Summer Grooming Tips for Your Cavoodle

I love it with the weather warms up and I can take Bambi and Daisy out with us on little adventure with the rest of the family …. Think picnic time, beach splashes, pool dips, early evening walkies and of course chilled-out air-con lounging.

But I know firsthand that with that fun comes a few special grooming must-dos to keep them looking & smelling fabulous. 

To help you keep your cavoodle in the fabulous style they are accustomed too, here’s some tips from me to you that will help you groom your Cavoodle through the Aussie summer heat.

Lots of Pool and Beach Time = Rinse, Brush & Protect

If you’re out by the water (especially if your Cavoodles adores splashing about in the salt & Sea) then your grooming routine needs a little extra love.

Salt, sand and pool chlorine can make your pup’s coat dry, stiff or tangled especially on fleece- or wool-type coats. Plus, prolonged sun and reflection from water can increase risk of sunburn and skin irritation.

What to do:

• After a beach or pool session, rinse your Cavoodle with fresh water ASAP. If there isn’t a hose or shower nearby then remember to take some bottled water to get some of the sand and salt off them.
  

• Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner (especially if they’ve had salt/water fun). This helps smooth the coat and avoid knots. Our sample sizes are perfect to add to your beach bag
  

• Brush more often: those damp ears, belly and behind the legs can hide mats. Think cuddles and brushing together after a long day out
  

• Trim the coat to a manageable “summer cut”: not shaved to the skin (that risks sunburn), but clipped short enough to be comfortable. Many groomers recommend a tidy summer trim.
  

• Check paws and between toes: sand and salt can irritate. You know yourself how irritating sand in the wrong spot can feel.
  

• Dry ears thoroughly: water trapped in floppy ears can lead to ear infections. These can develop quickly and you want to spend your holiday enjoying time with them, not in an vet surgery.
  
  

 

Air-con Hanging & Indoor Chill Time = Hydrate, Moisturise & Comfort

Even when you’re indoors enjoying the cool air con, your Cavoodle has grooming needs that matter for skin and coat health.

Dry indoor air and constant indoor lounging can cause the skin to lose moisture, coats to dull, ears to fold up and collect debris, and nails to require trimming because less outdoor wear.

What to do:

• Use a leave-in conditioner suitable for cavoodles, especially if you have a fleece or wool type. Keeps the coat shiny and prevents dryness and we have the perfect one for you here

• Keep an eye on the skin under coat: indoor heat + cooling can still cause irritations.
  

• Brush lightly daily (or every second day) to keep mat free. Grab the brush kit here

• Ear care check: even indoors, hairs in ear flaps, curled coat around ears, can trap moisture and lead to infection.
  

• Provide a comfy, cool bed away from direct sun and from air-con drafts blowing directly on them (some pups don’t like constant AC breeze).
  

Outdoor Adventures, Walks at Dawn & Dusk = Tick, Sun-Protection & Coat Maintenance

Summer isn’t just beach and couch time, you’ll still be out for morning walks, park play and daily adventures! And that means grooming vigilance.

Hot weather brings ticks, burrs, seeds, prickles (hello bindi!). A longer coat makes it harder to spot these hazards. Those little suckers can be a pain to get out but you also don’t want to shave off all their hair, as this gives your Cavoodle’s natural protection from sunburn. 

What to do:

• Ensure tick and flea prevention is up-to-date (especially after bush or grassy strolls).
  After a walk, check behind ears, under legs, between toes, belly as those are prime spots for seeds or ticks.
  

• Consider adding dog-safe sun protection to exposed areas like the nose or belly if trimmed short.
  

• Keep the coat into a manageable length, even if you like that teddy-bear style because too much fluff = overheating + hidden hazards.Brush before and after outdoor sessions: removes debris and lets you inspect the skin underneath.
  

• Clean those paws: mud/sand/dirt/grass can hide in the underside of the coat.
  
  

Quick Summer Grooming Checklist for Cavoodle Owners

☐ Rinse after beach/pool session

☐ Use mild shampoo + conditioner

☐ Trim coat to summer length (not shaved)

☐ Brush 3-5 times per week (+ after each water outing)

☐ Check ears weekly (especially after water)

☐ Trim nails regularly

☐ Inspect for ticks/seeds after outdoor adventures

☐ Use dog-safe sun protectant if coat is trimmed short

☐ Keep coat moisturised (indoors)

☐ Provide cool, comfortable sleeping zone

I use this as my guide to keep Bambi & Daisy looking fresh all sumer so I hope you find it helpful too.