by Poodled | Grooming, Poodles
Caring for a poodle puppy can feel like a lot of work, but for most poodle parents its effort well invested. Poodle puppy hygiene might be hard, but it is very emotionally rewarding. Poodles are loving, obedient, and loyal dogs and building a strong bond with them begins in puppyhood. You can enhance your relationship with your poodle through training, play, and hygiene.
These activities help to build trust and strengthen the attachment your dog has to you. Hygiene issues are also important for keeping your poodle puppy healthy and happy.
Table of Contents
- Importance of Grooming
- Coat Care for Poodles
- General Hygiene
- Grooming Tools
- Final Thoughts
Importance of Grooming
Poodles are considered hypoallergenic, which means they tend to shed very little and not produce as much dander like other dogs. Many poodle owners find their dogs smell better and are easier to care for, too. They also tend to trigger allergies even in people who are typically allergic to most dogs.
Despite how beneficial it is to have a poodle that doesn’t shed or trigger allergies, their coats still require a great deal of care. Poodle coats are notorious for being one of the most high-maintenance in the dog world. If you own a poodle you are going to spend a good deal of time dealing with the hygiene of his or her coat and this care begins in early puppyhood. Failing to care for your pup’s coat can result in discomfort from matting and even serious skin infections that cause pain and cost a great deal to resolve.
?pls do me a quick boop before I jump back in the wet stuff. ??? ?♀️ – from @benny.and.brie
Coat Care for Poodles
Poodle hair is different than some other breeds because it is actually hair and not fur. This means it’s softer, though adult poodles do develop coarser hair. Poodle puppies have wavy hair and as they age it gets curlier. This tends to occur somewhere between nine months and one and a half years of age, though some poodles keep their puppy coats until they are three years old.
Poodles shed – less than most dogs – but it’s still something you need to tend to. Their curly coat traps the shedding hair, which is why it sometimes seems as if they don’t’ shed at all, so you’ll need to comb your pup’s coat and remove it before it develops into mats or tangles.
Unless a poodle’s coat is clipped very closely, you’ll need to brush your dog on a daily basis. However, as a pup, it’s important to do daily brushings or more. This allows your young dog the chance to get used to grooming and ensures you’ll be able to groom stress-free once he or she is an adult, regardless of how short you choose to clip the coat.
Most poodles need a complete grooming every three to six weeks. This can be done professionally or at home, as long as you have the tools, time, and patience to take care of it. If you’ve never groomed a poodle before, but you’d like to do it yourself at home, it might be a good idea to schedule professional grooming and watch the event to learn what is needed and how best to accomplish the task.
General Poodle Puppy Hygiene
In addition to grooming your poodle’s coat, there are several other tasks that should be part of your pup’s hygiene routine. Poodle teeth should be brushed at least three times per week, even if your dog uses dental chews. This helps to reduce dental health issues and keeps your dog’s breath smelling fresh.
Poodles also need their nails trimmed about one or two times per month. You’ll know when it’s time for a little trim, because you’ll hear your pup’s nails tapping the floor when he or she walks.
Baths are usually needed about one time per week, though much of this depends on what your poodle is exposed to, especially outside, as well as the time of year. Poodles tend to get dirtier during warmer months when they are playing outside, but their skin tends to be dryer and need moisturizing during the colder, drier months.
Grooming Tools
There are several tools you’ll want to have on-hand for grooming your poodle puppy, including:
Combs and Brushes
Curved slicker brush Check out on Chewy
A brush with fine wire bristles used for the areas of short hair. Choose one that is made from quality materials and the correct size for your pup.
Rubber tipped pin brush Check out on Chewy
A brush with a cushioned pad that can be used on any area on your poodle’s coat that has medium to long hair.
Two-sided steel comb Check out on Chewy
With fine teeth on 1 side and medium teeth on the other: brush that’s used for toy and miniature poodles on their faces and to check for tangles.
Serrated de-matting comb Check out on Chewy
A comb with serrated blades that not only find knots but can be effective at removing some of them (if found when they are small). This tool should not be used on the face.
Nail Grooming
Clippers Check out on Chewy
A tool for cutting your poodle’s hair safely and efficiently. Most come with the ability to clip your poodle’s coat to various lengths.
Basic pet scissors Check out on Chewy
These scissors feature blunt, rounded ends and can be used for poodles of all ages to safely tidy up the coat and clip around the eyes. They are also great for trimming excess hairs from underneath the paw pads.
Nail clippers Check out on Chewy
Or grinders; used for clipping and grinding nails to a safe length.
Skin Care
Eye wipes Check out on Chewy
Used for wiping away “gunk” from eyes and keeping faces clean after eating.
Paw wax Check out on Chewy
Prevents problems with dry, cracked paws, which can be painful and lead to infections. Applying paw wax for poodles is a lot like humans applying lotions or creams to prevent dry, cracked skin.
Nose balm Check out on Chewy
used to combat dry skin, a common health issue for poodles. Nose balm also offers protection against UV rays.
Some poodle owners also choose to invest in a grooming table. While it isn’t necessary, it does tend to make grooming easier.
Final Thoughts
Hygiene is an important part of puppy care for your poodle. The earlier you get into the habit the easier it will be for both you and your dog.
by Poodled | Grooming, Poodles
Let’s talk about teeth! Your Poodle is most likely bred to know that life should be nothing but a pampered treat (with lots and lots of playtime included). One thing your pup will not want to skimp on is dental care. And do you blame her? Of course you don’t because you know how important it is to keep human teeth clean and healthy, so of course, it is the same for your Poodle! Having good quality dental care products for poodles is just as important as having one for yourself.
Maybe you just brought home your Poodle and have no idea where to start on the quest for the best dental care products for your Poodle. Or, you might be looking for something new to keep your Poodle’s teeth in tip-top shape. Regardless of why you’re here, we’re excited to share with you some of the best and most fun dental care products on the market today for your Poodle!
Consequences of NOT Taking Care of Your Poodle’s Teeth
We all know that not cleaning your dog’s teeth is not right, and we’re all very aware that there are true consequences for your pup if you don’t do your part! Because dogs can’t tell you when they need something, it is up to you to pay attention and keep on top of things.
What really happens when you let your Poodle’s teeth take a back seat for a while? We’re glad you asked!
Periodontal Disease
Have you started to notice that your dog’s teeth seem like they’re coming loose? Has your dog lost teeth recently (and they’re not a puppy)? There are some common signs to watch for when looking out for periodontal disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical assistance as soon as possible! There are definitely underlying causes happening that are making your Poodle’s teeth look and feel less-than-stellar.
Signs to Watch for:
- Loose Teeth
- Discharge from the Nose
- Excessive Drooling
- Lack of Interest in Food (regardless of whether they seem hungry or not)
- Whimpering and Crying from Pain
- Missing Teeth
- Food Falling from the Mouth
These signs are warning signals that something may be going wrong in your Poodle’s mouth! Head to your veterinarian as soon as you can to get your Poodle’s teeth checked out and taken care of.
Gingivitis
Much like human gingivitis, canine gingivitis is the inflammation or infection of a dog’s gums. As seen in their human counterparts, dogs with gingivitis may have swollen and irritated-looking gums that are screaming for medical attention! Here are the signs to watch for in your dog:
Signs to Watch for:
- Swollen or Inflamed Gums
- Uncharacteristically and Unexpected Bad Breath
- Extreme Tenderness of the Gums to the Touch
- Bleeding from the gums
- Pus that Oozes from the Gums when Provoked
Vet Recommendations
The severity of your dog’s dental issues will determine what route your vet takes when it comes to a treatment plan. While some of these options are rather extreme, if you leave your Poodle’s mouth unattended to for too long, you will be faced with some severe treatment plans that are no longer options but necessities. For a few of these, we will discuss them further as we get down to business later in this article!
- Dental Chews
- Food Designed Specifically for Dental Care
- Gel, Rinse or Spray for Plaque Prevention
- Oral Exam (fully awake or under anesthesia)
- Teeth Cleaning (under anesthesia to get deep down to the real problem – plaque and tartar)
- Removal of Infected Teeth
- Home Brushings
It is obvious that some of these choices are a bit on the extreme side, but they may not be options for you the longer you wait. We’ve found some of the best dental care products for your Poodle to keep them out of the vet’s office and in the yard playing as much as possible!
How to Care for Your Poodle’s Teeth at Home
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Brush Their Teeth
The only exception to this rule might be if your dog becomes aggressive or highly anxious when a toothbrush comes near. This is a normal response to something so unknown to a canine, so don’t freak out! You can always enlist the help of a vet to get your Poodle’s teeth cleaned. But, if you can brush your Poodle’s teeth at home, take advantage of that money-saving opportunity!
Be sure to choose dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste. What works for us will not work for your Poodle (or any animal for that matter)! Vets can give you recommendations as to what is best for your Poodle if you’re concerned about that.
Create a schedule for yourself and brush your Poodle’s teeth once a week to keep the plaque and tartar from building up over too much time!
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Give those Chews a Go
Later we’ll talk all about what type of dental chew we recommend for your Poodle, but in general, dental chews are great for at-home dental care. These specifically-designed treats give your dog’s mouth just the cleaning it needs. With aggressive (yet gentle) scraping by the dental chew itself, your Poodle’s teeth will get a cleaning it never knew it needed.
Be sure to look for dental chews that are made with top-quality ingredients and are safe to ingest. Whatever you let your Poodle put in its mouth should be safe!
Dental chews are great for those in-between times where brushing isn’t an option/on the schedule. They’re tasting, feel great on the gums and teeth, and give your pup what it was looking for all along.
-
Find the Right Dog Food
There are so many options on the market today for dog foods – grain-free, artificial everything free, weight management, puppy formula, etc… The list goes on and on. But the one thing you want to make sure is a top priority of your Poodle’s dog food is dental health. One way you can ensure that your pup’s teeth are cared for by the food you feed them is by looking at the ingredients.
Many of the top choices will not include ingredients such as by-product meals or grains. These ingredients have been proven to stick to the dog’s gums and teeth, leaving them to make a home in your dog’s mouth (uninvited).
Find foods that are made with whole and natural ingredients that have enzymes and other supplements to help your dog’s food break down easily and fall off teeth quickly. Regardless of the type of food you feed your Poodle, you should still employ regular tooth brushings at home between vet visits.
Now it’s time to look at the good stuff! Here are our top recommendations for the dental care products we know your Poodle will love!
One of the easiest products you can purchase for your dog’s dental health is dental chews. These treats are specifically made to target your dog’s teeth and gums to give them healthier smiles. Dental chews should be easy and safe to digest and made from the top ingredients.
Any dental chew that isn’t made from the finest ingredients will only hurt your Poodle’s teeth and gums more over time, which will counteract your efforts.
Pros:
- Gluten, GMO, and Soy Free
- Easy to Digest
- Naturally Scrapes Teeth to Remove Plaque Build Up
- Made in Different Sizes (great for all 3 sizes of the Poodle breed)
Cons:
- Chewed too Quickly
- Size is not always suitable for specific dogs (small ones are too small for Toy Poodles sometimes)
Check out on Amazon
Gum gel for your Poodle might work differently than you once imagined. Most gum gels aren’t designed to give pain relief that we’re used to gum gels providing for us. There are some gum gels for pets that work to help clean teeth, clean gums, and freshen breath. They’re almost like an alternative to brushing your dog’s teeth, which can be very useful for some pet owners!
Pros:
- Made with 8 Essential Oils and Extracts
- Promotes Healthy Gums
- Potentially Cleans Teeth and Freshens Breath
- No Adverse Effects Reported
- Can work on cats, too
- Safe for Ingestion
Cons:
- Strong Herbal Flavor (can be a turn off for some Poodles)
- Not Always in Stock
Check out on Amazon
Another option for keeping your Poodle’s teeth sparkly clean and free from tartar or plaque is an oral spray. Instead of reaching in there to brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste or spending hundreds (even thousands) of dollars to get their teeth cleaned by the vet, an oral spray can help you prevent oral infections/diseases!
Pros:
- Safe to Digest
- Easy to Spray
- Controls Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
- Simply Spray and Leave
Cons:
- Contains Methylparaben (which is irritating to some human skin)
- Small Amount for Price
Check out on Amazon
If there is one thing we know, it is that the type of dog food you feed your Poodle will greatly impact their dental health. This really goes for all pups out there, but finding good food specifically for Poodles that is also dental-conscious is extremely important.
Active Poodles need foods that are going to meet their physical and mental needs, but they also need foods that promote healthy mouths. That’s why we love our recommendation for dental-conscious dog food because it is great for Poodles specifically and promotes healthy teeth and gums! It is an easy way to bring dental health into your home without spending a fortune every few months for dental work.
Pros:
- Promotes Chewing of Entire Kibble Piece
- Great for Standard Poodles
- Designed with Nutrition in Mind for Adult Poodles
- Improves Digestive Health with Antioxidants and Prebiotics
- Great Taste
Cons:
- Might be too hard to chew for some Poodles
Check out on Amazon
Maybe you’ve tried to brush your Poodle’s teeth and it was an epic fail. Or, maybe your dog just loves chew-toys so much that they wouldn’t mind getting in some tooth brushing action at the same time. Either way, we love this toothbrush/chew toy combo because it really does bring the best of both worlds to your Poodle’s mouth!
Finding a chew toy that doubles as a toothbrush is great because it reduces the anxiety from tooth brushing itself and allows your Poodle to have enjoyment from a rather mundane task. Squeaky toys incorporated into the chew toy/toothbrush combo is also a great idea. This gives your dog something to focus her attention on rather than what’s really happening – teeth cleaning! It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Pros:
- Made with Natural Rubber
- Peppermint Scent for Fresh Breath
- Deep Cleaning of Dog’s Teeth and Gums
- Soft Bristles to Remove Plaque Gently
- Durable
- Easy to Clean between Uses
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons:
- Not Made for Intense Chewers
Check out on Amazon
Our Conclusions
Finding the best dental care products for Poodles will depend on what your Poodle needs and wants. It’s as simple as that! But what we have found are some of the best products on the market for you to start on your journey to finding the best. It’s no secret that cleaning a dog’s mouth is one of the bottom things on anyone’s favorite things they would do list. But that doesn’t mean it should be pushed to the side.
Consider what you do to take care of your own mouth – brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and eating foods that are safe for your teeth. Because your Poodle doesn’t know any differently, they’re dependent on you to be their dental care guide! Give them the best and watch them flourish even more than they already are!
Poodles are some of the most pristine canine breeds in the world. Their teeth are important to keeping that pristine image intact. Dental care can be easy if you keep up with it! Your Poodle will certainly thank you in the long run (even if it’s just with a cuddle on the couch or an extra few minutes of their head on your lap).
by Poodled | Grooming, Poodles
Royal poodles, sometimes called standard poodles, are the largest in the poodle breed. But, similar to their smaller brethren, they are fluffy and curly. That is why owners need adequate brushes for royal poodles that will do the job without harming or irritating your furry friend.
Breeders tend to identify the royal poodle as a large standard, though there is no official delineation of the royal poodle. In general, standards are defined as poodles that are 15 inches or higher at their shoulders, but royals usually stand 25 inches or more and weight over 60 pounds when fully grown.
Essentially, “royal” is a marketing term used by breeders that means the dog will grow or already stands between 25 and 31 inches. Breeders tend to charge more for what they deem a royal poodle, though these dogs are registered with the AKC as standard, just the same as their shorter counterparts.
Table of Contents
- Grooming Your Royal Poodle
- Best Brushes for Royal Poodle Hair
- Slicker Brushes
- Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- GoPets Professional Slicker Brush for Dogs
- FURminator Firm Slicker Brush for dogs.
- Pin Brushes
- Andis Premium Large Firm Pet Slicker Brush
- GoPets Professional Double-Sided Pin & Bristle Brush
- AtEase Accents Natural Bamboo Eco-Friendly Pet Grooming Brush
- Final Thoughts
Grooming Your Royal Poodle
Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs with soft, curly hair. They shed only a very little bit, but they still need to be brushed. This is especially true with royal poodles because they are so large. If you don’t brush and groom your royal poodle on a regular basis you are going to have a very big dog with a very big tangled and matted hair problem.
There are several steps to grooming a poodle. You’ll need to shampoo, condition, and clip your poodle’s hair. You’ll also need to trim his or her nails and clean ears and eyes. And finally, you’ll need to brush your poodle. Brushes for royal poodles look the same as those for miniature poodles, except for the size.
Many owners take their dogs to a professional groomer for thorough bathing and clipping but do the brushing at home. Poodles might need to be brushed on a daily basis, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of daily or nightly brushing sessions, even if they are not always needed.
One of the keys to making sure your poodle brushing experience goes smoothly and that your dog is groomed properly is to invest in a quality brush. A good brush can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your royal poodle’s skin and coat healthy. It can also make the brushing experience faster and more comfortable for your dog.
Make it a Ritual
Brushing a royal poodle is similar to brushing your own hair if you have thick, curly hair. It’s a more challenging job than brushing a short-haired dog, but it doesn’t need to be unpleasant for you or your poodle. Most poodles when they are full-grown require brushing a few times per week, but there might be times when more brushing sessions are needed. It’s a good idea to build habits around grooming and brushing so your dog is used to the process and doesn’t put up a fight.
Most royal poodle owners have more than one combing and brushing tool. This is because their dog’s hair varies in length and thickness depending on what part of the body is being brushed. You’ll want to grow a collection of grooming tools that make it as easy and comfortable as possible to brush your royal poodle effectively.
Best Brushes for Royal Poodles
A royal poodle’s adult hair tends to grow in between nine and 18 months of age. At this point, you’ll need brushes that are able to untangle and move through thicker, coarser hair with ease.
Most poodle owners have at least a slicker brush in their collection of grooming tools because it makes it easy to comb through hair that can become easily matted. Slicker brushes can also be self-cleaning, which is convenient, by pushing a button that ejects the hair or retracts the bristles of the brush, making it easy to lift out the hair that has accumulated with brushing.
Other tools you might want to include in your collection are a comb and a pin and bristle brush for smoothing your royal poodle’s coat after a thorough brush through.
Slicker Brushes
This is a sturdy brush that’s great for grooming dogs as large as royal poodles. It features a simple one-touch self-cleaning option that makes pulling hair collected in the bristles out easy.
This is a highly rated self-cleaning slicker brush that has a silicone handle that gives you a good grip when brushing. It offers one-touch self-cleaning and a satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer.
This is a high-quality brush that has a convenient push-button self-cleaning option. It’s available in two sizes, so you can use the larger brush for all over grooming of your royal poodle and use the smaller size for detail work or hard-to-get-to areas on your poodle’s body.
It’s available in two colors. Features straight bristles on one side and bent bristles on the other side.
It’s ideal for medium, long, and curly coats and helps to remove surface mats and tangles without causing damage to the coat. It has a unique dual flex head design that allows you to follow the natural contours of your poodle’s body while keeping the bristles in the best working position.
The Andis brush features an ergonomic, soft-grip handle that reduces hand fatigue when brushing. It has fine wire bristles and can help with matting and tangles. It’s perfect for medium to large breed dogs with dense, textured fur and allows for safe comfortable grooming.
Pin and Bristle Brushes
Pin and bristle brushes can also be great for poodle grooming. These brushes are basically two-in-ones that have pins on one side and bristles on the other. Rounded pins make it easy to comb through your poodle’s hair while bristles help you smooth it down and give it shine. Bristle brushes can also be a great tool for introducing puppies to brushing because they feel good against their skin.
This two-in-one brush features a round-tipped pin brush on one side and the bristle brush is on the other with a soft silicone grip.
This brush features a natural bamboo handle and pin and bristle face. The manufacturer offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Final Thoughts
Grooming your royal poodle should be a pleasant experience for both of you. It’s a great way to bond with your dog and the right tools can make grooming time easier. Getting good brushes for royal poodles is the first step in that direction.
by Poodled | Grooming, Poodles, Training
Despite the fact that these are some of the most lovable dogs around, poodles are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. And for these standoffish dogs, a regular trip to the groomer can foster fear and anxiety, especially if the groomer is an unfamiliar human. They will need some additional training to stay calm while grooming.
Even grooming at-home can be stressful for your pet. In order to keep your poodle happy and make the regular grooming sessions a breeze, training your poodle to remain calm while grooming is an essential part of any poodle owner’s regime. Here is everything you need to teach your dog to stay relaxed and enjoy the grooming session.
Why do poodles need so much grooming?
Poodles are high-maintenance dogs that require more grooming than many standard family dogs. Whether your dog is a Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety, grooming will become a part of your regular routine with a poodle. Show dogs can require as many as 10 hours per week in grooming time, and lower-maintenance family dogs will still need a proper groom every four-to-six weeks.
The dog’s thick, curly coat is moisture resistant, and while the curls are what give poodles their unique appearance, they also become a twisted, tangled trap for all the hair that the dog sheds. Without proper care, poodle fur can easily become matted.
Poodles’ ears are also a reason they need so much grooming. The long ears that fold over the side of their heads are perfect for petting, but limit the amount of oxygen that can enter the ear. This makes these cavities the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, which can quickly turn into an ear infection.
When you take your dog to a groomer, they will check the poodle’s ears and pull out any hairs that have grown inside to reduce the chances of infection. The groomer may use a special tool called a hemostat to remove the hair.
Eyes and Nails
As for a poodle’s eyes, the natural tear stains that appear underneath their furry faces are the result of bacteria. These stains need to be cleaned regularly with special wipes to avoid infection and keep your poodle looking fresh and clean.
Finally, poodles nails also need to be trimmed regularly to avoid sore feet and an affected gait. This can be painful for the dogs, but broken or cracked nails can also lead to dangerous infections. Untrimmed nails can also cause wear and tear on your floors and furniture!
All of this means poodles need plenty of grooming, and that grooming can be invasive and annoying. Your dog will be poked, plucked, and prodded in on all areas of their body in what can be a very uncomfortable experience. But properly trained poodles can remain calm and make the grooming process easy.
How to train your poodle to remain calm while grooming
When it comes to training your poodle, consistency is key.
These highly intelligent dogs get bored easily, and won’t respond well to long training sessions. Instead, you should plan short, regularly scheduled training sessions throughout the day. These dogs learn best in short bursts and love high-energy and enthusiastic training.
Poodles thrive on kind words and praise, so make positive reinforcement a tenet of your training regime. Instead of pointing out the dog’s mistakes, focus instead on what the dog does well. Ignore any bad behavior and instead provide rewards for positive actions, and your dog will learn the difference over time.
You should start your poodle training as early as possible. If you get your poodle as a puppy, it should become a part of your normal training routine, the same way you teach the dog to “sit” or go to the bathroom outside. If your poodle is more fully grown, you can still include this as part of your normal training routine.
The best way to help your dog feel comfortable at the groomer is to get it used to being touched. Poodle grooming does require prodding the dog in uncomfortable places (like the inside of the dog’s ears and around its eyes), so get your dog used to being touched in these areas.
When you play with your dog and he or she feels comfortable and relaxed, make sure you grab its toes, gently stick your fingers in its ears, run your fingers along its face, and more, all while providing positive reinforcement through kind words, pets, and treats.
Dogs are not the Poodle’s Best Friend
Socialization is also important to training poodles to remain calm while grooming, especially if you will take a dog to a groomer. Unlike golden retrievers or labradors, poodles are naturally aloof dogs who won’t quickly warm up to new people.
Socializing from an early age is important to get the dog comfortable with other people, including the groomer who will take care of his hair needs. Introduce your poodle to new people early on so he or she can feel comfortable around strangers. If possible, try to use the same groomer each time so your dog can bond with him or her.
Finally, it is also helpful to familiarize the dog with the tools you or the groomer will use to clean your pet’s ears, eyes, and fur. Do this over time by laying with your poodle on the floor, then introducing one tool at a time with the reward of a treat. Let the dog sniff the grooming tool and investigate it. Your ultimate goal is for the dog to feel safe around these tools, not scared or nervous.
With time and patience, your poodle will slowly get used to the grooming process.
What to do with especially anxious poodles?
If your dog really struggles with grooming and your best training efforts can’t keep your poodle calm, it’s worth asking your veterinarian for help. Some vets might prescribe calming agents or mild sedatives for you to give your dog just before grooming.
Conclusion
Despite being invasive and uncomfortable, you can train your poodle to remain calm during the grooming process. With consistency, enthusiasm, positive reinforcement, and patience, your dog will slowly learn that grooming is nothing to be afraid of!
by Poodled | Grooming, Poodles
Nail trimming is an important part of your normal dog grooming routine, and having good nail care products it’s more than just for cosmetic reasons or to protect your floors and furniture. Your poodle’s nails directly affect its health in many ways. Long nails can lead to a myriad of health problems like bacterial infections, affected gaits, and more.
You can always take your dog to the groomer to get his nails professionally cut, but the costs of this can add up quickly. Luckily clipping your poodle’s nails at home is easy, as long as you have the right equipment!
| Best for |
Product |
Cost |
Verdict |
| First-time clippers |
Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer By Boshel |
Check on Amazon |
A convenient tool with a safety guard that gives you confidence |
| Shaping and rounding nails |
Coastal Pet Products Stainless Steel Nail File |
Check on Amazon |
Simple nail file for rounding off corners and protecting your dog from sharp nails |
| Dogs who are scared of clippers |
Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder |
Check on Amazon |
Easy to use and great for trimming and shaping nails at the same time. |
| Owners with multiple dogs |
Zerhunt nail grooming kit |
Check on Amazon |
Comes with all the tools you need for a comfortable poodle grooming experience |
| First aid recovery |
Remedy + Recovery Professional Groomer’s Styptic Powder |
Check on Amazon |
An essential part of any nail grooming kit that stops bleeding and promotes healing. |
How to Trim Poodle Nails
Poodle nails need to be trimmed as often as they need to be in order to prevent the nails from touching the floor when the dog walks. The nails consist of two parts: an outer, hard area made of keratin, exactly like human nails. This is what we would consider the real “nail.”
The keratin protects a “quick” on the inside, similar to the way human nails protect soft and sensitive under-beds. The quick is made up of blood vessels and nerves, and it supplies blood to the nail. It’s important that you never cut the quick because it is extremely painful for the dog.
If your dog has white nails, you’ll be able to see the quick, a pink part that shows through the white. Cut little bits at a time, slowly making your way up the nail until you start to see a pink dot in the end that you cut. As soon as you start to see the pink, stop cutting, or else you will cut into the quick.
For dogs with darker nails cutting is trickier because you can’t see the quick. Instead, you need to look underneath the nail and find where the hard nail connects with the soft tissue. This black tissue is the area you want to avoid. As you cut, look for a small black dot in the middle of the cut end. This is the quick, and where you should stop cutting.
Necessary Poodle Nail Care Items
If you’re going to clip your dog’s nails at home, there are several different tools to choose from to make the job easy. Here are the different tools you can choose from, as well as some recommendations for which ones to purchase.
Dog Nail Clipper
Dog nail clippers are different that human clippers. They need to conform to the unique shape of your dog’s nails, while also being easy for you to hold on to. Most dog nail clippers look almost like pliers or scissors, with two handles to hold onto and a clip located at the center.
With almost 5,000 reviews on Amazon and an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, Boshel’s nail clippers are a great option for anyone getting started clipping their dog’s nails. They also come with a free miniature nail file that is stored in the handle.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Prime eligible
- Safety stop
- Highly rated
- Free miniature nail file
- Cons:
- Bulky design
- Hard to do small clips
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Dog Nail File
If you’re going to clip your poodle’s nails, you’re certainly going to need a nail file in addition to the clippers. The clippers will help you take off the length, while the nail file will round the edges and reduce the sharp, painful edges.
Well known for its ease of use and sturdiness, this simple nail file has 200+ reviews on Amazon and an average of 4.3 stars. Comfortable handle and length of the blade and the filing surface has a perfect coarseness. It also has a rounded tip to prevent your dog from getting stuck — a small but important detail.
- Pros:
- Comfortable handle
- Coarse filing surface
- Rounded tip to prevent injuries
- Cons:
- Can get dull fast
- Flimsy for bigger dogs
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Nail Grinder
Nail grinders are a great option if you don’t want to bother with clipping. Instead of cutting off parts of the nail, the grinder can grind down the nail, smoothing and trimming at the same time, all with little manual effort. These are also a great option for dogs who are afraid of nail clippers or who don’t like the sound of clipping.
The Hertzko electric grinder is manufactured with a diamond bit grinder and has 3 different sized ports. If your poodle is smaller, use the small and medium-sized port. It’s also one of the most popular and trusted nail grinders on Amazon with almost 4,000 reviews and an average of 4 stars.
- Pros:
- Multiple sized openings
- Low volume
- Portable
- Rechargeable
- Cons:
- Lacks power
- Can’t change the drill bit
- No instructions
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Nail Grooming Kit
Instead of buying all of the products separately, many dog owners choose to buy a full kit with all the tools they need. This is especially useful if you have multiple dogs or poodles of different sizes because you can use the different tools for different dogs.
The kit comes with premium nail clippers, a nail file, and an electric grinder, all for the low price of $16.99. Consumers give this a 3.8-star average over more than 380 reviews, citing the ease of use and comfort as their favorite parts of the tools. It does have a small motor, so if your dog is anywhere above 70 pounds, you might want to find something more powerful.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- All-in-one tool kit
- Quiet grinder
- Easy to use
- Cons
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Styptic Powder
The final key part of any poodle nail grooming kit is styptic powder. This is a first aid product that helps stop any bleeding in case you accidentally cut into the quick in your dog’s nail. Styptic powder is completely safe for dogs and is used by professional groomers all over the world.
Extremely affordable at just over $6 and with over 1,200 ratings and an average of 5 stars on Amazon, Remedy + Recovery’s styptic powder is easy to add to your poodle nail care kit.
- Pros:
- Highly rated
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Cons:
- Small jar
- A fine powder that’s hard to clean
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Conclusion
Every dog is different. But when you find the right tool, taking care of your poodle’s nails is easy and inexpensive!
by Poodled | Grooming, Poodles
Poodles are pets who love to be busy, especially if its outdoors. With all that playing around, they need good shampoo for poodles that will keep them clean and healthy. Although many see the poodle as an aloof pup, they actually adore their people, other animals and most people who they meet through their travels.
Although poodles vary in sizes, they are all generally easy to care for. However, they do need some consistent attention when it comes to grooming. Since they are active and often traipsing outdoors, it will show in their coat if they are not properly maintained.
If you take your pup out on the trails or enjoy playing in a park, there is a good chance that your Poodle is going to come home dirty at some point. Your pet can end up with a collection of burrs, twigs, or other outdoor matter caught in their coat. Quick grooming can help get rid of these items and make sure your canine companion does not track it all through your house. Grooming these items out will also keep their skin from becoming irritated. While your Poodle should have a routine that includes full grooming with a wash, cut and dry, a quick bath should be enough to get rid of everyday dirt, smells, and dander.
Poodle Hair Care
All size Poodles have that well known curly coat that grows to be thick and soft as they move into adulthood. The nice thing about a Poodles coat is it is not fur. Their fluffy coat is essentially hair. It is this hair that makes your Poodle hypoallergenic as they shed very little and do not drop their dander as other dogs do. They only have one layer of hair unlike dogs such as Siberian Huskies who have two so lose less and trap more.
That does not mean their coats are not problematic. They are, in fact, fairly high maintenance. If your Poodle is not groomed appropriately, their coats can become matted. The hair that falls out underneath all their curls can grow tangled and difficult to brush or cut. Lack of washing and brushing their coat can mean they are open to skin infections, sores and other painful skin irritations that are not only problems for your Poodle but will become expensive problems for you if they have to go to the vet or get extensive grooming to solve the problem. The grooming will not be simply untangling and cutting the hair, but your pup may have to be shorn down to their skin to get rid of the damaged coat. There may be no other option if there is skin that needs medical attention. This can all be avoided if you take good care of their grooming needs, both formally and informally.
Grooming at Home
Informal hair care means you are not going to the groomer. It’s home care where you are simply bathing them and getting the dirt and dander out. A proper shampoo is essential to these baths, so after you give them a good brush its time to shampoo with a quality product. It’s important to choose a product that works for your Poodle so you can ensure that their coat and skin remain itch-free and healthy.
Your Poodle should be bathed regularly. Never more than once per week and not less than 3. Too much bathing means your Poodle may end up with itchy, irritated skin or dry, frizzy curls. If you bath them too little, they can end up with dirt and outdoor items lodged in their hair, which can become an irritant. Regular bathing is also beneficial beyond a simple clean as it means you can scrub out loose hair to stop matting and tangles. Quite a few Poodle owners bathe their pups every couple of weeks following up every 3-6 weeks for a full professional groom.
Shampooing Your Poodle
You need to make sure you shampoo your Poodle properly once you have picked a good shampoo. Poodles tend to love water, but bath time may not be the same as a swim. You will have to get them used to the bathtub by ensuring to give them praise, treats, and comfort to keep them settled. Don’t fill the tub up to high, and you only need a small amount of water. And make sure everything is within your reach before you start.
Once they are in the tub, get your Poodle wet. This is not as easy as it sounds. Since poodles are bred water dogs, their hair takes time to get wet. The thick, dense, curly hair makes it difficult to get the water to soak in. Pick a comfortable, mid-range water temperature since it might take a bit of time.
After the water, comes the type of shampoo you will use. Scrub your Poodle to make sure your shampoo gets down to their skin. Finally, you rinse. This is the most important step. No matter how good of quality your shampoo is, if its residue is left on your Poodle, it will become a problem. It will get trapped on the skin under the coat causing discomfort, itch, and possibly sores in the long run.
Once you have rinsed well, condition their hair, towel or blow dry and you have a squeaky clean poodle.
Picking a Quality Shampoo for Poodles
Your poodles’ shampoo needs to be a high-quality one. This does not mean you have to break the bank when buying it, but it should have some particular features. When you are picking a product look for:
- Hypoallergenic – Poodles are predisposed to allergies and often have sensitive skin. Find a hypoallergenic product, so they are not itching and scratching
- All Natural – Look for a shampoo that does not have harsh chemicals or artificial colors, perfumes, phosphate, and sulfate.
- Moisturizers – Keeping your poodles’ skin moisturized is important. Find products that have ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and almond oil. Be careful with oils from nuts in case of allergies
- pH Balanced – Make sure the shampoo you chose has a balanced pH level. Your dog’s skin is between 6.5 & 7.5 and should have a product to match.
- Deodorizers – Not critical but helps keep your Poodle smelling nice, especially if they’ve been playing in some not so nice water
Best Shampoos for Your Poodle
There are lots of shampoos on the market, but sometimes you need something for a special purpose. Below is the best of various types of shampoos that should offer quality ingredients to meet all your poodle washing needs:
This is a product that you would use for frequent washes. It is a soap-free shampoo that has botanical extracts and oil along with aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile.
This shampoo is alcohol-free so will not dry out their skin and has lavender and mint to soothe your pup. It uses wheat protein as a natural deodorizer, and most importantly, it is not tested on animals.
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Good dog shampoo is needed whether your pup goes to a groomer or just does their beauty care at home.
Hypoallergenic will combat the allergens your Poodle drags home in their dirty coat from their walk or can address skin that needs soothing because it’s irritated. Vets Best shampoo has multiple products that will work on different types of hair and skin.
This particular version specializes in skin and hair. It is also tearless so will not bother eyes when you’re trying to get the shampoo rinsed out.
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You need a gentle shampoo for your new pup. This product is all natural, extra-mild, soap-free, and tears free.
Although it was designed for puppies, it’s also great for poodles who have allergies and skin issues at any age. It won’t interfere with flea or tick treatments yet cleans your pet’s coat. It moisturizes while keeping your poodle puppy smelling nice.
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A specialized shampoo that has been created to kill adult fleas, their eggs, ticks, and lice and also prevents flea re-infestation. It has lots of moisturizers such as aloe, lanolin, and oatmeal to help keep irritated skin calm and cool.
The Adam Plus leaves your pup feeling good and smelling fresh, and can be used on puppies that are older than 12 weeks of age. Do not use for dogs that are younger than this.
This shampoo is not to replace long term flea and tick prevention such as collars and medicated drops. Your Poodle still needs to have their vet prescriptions filled for year-round coverage.
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A great shampoo that is made from natural ingredients, as well as organic, with no abrasive chemicals. Oils provide relief for itching, dry skin and do not strip natural skin or coat oils.
This shampoo is antibacterial, antifungal and is great for getting rid of pests with lemongrass. There are no extras to irritate already sore skin. It is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Most importantly, it is not tested on animals and is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
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This shampoo has a lot of natural minerals and lavender to create a mild shampoo that will brighten your Poodle’s coat. It is great to make their coat shiny, soft, and nice smelling. Won’t wash out flea treatments and protects against things that irritate the skin.
It is soap free but still gets rid of dirt and fur stains. Not for use for pups under six weeks of age. Biodegradable, paraben, and phosphate free. Great product to brighten your pup’s coat and get rid of those dirt and grass stains that have seem to set in.
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Shampoo Extras
Once you have the best shampoo chosen, you will need a few extra items to have a successful wash. A brush for before and after, a good conditioner to help with easy brushing of a curly coat, a dryer to make quick work of getting rid of the dripping hair are three items that can be used before and after a shampoo.
After a shampoo, a quality conditioner is important for Poodles and their curly coats. A conditioner with a detangler is really helpful as it will stop their hair from tangling and matting both before and after a bath. This spray is even more beneficial as it is not only good for after a hair wash but when you dry comb/brush your Poodles coat.
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Brush quality is a big deal as you will be brushing your Poodle each and every day. The brush has to make it through a curly coat but must also be gentle on your dogs’ skin. This particular brush is designed for poodles whose skin is easily irritated with its dual flex head design. This brush will not scratch or nick their skin but can loosen the hair that gets caught in the curls and get rid of tangles before it becomes problematic matting.
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A good dryer makes your poodle hair wash so much easier. This dryer relieves knotting and gets rid of damp spots. It is a fast way to get dry for those dogs that do not like being wet. This dryer is simple to use as you can adjust the airflow and heat settings. It’s a great choice as it can make the end of bath time a whole lot easier.
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Conclusion
Poodles are outdoorsy pets who are generally not high maintenance dogs. However, where they are low maintenance in some areas, their coats are not one of those things. Your Poodle needs daily grooming to keep their skin and coat in good shape for optimal health and cleanliness. Daily brushing is essential, but shampooing every few weeks is important too. If your pup is just having a regular wash or an emergency clean, make sure you have the best shampoo on hand to complete the task. A clean mane keeps your Poodle free of itches and keeps them smelling great.
