then it’s okay to bathe them every three or four weeks. Be sure to give your pup a bath when it’s actually necessary, and not just because you feel like doing it. Not only will this cut down on the number of baths they need, but it can also mean that you’ll save money on shampoo and other supplies.

2. How dirty are they?

If your Bernedoodle is really dirty, covered in mud for example, then it’s okay to bathe them more often. If this is the case, you should maybe give them a bath every month or so. Now keep in mind that if your dog doesn’t have any skin issues or allergies, you don’t need to worry about using a special shampoo and instead can just use your regular shampoo. If you think your dog needs a really good wash, then by all means bathe them every few months!

3. Breed

This is an important factor because some breeds require more baths than others. For example, if you get a breed like the Afghan hound, they require more baths because their coat is very heavy. If you get a dog that doesn’t need to be bathed often like the Bernedoodle or Maltese, then bathing them once every few months is okay.

4. Age

The age of your pup can impact how often you need to give them a bath. Newborn pups need to be bathed much more often than older pups. Usually, you will want to wait until your pup is at least a few months old before giving them their first bath.

5. Health issues

If your dog has a skin condition or other types of health problems, it’s important to give them regular baths so that you can keep their skin clean and moisturized. Keep in mind that dogs with allergies will need to be bathed more often than other breeds so that their skin can stay healthy and clean.

Which kind of shampoo or conditioners are best to use for your Bernedoodle?

There is a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners on the market, all designed for different kinds of dogs. Now keep in mind that if your pup doesn’t have any skin issues or allergies, you can simply use your regular shampoo. But if your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to consider using an oatmeal shampoo or a mild shampoo. If your pup smells bad from getting into something icky, then you might want to try something with tea tree oil because it kills bacteria and odor-causing fungus. Do not use human shampoo on your dog! This can be very damaging to your pup’s skin and may cause them to have an allergic reaction. You should also not use dish soap to bathe your dog because it can dry out their skin very badly if you do so.

How to keep your Bernedoodle clean between baths?

If you can’t give your pup a bath every week, don’t worry! There are other things you can do to keep them clean until the next time it’s necessary.

1. Brush your dog regularly

Brushing not only keeps their hair tangle-free but also removes dirt and debris that build up during brushing sessions. The more you brush your pup, the less dirt and debris will accumulate.

2. Wipe their paws when they come in from outside

As much as possible, wipe your dog’s paws after they’ve been outside to remove any grass or other debris that might be stuck there. Not only is this good for your pup, but it’ll also keep your home clean.

3. Clean their ears

Your Bernedoodle’s ears are small enough that you should be able to reach inside with a clean cloth. Swab out what you can, but if there is excess wax build-up then it is best to talk to your vet about how to remove the earwax without hurting them.

4. Keep an eye on their skin

This is especially true if your dog has allergies or skin conditions. If you notice your dog is scratching excessively or has red or irritated skin, it may be time to give them a bath. This will help remove dirt and irritants that could be causing the irritation and prevent further problems for your pooch. Keeping their skin clean will help you spot any problems before they get out of hand.

5. Clean their teeth

Keeping your pup’s pearly whites clean can also make them less smelly. You should brush their teeth every day, but if you’re not able to then at least give them a weekly toothbrush.

Conclusion

If you’re nervous about bathing your pup, don’t be. Dogs are wonderful, loving animals that want to make their owners happy. There is no need to be scared of bathing your pup as long as you follow these simple steps. Consider each factor carefully before deciding on a bathing schedule that’s right for your dog. This careful consideration will help both you and your pup have a much better experience with grooming. For at-home grooming, I am a big fan of Burt’s Bees dog shampoo & conditioner. Just remember to wash it out completely as any left on your pup’s skin will irritate the skin. You don’t have to buy it from Amazon, but here is a link.