A Bernese Mountain dog is a lovely breed: gentle, loving by nature, and there is that beautiful tri-color coat of fur. However, as exquisite as that coat of hair is, it also comes with certain implications. The beautiful fur requires some extra care, which can be a deterrent for some potential owners.
Don’t get us wrong: Bernese Mountain dog fur isn’t impossible to handle, but it is dense and long in some places. That’s why you need to learn how to groom a Bernese Mountain dog properly. It is fairly easy, and you just need to learn some neat tricks and get some essential products and equipment. For more info, read this article:
What You Need to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog
To start, you need to buy and gather some essential items:
- Dog shampoo and conditioner
- A slicker brush and a metal comb
- Desheding tool
- Grooming scissors or thinning shears
- A pet nail clipper or grinder
- An ear cleaner and cotton pads
- A towel and a blow dryer
Apart from these products, we also suggest that you get a sturdy dog grooming table. This will make the whole washing and grooming session much easier, both on you and on your dog.
How to Groom a Bernese Mt Dog (Step by Step)
Now that you have gathered all the necessities (including the dog grooming table, it’s time to get to work:
Step 1: Regular Brushing
Firstly, to keep your dog’s fur well-kept, you will need to brush it 2-3 times per week. This will prevent tangled fur, remove loose hairs, and reduce shedding (your carpets and furniture will thank you). Start with a slicker brush to remove the tangles and loose hair, with special attention to the chest and underbelly.
Then, use the comb to check if you have missed any knots. Use a deshedding tool if you stumble upon some persistent knots, but be gentle when using it.
Step 2: Bathing
Depending on your dog’s activity levels, you’ll need to bathe your dog every 1-2 months. This is much easier than it sounds, especially if you have a dog grooming table with a washing station. First, use lukewarm water until your dog’s fur is soaked thoroughly.
Then, apply a small amount of dog shampoo and work it into the fur until you get a rich lather. Make sure to rinse it out properly to prevent a residue that could cause itching and skin irritation. Apply a small amount of dog conditioner to keep the fur soft. Rinse with water if it’s not a leave-in conditioner.
Step 3: Fur and Nail Trimming
While your dog’s fur is still wet, you can trim it a bit around the feet, tail, and ears. You should also trim your dog’s nails every 2-3 weeks. Use a dog nail clipper to do this, and make sure not to cut into the quick, as it is an extremely sensitive nail part full of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Step 4: Ear and Eye Cleaning
Since Bernese Mountain dogs have floppy ears, it is easy for some dirt there to stay unnoticed. This can lead to unpleasant odors and ear infections, which is why you need to use a vet-approved ear cleaner on a cotton pad and clean your dog’s ears every 2 weeks. Use a clean and damp cloth to clean around your dog’s eyes.
Step 5: Final Brushing and Drying
If your dog can tolerate a blow dryer, this is a great way to dry its fur quickly. However, if that’s not the case, then you can use a big, thick towel to pat dry your dog’s fur as much as possible. Then, let it air dry, but make sure it’s not too cold. Once the fur is completely dry, you can brush it once again to make it smooth and shiny.
Additional Tips for Grooming a Bernese Mt Dog
Some additional tips could help you with grooming your Bernese Mt dog:
- Establish a good grooming routine while your dog is still a puppy, and they will soon get used to it.
- Never bathe your Bernese Mountain dog before brushing its fur, as this can worsen knots, tangling, and fur matting.
- Groom your dog regularly. If you neglect this, every grooming session will be much harder.
- Reward your Bernese Mt dog with a treat after every grooming session. This will help your dog associate grooming with pleasant things.
- Take your time, especially when trying to groom your dog for the first time. Pet your dog, be gentle, and don’t try to rush through the motions.
Why You Need a Dog Grooming Table for a Bernese Mt Dog
We already mentioned a couple of times that you should get a grooming table for a Bernese Mt dog. These dogs are rather large, and handling them on your own can be challenging. Additionally, grooming a dog requires plenty of uncomfortable positions, which can take a toll on your body, especially your back.
All these issues can be prevented by investing in a grooming table. These tables allow you to restrain your dog so that you don’t have to wrestle it while brushing its fur. They can also be adjusted to any desired height, which means you won’t have to crouch and slouch when grooming your dog.
Here are our top picks of grooming tables for Bernese Mountain dogs:
Heavy Duty Electric Dog Grooming Table with Adjustable Height
This grooming table will provide you with height control, stability, comfort, and safety. Thanks to its removable non-slip tabletop, organized storage, and mobile design, grooming your dog will be extremely easy:
50" Stainless Steel Dog Washing Station
If you also want a table where you can bathe your dog, take a look at this 50" Stainless Steel Pet bathing station. It has a warm water control, retractable steps, and durable stainless steel construction. With this washing station, you can bathe and groom your dog stress-free.
Conclusion
Bernese Mountain dogs are great family pets, but their beautiful fur demands some special care. By following the tips from this article, you can learn how to groom a Bernese Mountain dog like a pro.
Here, you can also find a complete list of the products and equipment that you’ll need, including the dog grooming table. Your dog will be happy and clean, and you’ll be satisfied knowing that you take good care of your pet.
You may also be interested in how to groom a Yorkie.
