Grooming Your Doodle-

At Sugar Pine Doodles, we recognize the significance of maintaining the distinct appearance and well-being of your Australian Labradoodle. This breed requires attentive grooming, and we provide comprehensive care recommendations to ensure your pet's coat, eyes, ears, teeth, and overall hygiene are meticulously maintained.

From the beginning, start brushing and handling your puppy similar to grooming. Teach them to stand up or lie down for grooming right from the start. Some coat types may start to mat between eight and twelve months of age due to the adult coat pushing out from under the puppy coat and tangling. A non-shedding dog needs to have the old puppy coat brushed out weekly during this transitional phase which could last for several months.

Shampoo- Choose Life’s Abundance Dog Shampoo or tearless puppy shampoo. Mane and Tail works great, too. Only wash your puppy about once a month. Over bathing can cause skin problems or irritation. This item is included in the Sugar Pine Doodle's recommended Life’s Abundance Healthy Start Pack SM Dogs: 8 lb.

Bathing Modern dog shampoos allow for frequent bathing without drying out the coat. Thoroughly brush your Labradoodle before bathing to remove dead hair and prevent tangles. Use warm water and ensure all soap is rinsed out. After bathing, gently dry your dog with a towel and a blow dryer on a warm, gentle setting, maintaining a safe distance to avoid skin burns.

Cowboy Magic- This grooming product is great for maintaining a good coat and to help eliminate matts. (This product is not needed for our 1st generation Labradoodles)

Brushing Your Doodle

Brushes- (Full Service Puppy Pack) A slicker brush and a comb (comb not included in puppy pack).

Coat Maintenance Australian Labradoodles, known for their unique coats, require regular professional grooming. To prevent matting and maintain their coat's luster, we advise scheduling professional grooming sessions every 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing is essential to remove dead undercoat and prevent matting, as Australian Labradoodles do not shed. Initiating grooming routines early in your puppy's life ensures they grow to enjoy grooming sessions.

Blunt Trimming Scissors- For trimming between eyes, feet, etc. You will need to do some extra brushing during the time your puppy’s coat transitions into an adult coat. This will remove the dead puppy coat so the adult coat will not matt into it. This transition usually occurs before one year of age and can take several months before the adult coat is fully in. We have noticed this happens around 11 months old with our puppies.

Ear Care

Ear Care Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections and mite infestation. Any foul odor from the ears should be addressed immediately, usually involving plucking of ear hair. Ensure that your groomer also checks and maintains your pet's ear health during grooming sessions.

Ear Cleaner- Clean the ears once a week. Buy a cleaning solution and if needed a drying powder. This item is included in the Sugar Pine Doodle's recommended Life’s Abundance Healthy Start Pack SM Dogs: 8 lb.

Dental Care

Dental Care Australian Labradoodles are prone to gum diseases like gingivitis. We recommend feeding your pet hard kibble, providing chew toys for tartar removal, and establishing a regular tooth brushing routine using soft-bristled, battery-operated toothbrushes and dog-specific toothpaste.

Eye Care

Eye Care Weepy eyes, a common trait in Australian Labradoodles, necessitate daily cleaning to prevent fur staining and reduce the risk of infections such as conjunctivitis. Gentle, non-alcoholic baby wipes or pet eye wipes are recommended for daily cleaning. Consistent face cleaning remains the most effective approach for managing tear stains.

Improved Doodle Nail Care

Nail Clippers and Kwik Stop – (Full Service Puppy Pack) Trim the nails once a week. Keep Kwik Stop on hand in case you cut the nail back too far. Bleeding will be difficult to stop without it.

Nail Trimming Regular nail trimming is vital to prevent pain and potential injuries. Untrimmed nails can curl into the pads of the feet, causing discomfort and sores. Inform your groomer about any dewclaws.

Anal Care

Anal Gland Health Signs like excessive licking or dragging of the hindquarters could indicate blocked anal glands. Regular grooming sessions should include checking and potentially expressing these glands to prevent discomfort and infection.

Remember, grooming your Australian Labradoodle not only enhances their appearance but is also essential for their health and well-being. Following these guidelines will help keep your Sugar Pine Doodles Labradoodle looking and feeling their best.

Grooming