Dog Pregnancy Calculator And Timeline
We all know washing your dog makes him happy and healthy. But, how to wash a dog? Certain tips can make your work easier and faster.
Veterinary dermatologists change the grooming rules quite often depending on the latest researches.
Previously dogs were given bath once in three to six months. People believed washing will get the natural oil off the coat. But, the current suggestion is that weekly bathing isn’t a bad idea at all.
How often can you wash your dog?
Not too often. The dog’s coat needs its natural oils to remain soft and silky. These natural oils keep them from getting brittle or damaged.
A sound rule of thumb is to clean your dog when he is noticeably smelly, stinky or has skin allergies with scratching.
The benefits include the reduction of allergies, scratching, and itching.
Washing is also a genuine excuse to check your dog’s skin. You can feel all over for rough patches, scaly areas or lumps. If you come across any, immediately check with your vet.
What Are The Things You Need To Wash Your Dog?
Before you start cleaning your dog, make sure you have all the things you need by your side. Here are some suggestions for your easier venture.
- Towels(more than one)
- handheld spray or Hose for the taps if using a sink or bath
- Bathmat or any mat clean to stand on if outside
- Shampoos/conditioners
- Brush, Face washer or sponge
- Hairdryer if you need a quick dry
- Ear cleaner, Cotton wool, Nail clippers
- Treats
Things To Do While Washing Your Dog
Brush your dog
Always brush your dog before he gets wet. This helps the coat clean and gets the matts out before they get worse by water. Gently cut out any mats before you wash him. Make sure to remove all the cut and loose hair before it clogs your drain.
Get The Right Dog Shampoo
It is advisable to use a pH-balanced pet-friendly shampoo designed especially for dogs. You can always consult your vet regarding the suitable use of shampoo on your canine.
Can I use human shampoo on a dog?
Never use human shampoo on dogs. You should know that human hair and its texture is completely different from that of dogs. The requirements are also not the same. To address dogs with skin diseases, you’ll need a medicated shampoo.
Only if your dog has dry hair, you’ll have to consider about conditioners. Otherwise, a good shampoo is all that is needed.
Talk To Your Dog While Giving Bath
Have a smoothening and calm conversation with your dog while giving him a bath. Talk in a reassuring voice as to how you gently care for him and love him.
Even a dog that throws tantrums for water will give a 60% yield to a caring and strict voice. You can even offer him treats while escorting him to the bathing location.
Always Protect The Eyes And Ears Of Your Dog While Bathing
Avoid the shampoo lather on to your dog’s face. Be gentle to wipe off the slug around his eyes and mouth. You can use a ‘no-tear shampoo’ if you could get one.
Another thing is to take care not to let the water go into the ears of your buddy. Take all the necessary precautions to hold his ears closed while pouring water.
Keeping all these things will definitely keep your dogs from infections and serious health problems in the future.
Select A Location
Identify the most suitable location to bathe your pooch. Choosing the place for the wash depends on the type and size of the dog, and also the time of the year.
You can select a washtub or sink for puppies and energetic toy breeds, while muscular and bulkier breeds will need the bathtub.
After a good wash, your dog will feel fresh and happy. You can go for a walk or play a friendly and pleasant game of fetch that will speed up the drying process.
Place A Nonslip Surface
Try to place a towel or non-skid rubber mat at the bottom of the bathing tub. Make your dog feel more secure from slipping all over the place. If it is a large dog you can even use the leash to make him stand in one place.
Go lukewarm
Try to use lukewarm water always and make sure you fill the tub with water before you start washing him. You can use a hand-held sprayer and wet your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Do not use hot water and check the temperature on your arm before bathing him.
How Often Can I Bathe My Dog?
You can give a bath to your dog as frequently as every two weeks. Normally, a dog must be given a bath once in three months to prevent skin infection, allergies, ticks, and fleas.
But make sure it doesn’t smell noticeably bad; Afterall, both of you have to share the same couch sometime. Whenever you see him dirty or smell awkward, give him a bath. Both of you will be happy after a nice shampoo bath.
How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Flea Shampoo?
Consult your vet about how often you can wash him with flea shampoo. If the infestation is uncontrollable, he may suggest you wash the dog once or twice a week.
With one wash only half the ticks will be ridden. So, it must be used consistently for about two to three weeks. There are other oral medications and flea spot-on. The result will be quicker.
Tips To Wash Your Dog
- Ensure that the temperature of the water must be comfortably correct – not too hot or cold.
- Never be harsh with your dog if you see resistance from him. You can use a leash if needed.
- If your dog is a thick and double-coated breed, you can mix the shampoo with water and then apply it. This is to prevent shampoo from wading up in one place in the long hair.
- You can also use a hand-held sprayer to wash your dog.
- Be cautious about shampoo enter the eyes and ears and irritate the organs. Dogs generally have water-resistant coats, so ensure drench him completely not leave any part of the coat. Make sure to clean the skin folds and the feet of your dog.
Dogs intuitively like to shake the water off. Take him to a “shaking permitted” place, and allow him to have a go. - Start with the neck and then shampoo all the way down his body to toes and tails.
- You can dry him with a towel or can use a blow dryer. If you try a blow dryer, use it with low heat. If your buddy gets uneasy or agitated, stop immediately and reduce heat.
Tips To Getting Rid Of Pet Odor
As long as your pets live indoors, it is humanly impossible to remove the smell completely without any trace.
If pet lovers are keen to safeguard their investment, then they should take sufficient steps to reduce the smell.
Simple Tips to Avoid The Pet Smell From Becoming Intolerable
Never Allow the Smell to Become Strong
It is important to address the problem than to struggle with the effect. The main area of pet smells includes the pet’s saliva and fur.
Groom your pet as regularly as possible and also take care of their oral well-being.
Pet toys and foods they eat can also cause bad smells. If possible, keep these products in garages or outdoor sheds.
Ensure Good Air Circulation
If your pet, lives indoors for the majority of the time, it is advised that you leave doors and windows open to ensure a cross breeze that will drive away any bad smells.
Air purifiers and fans can also do a good job in this matter.
Pets and Carpets
A simple suggestion- if you are not in a position to hire a professional to clean the carpet regularly, then keep them away.
Loose mats or pet beds can offer a soft spot for your pet but clean them as regularly as possible.
Try to spray sanitizing cleaner over the urine spot and clean them immediately to inhibit the spreading of germs and infection.
Better train your pet for proper potty training to restrain from undesirable headaches.
