How To Bathe A Labradoodle (5-Step Guide)

Want to know how to bathe a Labradoodle? We’ve got you covered!

Bathing is essential to the health of a Labradoodle as it ventilates their coat, promotes healthy growth of skin, and removes unwanted odors.

image of cute labradoodle puppy in a bucket with water and soap

This also allows you to get a frequent look at their skin and coat to spot any early signs of infections, disease, or infestations.

In this Digdoggy.com guide you’ll learn:

  • What you’ll need to safely bathe a Labradoodle
  • How to prepare for bathing a Labradoodle
  • Precautions to take

And much more!

What's In This Guide?

What Do You Need To Know About Bathing A Labradoodle?

Some people argue that they’ve never seen wolves take showers, so dogs shouldn’t even be bathed. However, when it comes to your adorable doodle, baths are essential.

But not too often, as frequent bathing will strip away his essential skin oils.

If you have a dog that wiggles around a lot, then take a little peanut butter and wipe it on the end of the tub. This will help them to stay in one place whilst you give them a wash.

Run the shower ahead of time to ensure you have the right temperature. The last thing you want to do is introduce to water that’s too hot or too cold.

How Often Can You Bathe A Labradoodle?

I bathe my doodle every two weeks. Depending on the weather and how many puddles he’s jumped in, you can go less frequently than this.

The occasional puddle jump will of course require an immediate bath.

Otherwise, keep bathing at least once every two to three weeks. Any more frequent than this could cause his fur and skin to dry out.

In contrast, if you bathe too little, they can build up mattes and tangles that become difficult to remove later on.

Supplies You’ll Need To Bathe A Labradoodle

You will need the following supplies for bathing your Labradoodle:

  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog conditioner
  • A Towel
  • A Blowdryer for dogs
  • A shower head you prefer
  • Dog treats (or peanut butter)
  • Dog chews
  • Textured scrubbing gloves
image of Adorable Cute Young Puppy

Step 1: Brush Your Doodle’s Hair Post Shower

Start with brushing out tangles and mats to remove any dirt or debris from the coat before bathing.

Doing this will make bathing much easier and help to remove deep matted hair easier the next time you groom.

Step 2: Prepare bath products

Arrange all his bathing paraphernalia near you to prepare for bathing. Make sure the shampoo and conditioner you purchased are suited for your dog’s skin type or allergies if there are any.

This is a good time to water down or dilute the contents of your shampoo if needed. Adding water to a thick concentrated solution will make it easier to use when bathing.

Step 3: Test The Water Temperature

Turn on the water and set it to ‘luke warm’, then run it for at least 20 seconds to ensure it remains at this temperature.

Check the water with your hands to get a clear reading of this.

Step 4: Assist your dog Into the bath

Allow your dog to get in and get used to the temperature of the water.

I recommend allowing them to dip their paws into the running water for at least 30 seconds to avoid any sudden shock.

Step 5: Begin bathing

Give your doodle a dog chew treat and start bathing them. Distracting your dog with a chew toy or some peanut butter spread at the end of the tub will help to keep them in position.

Apply the appropriate amount of shampoo on him and make sure the entire body is lathered.

Gently scrub out any dirt, debris and stuff stuck in his fur. You can use textured scrubbing gloves for this.

Note: Shampoo should be left on for at least 2 minutes to work properly.

Be careful of his eyes, ears, nose, and other sensitive parts. Rinse off and apply conditioner. Rinse him for the last time and use a towel to dry his fur.

Step 6: Use A Blowdryer After Drying With A Towel

Gently pat down with a towel making sure to re-target areas that are not fully dry.

Leaving a Labradoodle damp will cause them to roll around (to dry but will pick up more dirt) or shake it off resulting in wet dog water everywhere.

Use a dog dryer to blow out the coat removing any last bits of dirt leaving your dog thoroughly dry enough for a nap. This is a good time to brush out any additional mats and tangles that were stubborn to come out.

Final Thoughts on Bathing A Labradoodle

Bathing a Doodle can be a pleasant bonding experience you can both enjoy. Be sure to follow the steps above for the best results.

Keep everything easy, fun, and gentle. Repeat the process every two to three weeks and make sure they are thoroughly dry when you are done.

Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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