When it comes to bathing, Labradoodles are a pretty easy breed to take care of. They do not require frequent baths because too much bathing can strip away necessary oils in their skin and fur. If your Labradoodle has a curly coat, you probably take them to the groomer on occasion for a trim, and they can be washed there. However, as any dog owner knows, dogs love to roll around in gross things, and your playful pup may not shy away from a mud puddle. When your Labradoodle is dirty, it’s nice to know the best methods for giving them a bath.
1. Prepare your dog for bath time
If you have long hair, you’ve probably experienced first hand that it’s easier to brush your hair post-shower if you brush it before it gets wet. Dogs are the same way. If your dog’s fur is matted when you put them in the tub, it will probably be just as matted when you take them out. Also, when long fur gets wet, it will stretch more when you pull on it, resulting in rips and tears that will make their coat look worse. Give your dog a quick brush through and work through major knots before the bath; otherwise you’re in for a struggle.
Let your dog test the water before you turn on the shower head or start dumping it on them. Water that’s too hot or too cold can be very uncomfortable for them. The last thing you want to do is create an aversion to bath time. Giving them a few moments to adjust to the water temperature may prevent them from being startled when they’re suddenly soaked. Labradoodles tend to enjoy water, so they are likely to be fine in the bath.
2. Choose the right products
There are so many dog shampoos and conditioners on the market. It can be hard to choose which one is best for your Labradoodle. With this breed, simple products without a lot of scents or colors may be best. While the Labradoodle is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog, this does not mean that the dog cannot suffer from allergies. Labradoodles are prone to environmental allergies, which can extend to grooming products. If your shampoo makes your dog itchy and uncomfortable, they will probably scratch themselves excessively, which can cause skin problems. Also look for products that are non-toxic, because it is hard to stop your dog from licking himself.
Look for a gentle shampoo, perhaps even one that is made for dogs with allergies. The goal is to remove the dirt and bad odors, not completely strip their skin and coat of necessary oils. There are also shampoos on the market that are designed to make white coats appear whiter. If your white Labradoodle looks yellow or discolored, you may want to try one of those shampoos. Conditioners are also available for dogs with especially dry coats, but they are not necessary for bathing.
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