Goldendoodle Coat Care Between Grooming Appointments

Hey there, Doodle Owners! Elina here. 

If you have a Doodle, you know that they need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks!

However, Goldendoodles also need proper grooming in between appointments to maintain a healthy, tangle-free, and beautiful coat. This means you need to establish an at-home grooming routine that includes bathing, brushing, and basic maintenance.

By the end of this article, you'll have an established at-home grooming routine and know how to maintain your Goldendoodle's coat.

Goldendoodles inherit their coat types from either their Poodle or Golden Retriever parents. This means their maintenance will vary depending on their coat type:

• Curly Coats: Most prone to tangling and matting, so they require more frequent brushing and trimming
• Wavy or Straight Coats: More similar to a Golden Retriever, these require less intense maintenance. However, regular brushing is still essential for preventing tangles and keeping the coat and skin healthy.

Having the right tools on hand is key to grooming your Goldendoodle at home. Here are three essential items every Goldendoodle owner needs in their grooming kit:

A Dog Detangler Spray conditions your Goldendoodle's coat, making brushing easier and faster. I recommend the Dood Woof Doodle Detangler Spray as it is specifically formulated for Doodles and made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.

A slicker brush is a must for removing loose fur and brushing through tangles. I recommend the Chris Christensen Slicker Brush as it has extra-long pins that penetrate deep into the thick, curly Doodle coats.

A wide-toothed metal comb is used after brushing to catch any remaining tangles. I recommend the Andis Wide-Toothed Comb for its durability and smooth glide through wavy and curly Doodle coats.

For a complete list of the best Goldendoodle grooming products, check out my hand-picked list of the 10 Best Grooming Tools for Doodle Owners.

Now, how do you take care of your Goldendoodle's coat at home?

Regular brushing is the foundation of a good Goldendoodle grooming routine and should be done daily or at least 2-3 times per week. This prevents mats, distributes natural oils, and removes loose fur. Here's how to brush your Goldendoodle properly:

Mats are a common issue for Goldendoodles; they can be painful, and even lead to skin irritation. The best way to prevent mats is through regular brushing and combing.

1. Spray the Doodle Detangler Spray generously throughout the coat to condition and soften the hair.
2. Use your slicker brush to gently work through any tangles or mats, starting at the ends of the hair and moving up toward the skin.
3. Finish with a wide-toothed metal comb to ensure there are no more knots.

When bathing your Doodle, always use a gentle, dog-safe shampoo to avoid irritating your Doodle's skin. Here's how to properly bathe your Goldendoodle:

1. Thoroughly wet your Goldendoodle's coat with lukewarm water.
2. Apply the dog shampoo and massage it throughout the coat (avoiding eyes and ears).
3. Rinse the coat thoroughly to remove shampoo.
4. Squeeze excess water from the coat with a towel.
5. Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to speed up drying.

Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections due to their floppy, long ears. Clean your Doodle's ears regularly with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls. Gently wipe the inner ear flap and visible part of the ear canal, but never insert anything into the ear canal itself.

Brushing your Goldendoodle's teeth is necessary to prevent dental disease and bad breath. Brush your Doodle's teeth at least 2-3 times per week using a dog toothpaste and soft toothbrush.

If you feel confident, you can perform basic trimming at home between professional grooming appointments. Use grooming scissors and dog clippers to trim hair around your Goldendoodle's face, ears, and paws, and use nail clippers for nail trimming.

The frequency of at-home grooming depends on your Goldendoodle's coat type and individual needs. Follow these general guidelines:

• Brush: 2-3 times weekly minimum (curly coats need more)
• Bathe: Every 4-6 weeks
• Clean ears and trim nails: As you notice they need it

During shedding season or summer months, you might need to increase grooming frequency for comfort.

Even with great home care, you'll need professional help sometimes, especially when:

• You can't safely remove severe matting at home
• Your pup needs a complete groom beyond your skills
• You notice concerning skin or coat issues

If you're looking for Doodle haircut ideas, check out my 9 Best Doodle Haircut Ideas 

1. Over-bathing: Washing your Goldendoodle too often strips their coat of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Stick to the recommended bathing schedule of every 3-6 weeks unless absolutely necessary.
2. Using the wrong tools: Low-quality grooming tools can damage your Goldendoodle's coat and skin. Invest in high-quality tools, like those featured in my 10 Best Grooming Tools for Doodle Owners.
3. Rushing the process: Grooming, especially detangling, requires patience. Never yank or force a brush through tangled hair, as this can hurt your Goldendoodle.
4. Neglecting regular grooming: Consistency is key. Stick to a regular grooming schedule to keep your Goldendoodle's coat healthy and mat-free.

A regular at-home grooming routine is key to keeping your Goldendoodle's coat healthy and tangle-free between professional grooming appointments. Remember to be patient and gentle during the grooming process to ensure it's a good experience for both you and your Doodle.

And if your Goldendoodle is prone to tangled/matted hair, check out my Ultimate Guide to Detangling Your Doodle's Coat.