St Bernard Dog Grooming 101: A Comprehensive Guide

St Bernard dogs have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling.

Their thick coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the armpits and behind the ears.

St Bernard dogs need to be bathed every 2-3 months, or as needed, to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also essential to prevent health issues.

Saint Bernard coats require moderate care, so be prepared to spend some time grooming your furry friend.

Both short- and long-haired Saint Bernard varieties shed constantly, with heavy shedding during spring and fall seasons. Brushing is necessary 3-4 times a week to prevent matting and tangling, especially on long-haired types.

A rubber curry brush is perfect for short-haired Saint Bernards, while long-hairs need a pin brush and a 2-in-1 comb to work through stubborn mats and tangles.

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During shedding season, many owners brush their Saint Bernards daily, and some use a shedding blade once a week to help manage loose hair.

Bathing Saint Bernards can be a challenge due to their massive size, but it's essential to use canine shampoo and conditioner (for long-hairs) to keep their coat clean and healthy.

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Brushing is a must for Saint Bernards, with most requiring a brush several times per week, each session taking a while due to their massive size.

You'll need a good quality brush, either a rubber curry brush for short-haired dogs or a pin brush for long-haired ones. A greyhound comb is also a good investment.

To brush a Saint Bernard, start by wetting the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then work through the coat section by section with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth.

If you encounter a tangle, try separating it with your fingers first, and if needed, use the end teeth of the comb to work through it.

Daily brushing is best during shedding season, and some owners also use a de-shedding tool once or twice during these periods to help with dead hair collection.

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Bathing a Saint Bernard can be a challenge due to their large size, but they only require baths two or three times a year unless they get dirty or stinky.

It's crucial to use shampoo specifically made for dogs, as human hair products can irritate their skin. Look for brands like Earthbath, Burt's Bees, and 4-Legger, which offer canine conditioner products as well.

Before bathing, give your Saint Bernard a good brushing to prevent matting and tangling. In cold weather, it's best to bathe them in a warm area to prevent discomfort.

When bathing, wet their coat thoroughly, then apply shampoo starting at the back and working downward and outward. Be sure to clean their face, head, and ears with a washcloth and rinse their coat completely to prevent skin irritation.

Towel-dry their coat and give it a quick brush-through to make them look clean and neat.

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Bathing your Saint Bernard is a crucial part of their hygiene routine, but it's not something you should do too often. Too much bathing can dry out their skin and remove their natural oils.

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You should only bathe your Saint Bernard when they absolutely need it, such as when they roll in mud. This will help prevent dryness and excessive shedding.

A high-quality shampoo specifically formulated for dogs is a must-have for Saint Bernard baths. It will help limit negative side effects and keep their skin healthy.

It's essential to use the right shampoo for your Saint Bernard's coat type. For long-haired dogs, you'll need to use conditioner as well to prevent tangles and knots.

Bathing a Saint Bernard can be a challenge due to their large size, but it's worth it for their overall health and well-being.

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St. Bernards have longer fur in their ears that needs to be trimmed to prevent dirt and moisture from building up and leading to ear infections.

This fur can hold onto dirt and debris, making it essential to keep an eye out for any buildup inside your dog's ears.

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You can use a damp cotton ball to clean around your dog's ears, but be careful not to stick anything down into their ears.

Ear-cleaning drops can be a good option if your dog has particular trouble with their ears, and your vet can recommend the best product for your dog's needs.

As a St Bernard owner, you want to make sure your furry friend is comfortable and clean from head to paw. Trim the fur on your dog's feet to prevent the formation of mats.

Regular ear checks are a must, so keep an eye out for signs of infection like a foul odor or dark or yellowish discharge. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, visit your veterinarian right away.

Cleaning your dog's ears at least monthly can help prevent wax build-up and keep them healthy. Simply squirt a few drops of dog ear-cleansing solution into your dog's ear canal and massage the ear to distribute the solution.

Consider reading: Dog Ear Infection after Grooming

Brushing your St. Bernard several times a week with a large grooming rake can help control shedding and remove loose and dead hair.

To prevent mats from forming during bathing, brush your dog before getting him wet. This will also help remove loose or dead hair from his coat.

If you're worried about making a mess inside, consider bathing your St. Bernard outdoors using a large tub or child's pool. Before drying your dog, get him to shake the water from his coat.

Important Safety Reminders

Dental Care is crucial for your St. Bernard's overall health. Regular brushing can prevent dental problems before they occur.

You should brush your dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with canine-safe toothpaste. Human toothpaste is not safe for dogs, so make sure to use the right kind.

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly can reduce the need for professional cleanings from your vet. These cleanings are still important, but with good brushing habits, they'll be fewer and farther between.

Tartar buildup and bad breath are common issues in St. Bernards if their teeth aren't brushed regularly. Brushing your dog's teeth is a simple and effective way to prevent these problems.

Here are some tips for brushing your dog's teeth:

To keep your St. Bernard's coat looking its best, brush them several times a week with a large grooming rake. This will help remove loose and dead hair before it sheds.

Regular brushing also helps prevent matting, so make sure to brush your dog before bathing. If you don't, the loose hair could form mats during the bathing process.

Bathing your St. Bernard every 2-3 months is usually sufficient, but if they get dirty, bathe them as needed. You can also try bathing them outdoors using a large tub or child's pool to minimize the mess.

To prevent tear stains, wipe the area under your St. Bernard's eyes frequently with a damp cloth. You can also use commercial tear stain remover available at pet stores.

Suggestion: Dog Grooming Pin Brush

For regular dental care, brush your St. Bernard's teeth several times a week using dog-specific toothpaste. This will help prevent tartar buildup and bad breath.

Here's a quick guide to help you keep track of your St. Bernard's grooming needs:

Remember to check your St. Bernard's skin regularly while brushing them to catch any potential skin issues early.

When handling your St. Bernard's grooming needs, it's essential to be aware of some potential hazards. Do not attempt to trim your St. Bernard's nails unless you have been trained to do so by a veterinarian or experienced professional, as accidentally cutting the quick of the nail can cause pain and severe bleeding.

Bathing and grooming can be a great way to bond with your St. Bernard, but there are some precautions to take. Avoid getting your dog's ears wet during bathing and grooming, as water that gets into your dog's ears could cause an ear infection.

To keep your St. Bernard safe, make sure to follow these guidelines: