Springtime Parasites: What Every Bernedoodle Owner Should Watch For

As winter thaws and spring blossoms, our canine companions get ready for longer walks, hikes, and backyard playtime. But as the flowers bloom and the sun returns, so do hidden dangers—parasites. For Bernedoodle owners, spring brings a real need for awareness and action against pests like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal worms.

Bernedoodles, a cross between the loyal Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent Poodle, are adored for their affectionate personalities, hypoallergenic coats, and social nature. However, their love for outdoor adventure combined with their dense, curly or wavy coats makes them a prime target for springtime parasites.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:

• The top parasites to watch for in spring
• How parasites uniquely affect Bernedoodles
• Grooming and care tips to prevent infestations
• The best preventative products to keep your dog safe
• What symptoms to monitor for early detection

Let’s ensure your Bernedoodle enjoys a healthy, itch-free spring.

Why Bernedoodles Are Especially Vulnerable in Spring

Bernedoodles can inherit a thick, double coat from their Bernese parent or a tighter curl from the Poodle side—or something in between. In either case, their coats provide ideal hiding spots for parasites. Add in their playful, high-energy temperament and natural curiosity, and you’ve got a pup that’s at high risk for picking up pests during springtime excursions.

Also, due to their moderate to large size, Bernedoodles may not show early symptoms of certain infestations as clearly as smaller breeds—making proactive prevention all the more important.

The Top 4 Springtime Parasites That Threaten Bernedoodles

1. Fleas

Fleas thrive in warm, humid weather and become active as soon as spring begins. Just a few can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation, not only affecting your dog but also your home.

Health Risks for Bernedoodles:

• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), an allergic reaction causing intense itching and skin lesions
• Secondary bacterial or fungal infections from excessive scratching
• Anemia in young or immunocompromised dogs
• Transmission of tapeworms

Signs to Watch For:

• Persistent scratching, biting, or licking—especially around the tail and belly
• Small black specs (flea dirt) in the coat
• Fleas crawling or jumping on the skin
• Hair loss, red or inflamed skin

Prevention & Control:

• Begin monthly flea prevention before the first warm day
• Groom regularly with a flea comb
• Vacuum and wash bedding weekly
• Treat outdoor spaces if infestations occur

📘 For more on flea biology and control, visit Cornell University’s Flea Guide.

2. Ticks

Ticks are more than just gross—they’re vectors of serious diseases that can affect both pets and humans. They hide in grass, shrubs, and woods, waiting to latch onto your dog as they explore.

Risks to Bernedoodles:

• Lyme disease, which can cause fever, lameness, and joint pain
• Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis, which lead to lethargy and blood abnormalities
• Tick paralysis, though rare, can cause sudden weakness or paralysis
• Potential for disease transmission to humans through shared environments

Common Symptoms:

• Ticks attached to the skin (often near ears, neck, or groin)
• Scabs, redness, or inflammation around bite sites
• Swollen joints, fever, or limping
• Lethargy or change in appetite

Tick Prevention:

• Daily tick checks after outdoor activity
• Use of monthly tick preventatives
• Keep grass trimmed and remove brush piles from your yard
• Avoid wooded or overgrown areas when hiking

🔍 The CDC’s Tick Prevention Center offers in-depth advice for tick control.

3. Mosquitoes and Heartworms

Mosquitoes might seem like a warm-weather nuisance, but for dogs, they pose a potentially deadly threat—heartworms. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing severe damage over time.

Why It’s Critical for Bernedoodles:

• Heartworm disease can go undetected for months
• Once symptoms emerge, treatment is costly and risky
• If untreated, it leads to heart failure and death
• Mosquitoes don’t discriminate—urban, rural, and suburban dogs are all at risk

Heartworm Symptoms:

• Mild cough, fatigue after exercise
• Weight loss, loss of appetite
• Fluid retention in the abdomen
• Collapse or labored breathing in severe cases

Prevention:

• Monthly heartworm prevention is a must year-round
• Use mosquito repellents safe for dogs (never DEET-based)
• Keep screens in good condition and eliminate standing water

📘 Learn about heartworm disease at the American Heartworm Society.

4. Intestinal Worms

Springtime means more exposure to the outdoors—and with it, more chances to encounter parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These can be contracted from contaminated soil, feces, prey animals, or even through flea ingestion.

Dangers for Bernedoodles:

• Nutrient absorption issues, leading to weight loss or dull coat
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or bloating
• Risk of zoonotic transmission to humans (especially children)

Warning Signs:

• Scooting, excessive licking, or visible worms in feces
• Lethargy or digestive upset
• Poor coat condition
• Potbellied appearance, especially in puppies

Prevention and Treatment:

• Routine fecal testing at the vet
• Monthly broad-spectrum dewormers
• Prompt waste disposal in yards and parks
• Avoid allowing dogs to eat unknown substances outdoors

Spring Grooming for Parasite Prevention in Bernedoodles

Your Bernedoodle’s lush coat is beautiful—but also a hiding spot for parasites. Grooming isn’t just for appearance—it’s part of your health defense strategy.

Essential Spring Grooming Tips:

• Brush daily to remove debris, check for fleas/ticks, and prevent matting
• Schedule professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
• Trim around paws, belly, and underarms to reduce parasite zones
• Bathe every 3–4 weeks using flea- and tick-repelling shampoos
• After every hike or park visit, check ears, toes, and between hind legs

Seasonal Parasite Prevention Calendar for Bernedoodle Owners

Do Natural Remedies Work for Bernedoodles?

Natural options like coconut oil, diatomaceous earth, and essential oils are sometimes recommended—but use with caution. Bernedoodles can have sensitive skin, especially around their ears, groin, and belly.

Use Only Under Vet Guidance:

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth: sprinkle in pet beds to reduce fleas
• Coconut oil: light application can deter fleas (but not a replacement)
• Neem oil or rosemary-based sprays: only if labeled safe for dogs

🚫 Avoid DIY blends or essential oils without professional input. Some ingredients are toxic to dogs, especially if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

🏆 Best Preventative Brands for Bernedoodles

Choosing the right parasite prevention is key to a healthy, parasite-free spring. Here are the top vet-recommended brands for Bernedoodles:

1. Simparica Trio

Type: Monthly chewable
Protects Against: Fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms
Best For: All-in-one simplicity

Simparica Trio is a fan favorite for convenience and broad-spectrum protection, ideal for Bernedoodles who are active outdoors.

Pros:

• Combines three treatments into one tasty chew
• Fast-acting and effective
• Safe for dogs as small as 2.8 lbs

Cons:

• Prescription required
• Not for dogs under 8 weeks or under 2.8 lbs

2. NexGard + Heartgard Plus

Type: Two monthly chewables
Protects Against:

• NexGard: Fleas and ticks
• Heartgard: Heartworms, roundworms, hookworms
  Best For: Flexibility and proven efficacy

This duo is trusted by vets and easy to tailor to your Bernedoodle’s needs.

Pros:

• Palatable and well tolerated
• Long-established track record
• Effective for medium to large dogs

Cons:

• Requires two separate products
• Slightly more expensive

3. Bravecto + Interceptor Plus

Type:

• Bravecto: Every 12 weeks (oral)
• Interceptor Plus: Monthly chew
  Protects Against:
• Bravecto: Fleas and ticks
• Interceptor: Heartworms and multiple intestinal worms
  Best For: Long-lasting flea/tick coverage

Bravecto reduces monthly dosing frequency, while Interceptor Plus covers internal parasites comprehensively.

Pros:

• Bravecto lasts up to 12 weeks
• Covers almost every major parasite
• Great for larger Bernedoodles with sensitive stomachs

Cons:

• Requires two products
• Bravecto must be timed carefully with seasons

4. Advantage Multi

Type: Monthly topical
Protects Against: Fleas, heartworms, roundworms, whipworms
Best For: Dogs that dislike oral meds

This is a great option for Bernedoodles who are picky eaters or have difficulty swallowing chews.

Pros:

• Topical, no pills involved
• Quick to apply
• Covers several parasite types

Cons:

• Does not protect against ticks
• Some risk of skin sensitivity

A Parasite-Free Spring for Your Bernedoodle

Spring should be a time of joy, energy, and bonding—not itching, vet visits, and preventable illness. With consistent grooming, awareness of parasite risks, and a vet-recommended prevention plan, you can make this season safe and comfortable for your Bernedoodle.

✅ Book a spring vet appointment
✅ Choose the right monthly preventative
✅ Monitor your dog’s coat and behavior
✅ Check for ticks after every outdoor adventure

By being proactive, you’re not just preventing discomfort—you’re protecting your Bernedoodle’s long-term health.

📎 Additional Resources

1. Cornell University Flea Control Guide
2. CDC Tick Prevention
3. American Heartworm Society