Bathing your dog

Source: http://pets.iloveindia.com/dogs/dog-bath.html
If dogs had a choice, they most likely wouldn’t have a bath at all. Given their predisposition to roll in the most putrid things (my own dog Giro rolled in a thoroughly decomposed bat once), they seem to prefer to reek of bird poo and decomposed animals rather than of perfume or even just of clean dog.
So we bathe them because we want them to smell good - or at least acceptable - for our noses, not theirs.
So we bathe them because we want them to smell good - or at least acceptable - for our noses, not theirs.
How often should you / can you bathe our dog?
As little as possible: Frequent washing can dry out the dog’s skin and lead to skin problems. Wash the dog only if his smell is no longer acceptable in the house or on your hands, or if he comes home wearing the latest “Dead Bat” perfume.
As a rule of thumb, washing once a month is likely to be acceptable. More frequent washing might be tolerated, but watch for signs of skin irritation and use a gentle shampoo.
As a rule of thumb, washing once a month is likely to be acceptable. More frequent washing might be tolerated, but watch for signs of skin irritation and use a gentle shampoo.
Suitable Shampoos / Conditioners
Even if you don't wash your dog frequently, the mildest shampoo suitable for dogs is still your best choice.
The Delta Society recommends:
· Dermcare Natural Shampoo http://www.dermcare.com.au/easyweb3/WEBID-476671-ep_code-Natural
· Allergroom by Virbac http://allergroom.com/
Use medicated shampoos only after consulting your vet.
Do NOT use human shampoo or other detergents to wash your dog.
Do NOT use shampoos that contain tea tree or eucalyptus oil: whilst they sound “natural”, they may in fact cause significant skin irritation.
The Delta Society recommends:
· Dermcare Natural Shampoo http://www.dermcare.com.au/easyweb3/WEBID-476671-ep_code-Natural
· Allergroom by Virbac http://allergroom.com/
Use medicated shampoos only after consulting your vet.
Do NOT use human shampoo or other detergents to wash your dog.
Do NOT use shampoos that contain tea tree or eucalyptus oil: whilst they sound “natural”, they may in fact cause significant skin irritation.
Getting your dog used to being washed
Before you embark on actually bathing your dog, ensure he is happy to be washed in the first place! Trying to wash a dog that is intent on escaping the procedure is no fun for all involved.
If you have a puppy or small dog, lift him into the bath (or wherever you decide to wash him) and feed him treats in the bathtub, then take him out again. Repeat this procedure until he is happy to be there. Then turn the water on, without actually making the dog wet, feed treats, and again repeat the procedure until the dog is happy with the process. Proceed with rinsing a small part of your dog briefly with the same method, until eventually your dog will be happy to stand still and allow the whole procedure to happen. It can help having a helper feed the dog treats while you wash him until he is fully used to it.
For bigger dogs, try to train the dog to jump into the bath, or get him used to being lifted, and then proceed in as per the procedure above.
Have a bath mat in the bath to provide a non-slip surface, as some dogs can get worried on slippery surfaces.
If you have a puppy or small dog, lift him into the bath (or wherever you decide to wash him) and feed him treats in the bathtub, then take him out again. Repeat this procedure until he is happy to be there. Then turn the water on, without actually making the dog wet, feed treats, and again repeat the procedure until the dog is happy with the process. Proceed with rinsing a small part of your dog briefly with the same method, until eventually your dog will be happy to stand still and allow the whole procedure to happen. It can help having a helper feed the dog treats while you wash him until he is fully used to it.
For bigger dogs, try to train the dog to jump into the bath, or get him used to being lifted, and then proceed in as per the procedure above.
Have a bath mat in the bath to provide a non-slip surface, as some dogs can get worried on slippery surfaces.
Preparing for the bath
Groom your dog first to remove as much loose hair as possible. Not only does this make shampooing easier and more efficient, it also avoids clogging up the plug with hair!
If you have to wash your dog’s face, plug the ears with cotton wool just before you have to make their head wet (most dogs will try to shake out the cotton wool, so you have to be quick!)
If you have to wash your dog’s face, plug the ears with cotton wool just before you have to make their head wet (most dogs will try to shake out the cotton wool, so you have to be quick!)
Bathing and drying (at home)
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot.
- Thoroughly wet the dog’s coat. A handheld shower works well.
- Apply the shampoo as per the directions of the manufacturer. Use a sponge if you have to wash the dog’s head.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water: the water running off the dog should be clear with no foam in it. Residual shampoo will cause skin irritation and a dull coat.
- If necessary, ie the dog is very dirty or smelly, repeat the procedure.
- Dry the dog with towels, but avoid vigorous rubbing, which will irritate the skin.