Why Bathe Your Dog?

Posted by Cliff Stone in Featured Articles, Grooming on December 21, 2009 | 2 responses

1129263_bernese_mountain_dog_puppy_on_the_beach Most people have one of two opinions about dog bathing. Some believe that dogs only need to be washed every year or so. Others believe that they should bathe their pets once a month.

Bathing is very good for dogs, but it shouldn’t be done too often or it could cause some real health problems.

This is because dogs have natural skin and fur oils, the same way that people do. If you bathe your dogs too frequently, their skin will become dry and itchy. This creates a risk of scratching and breaking skin. Remember that the natural oils really are beneficial, and that they protect your dog from many things.

You can make bathtime fun for both you and your dog. Just be sure to take care about a few things and your chances of success go way up.

1. Take care of your dog’s ears. Infections can occur when soap and water are able to enter the ear canal. This may be temporary, but it could also do some real damage. Infections harm the ear drum, leading to possible deafness. Not sure if your dog has an ear infection? He might if you see him shaking his head a lot, or if there’s a discharge from the ear.

If you want to be sure that this doesn’t occur, you can gently block your dog’s ears. Use cotton balls, and don’t force them into the ear canal. Place them gently but securely at the entrance to your dog’s ear to keep water out. Once the bath is done, make sure you dry the ears carefully, since moisture can still get in. A cloth around your finger is a good way to do this, but you can also choose a cotton swab if you use it carefully.

2. Remember to use a shampoo that’s been made for dogs, since they’re formulated to protect the fur and skin of your pet. Soaps made for humans are often harsh or irritating, plus dogs may be allergic to the scents used in them.

Hoover Platinum Collection Pet Plus Carpet-and-Upholstery Detergent, 50 Ounces, AH30035

$21.99

BISSELL SpotLifter 2X Portable Deep Carpet Cleaner, 1719

$44.58

Hoover SteamVac Pet Complete Carpet Cleaner with Clean Surge – F5918900

$154.83

Desert Almond Dog Shampoo Gallon 15-1 Concentrate

$24.99

JW GripSoft Shampoo Bather & Brush for Dog Pet Grooming Massage Wash

$12.33

TropiClean Pet Dog Puppy Shampoo 20oz AND Pet Dog Cologne Baby Powder 8oz

$26.78

3. The frequency with which you bathe your dog will depend on the breed you have. Dogs with long hair need to be washed more often than breeds that have short hair. That means that if you have a hairy breed, such as a spaniel, you may need to bathe as often as once every two months. Other breeds could go as long as eight months, but outdoor dogs will probably need more frequent bathing.

Start your dog off correctly when it comes to bathing and bathtime. Patience and compassion can be very important since a dog that’s frightened will be harder to bathe. Make the process fun – the majority of dogs enjoy getting wet, after all.

If you can, set up your bath outside. Encourage your pet to run through or sit in it. Use toys to distract your dog from the water. Once he’s calmed down a little, start the bath. Some people put their pets on leashes to keep them from running away.

Collect everything you’ll need for the bath well in advance, including soap, towels, and a bowl for pouring water. Hoses usually are full of water that’s too cold – use water from the bath instead.

If you show your dog that the bath is fun, you and your pet will both enjoy it and look forward to it.

It’s also important to look into the best dog training tools to ensure that your pooch behaves the way you want him or her to. Click Here for a proven dog training program that is easy to use to improve your relationship with your pet!