Managing The Berner Shed: Grooming Your Bernese Mountain Dog

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The Bernese Mountain Dog: a gentle giant, a family companion, and a notorious shedder. Managing that glorious coat requires commitment, but with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your Berner looking their best and minimize the fur tumbleweeds rolling through your home.

Understanding the Berner Coat

Berners possess a double coat: a long, glossy outer coat that protects them from the elements, and a thick, woolly undercoat for insulation. This undercoat is the primary culprit behind the shedding. Berners typically “blow” their coat twice a year, usually in the spring and fall, as they adjust to temperature changes. However, a consistent level of shedding occurs year-round.

The Essential Grooming Kit

Before diving in, assemble your arsenal:

Slicker Brush: This is your daily go-to for removing loose fur and preventing mats.
Undercoat Rake: Essential for penetrating the outer coat and removing dead undercoat during heavy shedding seasons.
Metal Comb: Useful for detecting and removing tangles, and for finishing the grooming process.
Dog Shampoo and Conditioner: Opt for products formulated for double-coated breeds, focusing on moisturizing to prevent dryness and breakage.
High-Velocity Dryer (Optional but Recommended): This powerful tool can blast out loose fur and speed up the drying process after a bath.
Nail Clippers: Keeping nails trimmed prevents overgrowth and discomfort.

The Grooming Process

Brushing: Aim for daily brushing, especially during shedding season. Use the slicker brush to remove surface fur and tangles. Then, use the undercoat rake, working in sections, to remove dead undercoat. Be gentle to avoid irritating the skin. Finish with the metal comb to ensure no tangles remain.
Bathing: Bathe your Berner every 1-3 months, or as needed. Wet the coat thoroughly, apply shampoo, and massage it in, working from head to tail. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring all shampoo is removed. Apply conditioner, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse again.
Drying: Towel-dry your Berner to remove excess water. If using a high-velocity dryer, keep it moving to avoid overheating. Brush the coat while drying to prevent matting. Allow the coat to air dry completely before brushing again.
Nail Trimming: Trim your Berner’s nails every 2-4 weeks, or as needed. Be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part containing blood vessels and nerves). If you’re unsure, consult a groomer or veterinarian.
Ear Cleaning: Check your Berner’s ears weekly for signs of infection. Clean them with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner as needed.

Tips for Managing Shedding

Consistent Grooming: Regular brushing is the key to minimizing shedding. The more often you brush, the less fur ends up on your furniture.
Diet: A high-quality diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote healthy skin and coat.
Supplements: Consider adding an omega-3 supplement to your Berner’s diet, especially during shedding season.
Professional Grooming: Consider professional grooming every few months. Groomers have specialized tools and techniques to effectively manage shedding.
Acceptance: Embrace the shedding! It’s part of owning a Berner. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner and lint rollers.

Grooming your Bernese Mountain Dog is a commitment, but the bond you build and the beauty you maintain are well worth the effort. With patience and the right tools, you can keep your Berner looking their best and enjoy a relatively fur-free home.