Due to their intelligence and gorgeous look, poodles are common show dogs. Even if your pup doesn’t compete, creating a dog grooming routine at home will help you keep their curly hair smooth and beautiful. Here are a few tips for caring for this high-maintenance breed.

Dog Grooming Guide for Your Poodle

1. Eye Cleaning

Poodles tend to tear up a lot. Rust-colored porphyrins in their tears can leave reddish stains around their eyes. The constant moisture can also provide prime conditions for yeast infections, which also cause discoloration.

To prevent fur discoloration, wipe the tears two or three times a day. If your dog still has tear staining, use a stain remover designed for poodle hair.

2. Brushing

The poodle coat is unique in that it is hair rather than fur, meaning it will continue to grow nonstop. As the dogs shed, their curly hair traps the loose hair, which creates tangles if they aren’t brushed.

Brush your pup’s coat every day or every other day using a pin brush. Spray their hair with conditioner in a spray bottle before doing this. Misting each area of their body as you work will help you remove tangles more easily. For tougher mats and knots, use a slicker brush.

3. Bathing

Bathe your poodle after brushing them. Knots are harder to remove from wet fur.

Always use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo to prevent skin irritation. Do not use a leave-in conditioner, since this could weigh down their hair. The spray conditioner you use while brushing will give them a softer coat.

For poodles, professional dog grooming is best every three to six weeks. The pet groomers at Golden Heart Boarding & Grooming in North Pole, AK, are experienced with all breeds. You can expect a high-quality groom that will leave your pup with a shiny and fluffy coat. They don’t charge additional fees for add-ons. See their full list of services online and call (907) 488-6866 to schedule an appointment.