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 he has rolled in something nasty, 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.
2. He has simple doggy odor - use one of the many tearless dog shampoos on the market.
**Note**If the odor from your dog is more that just ordinary dog smell, check with your veterinarian. It could be caused from infection of the ear, mouth or anal glands. Skin disease can also cause odor.
3. Dandruff - check with your vet or groomer to determine the cause and use the appropriate shampoo.
4. 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.
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 Baths - 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. Human shampoos should not be used on dogs. The PH level is not the same.
5. You may want to add a fatty acid supplement to your dog's diet for a healthy shine on his coat.
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. There are many options for shampoos, choose one that is right for your dog.
8. Wear old clothes, you will get wet!
9. Use a drain screen so that your dog's hair does not clog up your plumbing.
One final word on dog baths and grooming in general; your dog's appearance says a lot about you and how you feel about your best friend. There is no such thing as a breed that requires no grooming.
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- DIY Dog Grooming: What You Need
- Raising Your Shar Pei Puppy
- Eliminate Puppy Digging
- Should You Buy That Bichon Frise Puppy For Sale?
Posted under Dogs
This post was written by Donna Boras on December 3, 2008
