Grooming Needs of Poodles

Bathing

• Poodles can have regular baths every week or every other week. Baths should also be given if the dog becomes dirty or soiled. When bathing, use warm water to completely wet the dog. The coat is dense, so make sure that everything down to the skin is wet before shampooing. Use a gentle shampoo made for dogs to remove dirt and excess oils. Rinse thoroughly and ensure all suds and residue are gone. Shampoo that is left on the skin or in the coat after a bath will irritate the poodle. The coat can be air-dried, which will leave the hair curly, or brushed and dried with a blow dryer, which creates a smoother look.

Brushing and Combing

• Brushing is an important part of grooming because it removes dead hair and evenly distributes natural oils throughout the coat. It also helps to stimulate skin circulation. Work in sections when brushing a poodle. Take the brush and begin working at the end of the hair and gradually work toward the root and skin. Be sure not to pull too hard or brush too fast, as it will cause the hair to become weak and break. After brushing, go back over the coat with a comb to ensure all tangles and mats have been removed.

Clipping the Coat

• Clipping a poodle's coat is one of the most difficult aspects of grooming this breed. A poodle's hair grows continuously, making clipping and cutting an essential part of any grooming routine. Owners may choose show cuts for their poodles, but most dogs kept as pets do not need to maintain specific cuts. Choosing a qualified professional groomer is the most time-efficient and stress-free way to ensure your poodle is properly clipped. However, some owners choose to clip their dog themselves, but this requires a big time commitment and an investment in clippers, blades and other accessories. There are many resources, both online and in books, for those who wish to learn how to clip a poodle at home.

Trimming the Nails

• It is important to keep a poodle's nails trimmed to an appropriate length. When standing squarely on a level surface, the nails should not touch the ground. Overlong nails can be painful and could become snagged on carpeting or other materials around the house. To trim nails, hold the paw in one hand and clippers in the other. Carefully clip off the sharp tip of the nail. Have styptic powder or flour on hand in case the quick is cut and causes the dog to bleed. Place the powder or flour on the nail to stem bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Ears

• Many poodles have hair that grows within the ear canal. Consult with a veterinarian on whether to remove this hair; it can cause health problems in some dogs. If you are advised to remove the hair, gently pluck it out using your finger and thumb. Keep poodles' ears clean by swabbing them with a cotton ball. You can also use commercially available products specifically formulated to clean the ears of dogs.

Eyes and Teeth

• Light-colored poodles can develop stains around the eyes from tears. Gently wiping the eye area with a soft cloth every day can help minimize stains and remove dirt. Use a toothpaste and toothbrush made for dogs to regularly clean the poodle's teeth. Ideally, dogs should receive a tooth brushing every day, but if this is not possible, brush the dog's teeth every week. Poodles should also receive professional dental care from a veterinarian every few months.