Dog Baths – Can it be Done Too Often?
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.
Keep your dog’s coat healthy and clean with frequent brushing and you will not have to bath as often and maintaining a clean sleeping area is also important for keeping dog odor down. Bath once a month (or see guidelines below) at most and use a shampoo specific for dogs.
Here are some guide lines to follow when bathing your dog
1. If your best buddy has gotten into something smelly, it is time for a bath. You can use a deodorizing or antibacterial shampoo for this job.
2. Normal dog odor – there are many shampoos that will be suitable for this job but one of the tearless ones is best.
**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 – use a dandruff shampoo, there are many on the market but check with your groomer or vet as to the cause.
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. Fleas, mites, tics, and lice – special shampoos made for parasites are great for this problem.
6. If your best buddy has had a confrontation with a skunk, there are special shampoos for this type of odor.
7. If your dog has been in salt water give him a bath, salt may irritate the skin.
Dog Bathing Tips
1. If you are bathing a puppy use a shampoo that is specially formulated for puppies.
2. The younger you introduce your pet dog to bathing and brushing the easier it will be.
3. Shampoo can leave a residue which may irritate your dog’s skin. 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 that this does not really take the place of a bath because it does not reach the skin.
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 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.