Sweet, smart, and super cute, it’s no wonder that Goldendoodles have exploded in popularity over the past few years.
If you’re thinking about or planning on adopting a Goldendoodle pup of your very own, you’ve probably got a few questions before you start living the full-time doodle lifestyle: Do Goldendoodles shed? What’s the best way to manage shedding and keep your pup’s coat healthy? What skin or fur issues are common with doodles?
Before you start envisioning tumbleweeds of curly fur floating through your house, check out this guide to let you know what to expect from your Goldendoodle.
Goldendoodles and Shedding
Goldendoodles are beloved for being a hypoallergenic dog—while they’re not entirely allergen-free, they do produce less of the dander responsible for your itchy eyes and runny nose.<suP<1 But does hypoallergenic also mean that they don’t shed?
The answer depends on your doodle’s unique background. Goldendoodles are a mix between golden retrievers and poodles. Their golden retriever side is the source of their unique curly coat from their curl gene.2 While poodles have a single coat of fur, which makes them shed less, golden retrievers’ double coats on top and more insulating fur underneath mean that they’re notorious for leaving tufts of blonde hair wherever they go.3
So, your Goldendoodle’s furry fate is up to whether certain traits present more like a golden retriever or a poodle. Depending on the roll of the genetic dice, a Goldendoodle dog can have double coats like golden retrievers, single coats like poodles, straight hair, curly hair, wavy hair, or anything in between. But no matter what type of adult coat your pet has, expect at least some shedding!
Here are some signs that your dog might be a heavier shedder (and that you might want to invest in that fancy vacuum cleaner):
- A straight coat – While curly- and wavy-haired Goldendoodles are more common (and what you probably imagine when picturing one), there are also Goldendoodles with straight hair. These types of doodles shed much more than their curly counterparts.
- An unfurnished face – Furnishing isn’t just what’s in your living room—it can also refer to your pet’s facial features and coat type. If your dog is rocking furnishings like a furry “beard” or a “mustache,” it’s less likely to shed. But facial features more similar to a golden retriever’s mean more cleanup.4
How Can I Manage My Goldendoodle’s Shedding and Other Skin Issues?
Whether your pup is a curly cutie or a wavy wonder, it’s important to take careful care of your Goldendoodle’s coat and skin for optimal dog health. If left uncared for, Goldendoodles could be prone to uncomfortable Goldendoodle health issues, like:
- Matted or tangled fur
- Ear infections
- Hair loss
- Uncomfortable itching.
Goldendoodles will also shed more if their straight coat isn’t properly tended to or they’re not in the best of health.
If you’re looking to keep your dog’s coat and skin in great shape, you can refer to our guide on how to stop a dog from shedding to ensure your pup is as happy and healthy as possible.
Diet
A healthy adult coat starts from within! Your dog requires a mix of powerful proteins and healthy fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s to maintain a shiny coat that only minimally sheds.
Steer clear of foods your dog might have trouble digesting and that don’t offer nutritional value, like corn or wheat. They could lead to a deficiency in certain nutrients, which can aggravate their skin and increase shedding.5
For the easiest way to maintain a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and prebiotics, try Vetericyn’s All-In. It’s a complete supplement, expertly designed to make sure your Goldendoodle puppy gets all the nutrients they need in an easily absorbed daily tablet. It’s a simple addition to your dog’s daily routine that can be given whole as a treat or crumbled up into food, ensuring your furry friend has everything they need for whole body dog health.
Stress
A happy dog is a healthy dog. If you’re wondering why your Goldendoodle seems to be shedding more than normal, it might be worth it to look into whether they seem stressed or anxious. Outside of excess shedding, your dog might be exhibiting signs of stress by:1
- Panting
- Pacing
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Hypervigilance or jumpiness
To relieve anxiety in your pup, try to lessen the impact of potential stressors. Keep them away from noises or environments that might stress them out (e.g., fireworks), and use caution when introducing them to unfamiliar or high-pressure situations, like meeting new dog lovers or being separated from you for long periods.
Grooming
A good grooming routine is key to minimizing Goldendoodle shedding and keeping your pup looking and feeling its best! Even though Goldendoodles’ hair is short, they require regular maintenance, including the occasional visit to the groomer or home clipping sessions.
In between their salon trips, it’s recommended to brush your doodle daily if possible. Frequent brushing helps to reduce the risk of your dog’s fur becoming tangled or matted. It also spreads healthy natural oils through the dog’s coat and removes dead hair to cut down on shedding.
Bathe your doodle regularly as well to keep their fur soft and shiny. Look for a pH-balanced, conditioning shampoo free of allergens or chemical dyes like the Vetericyn Foamcare® Pet Shampoo to get your pup’s coat squeaky clean. This gentle shampoo is anti-inflammatory and enhances your pet’s immune system while also making bathtime a breeze with a spray-on applicator and foaming action.
Does your doodle need a little more TLC? Skin issues and irritation are easy to manage with the right tools. Tackle common canine complaints like itching, dermatitis, hot spots, and excess shedding with a medicated shampoo like the Vetericyn Foamcare® Medicated Pet Shampoo, which provides healing relief for your dog’s skin woes.
Take Care of Your Goldendoodle’s Coat with Vetericyn
Whether you’re getting ready to welcome a curly-haired bundle of sweetness into your life or if you’re a doodle owner who’s done it all, Goldendoodles always make for an adorable addition to your family. Take care of your pup’s coat and stop excessive shedding in its tracks with Vetericyn’s cutting-edge animal wellness products—designed with you and your furball in mind.
We know your pup is your best friend—that’s why at Vetericyn, we’ve created top-of-the-line products conveniently shoppable at Amazon, Chewy, and Petco with unmatched quality and safety to keep them happy and healthy for years to come.
Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian
Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm.
Sources:
- Fetch by WebMD. Do Goldendoodles Shed?. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/do-Goldendoodles-shed
- The Spruce Pets. 12 Facts About the Goldendoodle. https://www.thesprucepets.com/Goldendoodle-dogs-and-puppies-4169955
- Five Barks. Do Goldendoodles Shed? https://www.fivebarks.com/do-Goldendoodles-shed/
- Oodlelife. How to Tell What Coat Your Goldendoodle Will Have. https://www.oodlelife.com/how-to-tell-what-coat-your-Goldendoodle-will-have/
- Daily Puppy. Dog Food That Causes Yeast. https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/dog-food-causes-yeast-3294.html
- Rover. Rover Announces Most America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2021. https://www.rover.com/blog/press-release/rover-announces-americas-most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/
