Keeping your Whoodle clean can seem like a daunting and never ending task, especially if you have a very active Whoodle who finds joy in the dirtiest of activities. Not to worry, with a few Whoodle cleaning tips, you’ll be back on track when it comes to managing your Whoodle’s hygiene.
Bathing Your Whoodle
Bathing your Whoodle is necessary, but bathing your Whoodle too frequently can strip away beneficial body oils. For example, a daily bath is not very practical, nor would it be generally advised. Regular bathing can range from once a week to once every 4-8 weeks if you leave the bathing to your groomer.
TIP: Trimming the hair around the eyes and rear end can help prevent any debris build-up in those areas between grooming sessions.
Brushing Your Whoodle
Your Whoodle will need a thorough brushing 2-3 times a week. During a brushing session, your goal should be to remove any dirt build-up or debris caught in the coat, brush out dead hair, and free the dander that lies closer to the skin. Even though Whoodles are a non-shedding breed, you may see some hair retained on the brush during grooming. Due to the hair’s growth phases, your Whoodle may have some hair released the way humans shed a small amount of hair.
TIP: Using a fine-toothed metal comb and some scissors are the best tools for removing stubborn mats if you’re unable to detangle the hair. Never brush through a tangled mat if your dog shows signs of pain!
Ear Cleaning
Whoodles have ears that flop over and grow hair inside the ear canal. Having this type of ear with hair and a closed-off ear canal creates an environment that is perfect for collecting dirt, debris, and even trapping moisture inside the ear, making them more prone to ear infections.
Prevention can include asking your groomer to pull or remove the ear hair, which improves the air circulation and aids in preventing moisture build-up.
As your Whoodle goes about his daily activities, you can opt for ear wipes or an ear cleaning solution. These products are used as a way to manage wax build-up. Ear wipes are wipes made specifically for your dog’s ears and are damp to avoid soaking the ear and introducing too much moisture. Ear cleaner is used for the same purpose but works differently, generally flushing out the ear canal with liquid and soaking up the excess with gauze or a cotton ball.
TIP: Gently filling your dog’s ears with cotton balls during bath time can prevent water from entering the ears and act as an added layer of protection to prevent ear infections!
Eye and Face Cleaning
If you have a light-colored Whoodle, this may be more of a concern for you than the owner of a dark-colored Whoodle. Even with regular baths, a Whoodle can suffer from facial staining. Stains under the eyes, down the cheeks, or near the mouth can make your Whoodle look unclean. These facial stains near the eyes can be caused by allergies or blocked tear ducts. Tears are more likely to stain your Whoodles fur if they drink tap water containing high mineral levels. Stains located on the chin or near the mouth are usually due to your dog’s fur getting wet while drinking and not drying quickly enough, eating out of brightly colored plastic bowls or dyes in your Whoodle’s kibble.
TIP: Avoiding unfiltered tap water and feeding your Whoodle a quality kibble with no artificial colors out of stainless steel or ceramic bowls can significantly reduce excessive staining.
Nail Trimming
Having short nails isn’t necessarily a fashion statement; overgrown nails can cause health issues long-term such as difficulty walking, arthritis, and even risk your Whoodle’s safety since long nails are more easily caught on furniture or ripped off. Trimming nails is best done using dog nail trimmers or a Dremel designed to file away your dog’s excess nail.
When trimming, do your best to calm your pet as you move through each set of nails and even offer breaks to encourage your Whoodle, letting him know he’s safe and nail trimming is no big deal. Offering treats and positive reinforcement will help your Whoodle have positive associations with nail trimming, allowing future sessions to go smooth and quick.
TIP: When trimming your Whoodle’s nails, remember to:
- Avoid cutting the quick! Your dog has a soft fleshy skin underneath each nail that, when cut, will bleed pretty profusely. This can be pretty painful for your dog!
- For Whoodles with dark nails, use a flashlight to shine underneath the nail to identify the quick before cutting.
- In the event that you do happen to cut the quick, dipping the nail in corn starch or styptic powder will slow and stop the bleeding. Always bring one of these powders to your nail clipping session just in case!
- Take your time to rest and reward your dog as you go. Treats are highly recommended! Create a positive environment and let your Whoodle know you appreciate his cooperation.
Paw Care & Maintenance
The paw pads of your Whoodle are a bit more durable than your average human foot. However, they are still made of fatty insulating tissue that could sustain injury. Regularly checking your Whoodle’s paw pads is key to making yourself aware of any foreign objects stuck in the paw pads or between the toes. Paw pads can become dry, cracked, and even burn when walking in extreme temperatures. Hot sidewalks in summer and salt in the winter can damage the paws. Avoiding poor walking conditions whenever possible will protect and maintain the health of your Whoodle’s paw pads.
TIP: Placing the back of your hand against the pavement during summer is a great way to test the heat. If it’s too hot to hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s hot enough to burn your Whoodle.
Winter and summer paw protection is a must. Employ a paw balm to hydrate your Whoodles feet and create a wax barrier between their paw and the pavement during questionable conditions. Still, you may need to add dog boots for additional protection during severe weather.
Tooth and Dental Care
Similar to human dental care, your Whoodle requires regular brushing. Toothbrushes and toothpaste safely formulated for dogs is the best way to prevent tooth decay. Giving your dog chew toys or edible dog chews frequently will encourage the scraping motion against the teeth, remove plaque, and promote oral health. Taking your dog for regular dental cleanings is also an option if you feel your dog needs some extra care and dental support.
TIP: Brushing is critical to your Whoodle’s oral health, but using a water additive, dental gel, or dental wipes can supplement your brushing efforts and allow you to go longer between regular brushings.
At My Whoodle, we know that caring for your Whoodle can seem like an impossible task, but there’s no turning back once you bring a Whoodle into your family! We give our Whoodles the highest level of care available. They’re worth it; ask anyone who owns a Whoodle!