Dog bathing 101

All dogs whether long and furry high maintenance breeds or short coated would benefit from being regularly groomed. Grooming not only ensures the admirable appearance of the pet but also makes sure that infectious agents and parasite-causing health disorders are prevented. More importantly, the ties between owner and pet is improved when the dog is groomed.

Dogs should not be bathed very often but it cannot be denied that bathing is a very important part of the dog’s grooming routine. Indoor dogs that live and sleep with the family would naturally need to be bathed more often unlike outdoor dogs that can hit the water only about twice a month. Dogs don’t have to be bathed very often as their skin has the tendency to get dry when frequently exposed to water. Frequent bathing will remove the natural oils that moisturize the skin and make the fur waterproof.

Bathing the dog can be a challenge though as a dog owner that does know the ropes can get all drenched while the dog would go away laughing. Dogs love to play in puddles but these animals really do not appreciate being bathed. One of the first task of a new puppy owner is to accustom the pet to being bathed. Introduce bath time as a comfortable activity and the dog and will look forward to each and every bathing time.

Have the bathing needs of the pet ready – a doggie shampoo, a brush and towels. Brush the dog’s fur thoroughly before bathing to remove tangles as it would be more difficult to untangle fur that is already wet. Small dogs can be bathed in the kitchen sink but larger dogs would need a tub.

Get ready to bath the pet! A flexible hose with a shower head would be a good tool in bathing the dog. Test water temperature and thoroughly wet the dog from the head down to the toes. Use a good amount of dog shampoo to work up a good lather but be careful not to get shampoo into the dog’s eyes. The limbs and the feet are oftentimes the dirtiest body part thus they must be cleaned thoroughly. Anti-flea shampoo must be left unrinsed for about 10 minutes.

Make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly removed from the coat. Make sure that the water would not get into the dog’s eyes and ears. Thoroughly dry the fur with a towel. A hair dryer can be used but make sure that it is on a low setting so as not to burn the dog.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can learn more about dog grooming.

Tips for Dog Baths

The problem with dog baths is that people tend to either do dog bathing too often or not enough. The rule of thumb is dog bathing should be done when needed. Your dog does not have to smell like a perfume bottle but also not like he just left the garbage dump either.

If you keep your dog well groomed, which means frequent brushing and keeping his sleeping area clean, you will not have to be bathing a dog more than every month at the most. Some breeds have more dog odor than others. If your dog is being groomed regularly and he begins to smell, it is time for a bath. But do keep in mind that more than once a month can dry the skin and coat.

Here are some guide lines to follow when bathing your dog

1. Bath when your pet dog may have been into some nasty smelling substance. Antibacterial and deodorizing shampoos are available for this.

2. Normal dog odor – there are many shampoos that will be suitable for this job but one of the tearless ones is best.

**Note**you may want to check with your vet if you feel that the odor from your dog is abnormal. Things that can cause this would be ear infection, problems with the mouth or anal glands or skin disease.

3. Dandruff – a veterinarian will be able to determine the cause and advise you which shampoo would be best for your buddy.

4. Allergies – bathing a dog with allergies can be soothing for itchy skin. Try oatmeal, a gentle hypo-allergenic or hydro-cortisone based shampoo.

5. External Parasites – if your dog has fleas, tics, mites or lice use a shampoo specific for this problem. Bathing is one of the best methods of ridding your pet of these parasites while cleaning and conditioning his coat.

6. If your best buddy has had a confrontation with a skunk, there are special shampoos for this type of odor.

7. A day at the beach – salt may cause itching and skin irritation.

Dog Bathing Tips

1. Puppy Bathing – if you have a puppy use one specially made for him.

2. Introduce bathing and brushing to your dog as a pup so that he becomes accustom to being groomed.

3. Shampoo can leave a residue which may irritate your best friend so rinse well after shampooing.

4. Do not use human shampoos on your dog. The PH level is not the same as it is for pets.

5. Fatty acid supplements added to your dog’s good diet will help maintain a healthy coat and skin.

6. Dry shampoos are available if you have a doggy that does not like the water and does not find bath time fun. Keep in mind though, it does not really take the place of a bath because it does not reach the skin. You are going to have to shampoo your doggie at some point.

7. Select the correct shampoo for your dog. There are many to choose from.

8. I suggest clothes that you do not mind getting wet.

9. Use a drain screen to prevent clogging.

Finally, your dog’s appearance says a lot about you and how you feel about your best buddy. All dog breeds need to be groomed and have dog baths; there is no such thing as a dog that requires no grooming.