Bernese Mountain Dog

All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the most prolific of shedders due to their double coat. Double-coated dogs such as Berners lose fur from both the downy undercoat and the protective overcoat.

The best way to manage your Bernese Mountain Dog's shedding is to be proactive about it: Brush and comb your Berner down to the skin a couple of times a week, and use a shedding rake to pull out any loose fur. In spring and fall, a warm bath can speed up the seasonal shed. Always remember to remove any mats before bathing. Many groomers use high-velocity pet dryers, but if you don't have one, you can towel-dry your pet (outside if it's warm) or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to further get rid of loose fur. If the job is too daunting, make an appointment with a groomer.

Start your Bernese Mountain Dog as young as possible, rewarding them with praise and small treats for accepting gentle handling of their feet. Slowly introduce clipping or grinding, and reward your Berner for tolerance. Some people swear by a "lick mat" with peanut butter -- no xylitol or other sweeteners, please! -- to keep their dogs occupied and distracted while nails are being trimmed. Weekly touch-ups prevent nails from becoming long daggers that are painful when cut. If you'd rather not mess with your Bernese Mountain Dog's nails, a groomer or your veterinary healthcare team will be happy to trim nails for you.