Bernese Mountain Dogs require regular grooming to maintain their health and look their best. These dogs need regular grooming to keep their thick, double-layered fur and prevent common issues such as matting and shedding. So, in this guide, we will walk you through how to groom a Bernese mountain dog. Whether you’re new to Bernese Mountain Dogs or want to improve your grooming routine, this guide will help. So, let’s dive in.
An Overview of Bernese Mountain Dog’s Coat
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their beautiful, long, and thick double coats, which protect against cold and heat. Their coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, wavy outer coat. This combination provides them with their signature look but also presents unique grooming challenges.
Regular grooming prevents matting and tangling, which are uncomfortable and can cause skin problems. Another common problem is shed skin, especially during the spring and fall seasons. Your Bernese Mountain Dog will stay comfortable and healthy all year round if you understand its coat needs. They need proper grooming not only to maintain their appearance but to keep them healthy.
Essential Grooming Tools for Bernese Mountain Dog
Choosing the proper grooming tools is crucial for effectively grooming your Bernese Mountain Dog. Here are some essential grooming tools and their uses:
- Slicker Brush
- Undercoat Rake
- Pin Brush
- Comb
- Nail Clippers
- Ear Cleaner
- Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
- Toothbrush and Dog Toothpaste
- Towel and Blow Dryer
If you have these tools ready and know how to use them, the grooming process will be smoother and more effective.
How to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog
The grooming of a Bernese Mountain Dog involves several vital steps to maintain its coat and overall health. Here’s a step-by-step guide to groom a Bernese Mountain Dog:
Brushing the Coat
You should brush your Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat regularly to keep it healthy and beautiful. Brush your dog at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.Â
Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair and detangle the outer coat, using gentle, long strokes to cover the entire body. Then, use an undercoat rake to remove dead hair without damaging the outer coat.Â
This step is crucial for managing shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Finally, smooth and shine the coat using a pin brush. Pay special attention to tangle-prone areas, like behind the ears and under the legs, and use a wide-toothed comb to remove them.
Bathing Your Bernese Mountain Dog
You should bathe your Bernese Mountain Dog every 2-3 months, or as needed, to keep their coat clean and healthy. Make sure your dog is thoroughly brushed before bathing to remove loose hair and tangles.Â
Gather all the supplies, including shampoo, conditioner, a towel, and a dog blow dryer. Make sure your dog’s coat is thoroughly wet with lukewarm water. Apply the shampoo, working it into a lather and ensuring it reaches the undercoat.Â
After rinsing thoroughly, apply the conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Make sure your dog’s coat is completely dry after a bath with a high-absorbency towel and a blow dryer on a low heat setting.
Nail Trimming
Your Bernese Mountain Dog’s nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Make sure you use dog-specific nail clippers and handle your dog’s paw gently but firmly. Trim each nail tip, being careful not to cut the quick, which is the sensitive part inside the nail that can bleed.
If you cut the quick, use styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Overgrown nails can cause issues with walking and posture, so regular nail trimming keeps your dog comfy.
Ear Cleaning
It is essential to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog’s ears clean to prevent infections. Clean their ears every 2-4 weeks using a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution.Â
Apply the solution to a cotton ball and gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ears, avoiding deep insertion into the ear canal to prevent injury. You should clean your dog’s ears regularly to avoid wax buildup and debris, which can cause infections.
Dental Care
Good dental hygiene is vital for your Bernese Mountain Dog’s overall health. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Lift your dog’s lip to expose their teeth and apply the toothpaste to the brush.Â
You should brush the teeth gently in circular motions, focusing on the gum line and the back teeth. Regular brushing prevents dental diseases, bad breath, and other health issues. Make sure your dog’s dental care routine is on point so their teeth and gums stay healthy.
FAQs
How often should a Bernese Mountain Dog be washed?
Moderately active dogs can be bathed every 6 to 8 weeks to keep their coat and skin healthy. Be careful when bathing puppies, as their delicate skin may become dry if they are washed too frequently.Â
You should dry your dog’s coat thoroughly after swimming or getting wet to prevent hot spots and staph infections. Regularly brushing your Bernese Mountain Dog will keep it clean between baths, reducing the number of baths you have to give it.
Can you cut a Bernese Mountain Dog’s hair?
Generally, Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t need their hair cut, but there are exceptions. It may be necessary to trim their fur for hygiene or health reasons, such as removing mats or reducing shedding. However, cutting their hair too short can damage their natural insulation and expose their skin.Â
Consult a professional groomer who knows Bernese Mountain Dogs to ensure the grooming is done safely and correctly. Brushing and grooming them regularly is the best way to keep their coat healthy and looking good.
How do you clean Bernese ears?
When cleaning your Bernese Mountain Dog’s ears, use a vet-approved solution and cotton balls. After gently lifting the dog’s ear flap, squeeze a small amount of ear cleaner into the dog’s ear canal. If debris is in the ear, massage it for about 20-30 seconds to loosen it.Â
Your dog should shake its head to expel the solution and debris. Next, gently wipe the outer part of the ear canal and ear flap with a cotton ball. Avoid inserting anything too deep into the ear canal. Clean your dog’s ears every 2-4 weeks or as needed.
Read More: How To Care For A Paralyzed Dog?
The Takeaway
Your Bernese Mountain Dog needs regular grooming to stay healthy, comfortable, and look its best. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to manage its thick double coat, keep it clean, and prevent health issues. Regular grooming enhances your dog’s appearance and strengthens your bond with him. Make these grooming practices part of your routine for a happy and healthy Bernese Mountain Dog.
