Wednesday, November 26, 2008

How Frequent Should Dog Baths be Done?

By Donna Boras

Some owners will do dog baths too often and others too little. Common sense prevails here; dog bathing should be done when needed. Your dog does not have to smell like he just walked out of a salon but smelling as though he just got out of a dumpster is not good 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 guidelines for dog baths...

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

2. Doggy odor - use any one of the many canine shampoos available for dog baths. A tearless one would be the best choice.

**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 - this can cause your dog's skin to be itchy. If a soothing shampoo such as a hydro-cortisone based shampoo is used it may relieve the itchy and be very soothing for your canine friend. Others that may be helpful for dog baths are the hypo-allergenic shampoos or an oatmeal one.

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 he's had a run in with a skunk. Special shampoos are made for this problem.

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. Be careful not to let fur go down your drain use a simple drain screen to protect your plumbing from hair clogs.

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.

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