Bernese Mountain Dogs are beloved for their thick, beautiful coats and gentle temperaments. However, grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog requires dedication due to their double coat, which tends to shed year-round, with particularly heavy shedding in the spring and fall. To maintain their health and appearance, a structured grooming routine is essential. So, how to groom a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively groom your Bernese Mountain Dog. For the best brush recommendations specific to a Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat, check out this guide on the best brush for Bernese Mountain Dog.
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Quick Grooming Guide for a Bernese Mountain Dog
Stay consistent with grooming to keep your Bernese happy and healthy!
Bernese Mountain Dog’s Coat
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat, consisting of a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The undercoat provides warmth in cold weather and helps regulate temperature during warmer months.
The outer coat protects against dirt, moisture, and UV rays. Because of this double layer, it’s important to avoid shaving or clipping the dog unless for medical reasons, as removing the coat can disrupt their natural insulation process and expose them to risks like sunburn or skin irritation. Here’s how to groom a Bernese Mountain Dog:
1. Regular Brushing
One of the most important parts of grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog is regular brushing. Their long, dense coat can easily become matted, especially in areas such as behind the ears, under the armpits, and on the belly. Regular brushing also helps control shedding and distribute the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny. If you’re looking to reduce shedding in other breeds, here’s how to effectively deshed a Boxer dog.
Tools to Use:
- Slicker Brush: Ideal for general brushing, particularly for removing loose hairs.
- Undercoat Rake: This tool helps remove dead hair from the dense undercoat, especially during shedding season.
- Wide-Toothed Comb: Useful for detangling knots and working on sensitive areas.
- De-shedding Tool: Helpful during shedding season to remove excess fur from the undercoat.
Brushing Frequency: Aim to brush your Bernese Mountain Dog at least 2-3 times a week under normal conditions. However, during shedding seasons in the spring and fall, daily brushing may be necessary to prevent matting and excessive shedding around the house.
2. Bathing
Bathing a Bernese Mountain Dog helps keep their coat clean, but it should be done in moderation to avoid stripping the natural oils from their skin. Bathe your dog every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their activity level and how dirty they get. Use a dog-specific shampoo that is gentle on their skin and coat.
Bathing Tips:
- Wet the coat thoroughly before applying shampoo, working it in gently to ensure it penetrates both the undercoat and topcoat.
- Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any leftover shampoo that could irritate the skin.
- Consider using a conditioner to keep the coat soft and reduce tangles.
- Dry your dog with a towel and, if possible, use a high-velocity dryer to remove excess water and loose hairs.
3. Ear Cleaning
Bernese Mountain Dogs have floppy ears, which can trap moisture and dirt, leading to potential infections. It’s essential to check and clean their ears regularly.
How to Clean Ears:
- Use a veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution and a cotton ball to gently wipe the inside of the ear flap.
- Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal to prevent injury.
Signs of ear infections include redness, swelling, and foul odors. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for advice.
4. Eye Care
Keeping your Bernese Mountain Dog’s eyes clean is important, especially since some dogs may develop tear staining or discharge. Gently wipe around the eyes with a damp cotton ball, checking for redness or signs of irritation. If you notice anything unusual, consult your vet.
5. Nail Trimming
Bernese Mountain Dogs’ nails need to be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or difficulty walking. Trim their nails every 4 to 6 weeks, or as needed, using dog nail clippers or a grinder. Be cautious not to cut too close to the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding. If you’re uncomfortable with nail trimming, a professional groomer or vet can assist. Poodle owners may wonder whether it’s better to groom their dog wet or dry; learn the best approach in this article on brushing a Poodle.
6. Dental Care
Oral health is often overlooked but is vital for your dog’s overall well-being. Brush your dog’s teeth 2-3 times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular dental care helps prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, and gum disease. Additionally, providing dental chews can help keep their teeth clean.
7. Feet and Fur Trimming
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t require frequent haircuts, trimming the fur around the paws can help keep them clean and prevent dirt from being tracked into the house. Use thinning shears to carefully trim the hair around the feet and between the paw pads, maintaining a natural look.
Some dogs may also require light trimming around the sanitary areas to avoid matting and ensure cleanliness. However, it’s important to maintain the coat’s overall length and avoid shaving, as the coat protects the dog from environmental elements.
8. Managing Shedding
Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy shedders, particularly during shedding seasons in the spring and fall. Brushing more frequently during these times can help manage the shedding and reduce the amount of loose fur in your home.
Using a de-shedding tool, such as a FURminator, can assist in removing dead hair from the undercoat. However, be gentle to avoid damaging the topcoat or irritating the skin.
9. Checking for Parasites
While brushing and grooming, take the opportunity to check your dog for external parasites like ticks and fleas. Run your hands over their body to feel for any unusual bumps, and inspect areas around the ears, neck, and belly for signs of parasites. If you find any, treat your dog with appropriate flea or tick prevention products and consult your vet if necessary.
To keep your Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat looking its best, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids. Supplements, such as fish oil, can help improve coat health and reduce shedding. A regular grooming routine, combined with a proper diet, will help keep your dog’s coat shiny, light, and healthy-looking. New Cane Corso puppy owners can find valuable tips for maintaining their puppy’s coat and health in this guide on caring for a Cane Corso puppy.
Grooming and Dealing with Common Bernese Mountain Dog Skin Issues
Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog not only helps keep their coat clean and manageable but also allows you to monitor their skin for potential issues. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to some skin conditions due to their dense double coat and large size. Being vigilant about their skin health can prevent minor problems from turning into significant concerns. Here are common skin issues Bernese Mountain Dogs face and how proper grooming can help manage them.
1. Hot Spots
Hot spots are a common issue in dogs with thick coats like the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are inflamed, moist areas of the skin that result from bacterial infections often caused by excessive licking or scratching. The dense fur of a Bernese can trap moisture, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
Prevention and Treatment: Regular grooming helps by keeping the coat clean and dry, which reduces the chances of hot spots developing. Thoroughly drying your dog after a bath or swim is essential. If you spot a hot spot during grooming, trim the hair around the affected area to let it breathe and apply an antibiotic ointment recommended by your vet. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe a medicated shampoo or oral antibiotics.
2. Allergies and Dermatitis
Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may suffer from allergies, either food-related or environmental, which can manifest as itchy skin, redness, or inflammation. Dermatitis can occur from irritants like grass, dust mites, or pollen, especially if the skin stays damp under their thick fur.
Prevention and Treatment: Regular brushing not only keeps their coat free from tangles but also removes potential allergens. If your dog shows signs of allergies, like constant scratching or licking, consult with a vet to identify the cause. Using hypoallergenic shampoos and wiping your dog’s coat with a damp cloth after outdoor activities can also minimize exposure to environmental allergens. In some cases, dietary changes may be necessary if food allergies are suspected. For German Shepherd owners, this resource explains how often you should brush a German Shepherd’s fur to keep it healthy and clean.
3. Fungal and Bacterial Infections
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s thick undercoat can trap moisture, making it easier for bacterial and fungal infections to occur, especially in humid environments. Common signs of such infections include unusual odor, greasiness, and scaly skin.
Prevention and Treatment: Keeping your dog’s coat dry and well-ventilated is key. If you live in a particularly humid area, more frequent grooming and bathing with antifungal or antibacterial shampoos may be required. Ensuring proper airflow to the skin by removing any mats or tangles can also prevent these issues.
4. Parasites
Due to their outdoor-loving nature, Bernese Mountain Dogs are also susceptible to parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can cause skin irritation and infections.
Prevention and Treatment: Checking your dog for ticks and fleas during grooming sessions is important, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas. Using a flea comb, flea treatments, and maintaining regular use of tick prevention products can help avoid infestations. If you find ticks, it’s crucial to remove them safely with tweezers and clean the area thoroughly.
Wrapping Up!
Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog requires time and commitment, but it’s an important part of maintaining their health and appearance. Regular brushing, occasional baths, ear and dental care, and proper nail trimming all contribute to their overall well-being. By following these grooming tips and using the right tools, you can ensure that your Bernese Mountain Dog remains comfortable, clean, and looking its best.
With patience and consistency, grooming can become a bonding experience between you and your furry companion, allowing them to stay happy and healthy throughout their life. Hope so, now you know how to groom a Bernese Mountain Dog. Goldendoodle grooming can be tricky, but this article answers the question of how often you should brush a Goldendoodle to prevent matting and tangles.
