My family recently adopted a dog from Zoe’s House, a pet rescue based in Reading, Pa.
Otto is a bichon-poodle mix with wild, curly locks. The first time we had him groomed, he was so fearful that we dreaded taking him to be groomed again.
So, we waited too long, and he wound up with small knots and tangles, making the task of grooming take even longer. Since then, we brush him several times a week, bathe him more often and book his grooming appointments more frequently.
Poodle mixes have coats that require extra care. Their coats are constantly growing and require trimming every six to eight weeks to prevent matting and maintain hygiene around sensitive areas such as the eyes, paws and sanitary regions. Taking your dog to a reputable, professional pet groomer can be costly, but if you tend to your pet’s coat in between visits, the groomer will need less time, saving you money. Still, expect to pay between $65 and $80 per hour for bathing, brush out, nail grinding and ear cleaning. Poodle mixes can cost 25% more.
When curls begin to tangle, they will quickly develop mats. Mats can get tighter, larger and more out of control the longer they are neglected. At this point, a groomer will have no choice but to shave the matted areas, costing you more money and causing your pet more discomfort. Also, if a dog must be shaved to remove mats, there is a greater risk of abrasions and skin irritation.
For poodle mixes, brushing down to the skin is critical because mats form at the base of the hair. Using slicker brushes, combs and de-matting rakes helps prevent tangles from becoming painful knots. A common mistake owners make is brushing only the outer coat, which can hide deeper mats until they’re severe. Bathing and conditioning also keeps the coat more manageable, as clean hair tangles less, making brushing much easier.
Beyond coat maintenance, skin health deserves attention. Curly fur can trap moisture, dirt and debris, increasing the risk of skin issues if not properly dried after bathing. Poodle breeds are particularly prone to ear infections because their hairy, floppy ears limit airflow. Regular ear cleaning should be part of grooming.
Diet also plays a meaningful role in the quality of a dog’s coat. Long-coat dogs benefit from a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin, heart, brain, eye and coat health. Salmon, sardine or anchovy oil can be helpful for poodle mixes, especially those with dry or curly coats.
Caring for a dog at home in between grooming appointments is a wonderful way to bond with them. Always be gentle, speak softly, use positive reinforcement, keep calm and give your dog breaks if they seem stressed. Your calm and gentle presence helps dogs relax and enjoy being handled. Then, when they go to the groomer, they may be more comfortable.
Dogs thrive when grooming is a positive, regular, predictable part of their lives, making them healthier, more comfortable and easier to care for overall.