Dog bathing can be a challenge, particularly if you have a large dog and/or one that has long hair. A short haired dog is fairly easy to bathe, particularly if he is small. In today's world there are many products that make dog baths a pleasant experience for you and your dog. Hopefully this article will give you a few tips that will be helpful.
A Few Tips to Remember About Dog Bathing..
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Puppy Bathing - use a shampoo that is specially formulated for puppies. Start at an early age to get your dog used to being brushed and bathed. Always rinse thoroughly after washing. Shampoo residue can be very irritating to your pet's skin. Do not use human shampoos on your pet, they are too harsh and have a different PH level. Fatty acid supplements added to your dog's good diet will help maintain a healthy coat and skin. While some dogs enjoy the attention when having their bath others do not. If your dog is afraid of water and bath time is a battle, try one of the dry shampoos. There are many options for shampoos, choose one that is right for your dog. Wear old clothes, you will get wet. Be careful not to let fur go down your drain, use a simple drain screen to protect your plumbing from hair clogs.
Dog Bathing - How often Should You Bath Your Dog?
How often your pet will need a bath will depend on what type of activities your dog is involved in, wash your dog when it is needed. If the proper shampoo is used it will not harm your dog's coat or skin to wash him on a regular basis.
Here are some guide lines:
When he has rolled in something nasty dog bathing is necessary; which is pretty obvious, just use your nose, that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it's time for a bath. Use an antibacterial or deodorizing shampoo and follow up with a conditioner. If your best buddy has had a confrontation with a skunk, there are special shampoos for this type of odor. Simple doggy odor - use one of the many tearless dog shampoos on the market. **Note** If the smell is more than a doggy odor, it could be a sign of a skin disease, a problem with the ears, mouth or anal glands. Check with your veterinarian. Dandruff - check with your vet or groomer to determine the cause and use the appropriate shampoo. Allergies - a dog with itchy skin from allergies may find a bath soothing and help reduce itching. The use of a soothing oatmeal shampoo, a gentle hypo-allergenic or hydrocortisone-based shampoo in most cases should be helpful. Fleas, tics, mites, or lice - shampooing is one of the best ways to get rid of external parasites and there are many appropriate shampoos that will fight fleas and ticks on your canine friend that have proper pH balance while cleaning and conditioning your dog's coat.
Preparing for the Bath
Brushing and removing mats should always be done before starting the dog bathing. This will also improve the effectiveness of the shampoo. (It is also important to brush your dog each day to keep his coat clean, shiny and healthy.) Have a container to keep shampoos, conditioners and after bath supplies such as grooming mists, absorbent towels and a hair dryer. Apply a protective ointment to your dog's eyes to shield against shampoo irritation. Pack cotton balls into your friend's ears to prevent excess water from entering the canal while rinsing. Raised Dog Bath - this is ideal for you and your dog. Restraints - for a quick and hassle free bath time. This will also lessen the chance of injury to you as well as your pet and attempts to escape. Some pet tubs come with restraints included. At the very least you will need a plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing. Also available are sprayers, sprayers with integrated shampoo cartridges, some bath tubs come with sprayers, doggy spas, doggy showers, there is an endless supply of convenience products. Use a rubber non-slip mat to keep your dog in place.
Now you are Ready for Dog Bathing
To wash your dog's face, saturate a towel with water and shampoo and wipe his face, being careful not to get shampoo in his eyes. Wet your dog well from neck to tail. Begin by massaging the shampoo all the way down to the skin. Work from head total. Rinse thoroughly, a sprayer is best for this. Any residue of shampoo remaining on the dog can cause itching, flaking, and skin problems. Keep the restraint attached as you towel dry your dog, then finish with a pet dryer at a cool setting. Brush your pet again. A great way to enhance your dog's beautiful coat, moisturize his skin, and release tangles and mats is with a grooming mist. Other grooming tasks should be done at this time, such as clean your buddies teeth and ears and trim his nails. You may want to consider a grooming table. It is at a level that makes it so much more efficient and easy to work on your dog. Many owners prefer this back saving option. Don't forget to reward your dog's good behavior with treats and plenty of love.
That is it, your dog bathing is done!