Often we wash our dogs because they're smelly or dirty. But there are lots of good reasons to wash your dog regularly.
Why wash your dog?
A dog should be regularly washed to maintain its good health. Hygiene and cleanliness are some of the keys to the dog's health. It plays on the dog's confidence and leads to their overall development. Washing your dog regularly means more than just making it get wet, it also allows you to check their body in detail.
Regular brushing and combing helps to keep your dog free from fleas, ticks and other harmful insects that can make the dog ill and even cause death. Using a dog grooming shampoo will help you achieve your goal of keeping your pet smelling, feeling and looking its best. Regular grooming will also keep your dog clean and smelling fresh.
Dog grooming is not something that should be neglected as it is an important activity for both the dog and the owner. Regular bathing helps to keep the coat of the dog tangle-free, prevents hair loss and encourages the growth of healthier skin and hair. If you do not want to undertake all these activities, then using a hair clipper and a matting aid will help you keep your beloved dog looking neat and clean. Using a brush and a specially designed bathing tool will do a great job too.
Step 1. What you'll need
Firstly, you will need to find an appropriate location to bathe your pet. This could be a purpose-built dog bathing station, shower recess, laundry or bathtub. For larger dogs, a deep plastic kiddie pool, In cooler months make sure your location is warm or close to an area you can get both yourself and your pet warm quickly. A good quality dog shampoo, conditioner, brush or dog shower attachment that includes a comb especially for breeds with longer hair or coats.
You'll also need small plastic bowls or container to keep dog treats. If you're planning to do more than wash the dog such as clip their nails you may want to keep some fresh water near by, in summer months ice can keep your dog hydrated and occupied during the bath. Lick mats are also great alternative, particularly if you're washing your pet in a bathtub or shower recess.
However, any dog treats you decide on remember if you need to handle during the washing process they may be difficult to manage with wet hands.
Lastly, you will need to dry your pet. A towel of a suitable size to suit your dog is a must, but you may also need a hairdryer. If you intend on using a hairdryer, we recommend you purchase a dryer that separates the motor from the head by a flexible hose. These units put the noise of the motor further away from your animal. This ensures an easier drying experience for both yourself and your pet.
Step 2. Prep your dog
Some dog breeds have coats that pick up almost everything. Before you start bathing, you should remove any debris. If you already regularly brush your animal, a quick run over with the brush can loosen objects or soil. In addition to regularly checking for excessive licking or scratching, your bathing ritual is an opportunity to monitor for any cuts, abrasions of parasites. If you notice any changes in your pet's coat or skin, including scaling, redness, discoloration, or bald patches, seek treatment from your veterinarian.
If this is your pet's first bath or you're using a new product such as a dog shower, bathing station, toys or dryer make sure you've familiarized your dog with the equipment. Unfamiliar surroundings can also add to your dog's anxiety, it's therefore essential to reward and praise at every step. Once your pet is calm, your right to start the bathing process.
Step 3 Wash your dog
The first step is to place your pet in the wash station, then rinse the coat completely with clean water. Unless the instructions on your shampoo state otherwise you will then want to add one part of dog shampoo to one part of lukewarm water. If you have a dog shower it should have a dedicated shampoo reservoir to ensure even distribution of soap to water. Allow the dog shampoo to penetrate the coat, working its way into the roots of the hair to lift away dirt and debris.
Whether it's from playing in the dirt, running and jumping in the backyard , or simply being walked through the neighborhood with heavy, muddy paws, dogs need to be washed in the correct way. Lather your dog's entire body with shampoo, using your hands, soft bristle brush, or dog shower comb, massage your dog to remove any tangles, remove loose hair from the undercoat and skin. Make sure to pay attention to the back, legs and paws, however it is important to use caution washing around the ears and eyes.
After you've thoroughly cleaned his skin and coat it's time to rinse off the shampoo. Once again, use your hands, brush or comb as you use clean lukewarm water to wash off the soap. Even if you intend to use a separate conditioner, we recommend you make sure all the shampoo is removed in this step. The residual shampoo left on the skin can create irritation if left in.
Step 4 Conditioning your dog
If you wash your dog more than once per month, you should use a conditioner on your pet to close the hair shaft and help the coat retain moisture. Bathing can dry the skin and coat, so using a good conditioner will help replace that moisture. We recommend that those with long hair breeds consider conditioning after each wash as this will reduce matting and tangles. This will also assist you in post-bath grooming.
Conditioning your dog's coat for most products is similar to the conditioner used in humans. Once you have applied the conditioner to all parts of your pet, it will be an opportune time to have a break to reward and praise your dog. Giving your pet a treat at this point will reinforce bath time as a positive experience.
Step 5 Dry your dog
Firstly, let's talk about the towel. You will need a really good quality towel (towels aren't cheap) that are very absorbent and soft. The best quality towels are handwoven, not machine woven but handwoven so when you rub your dog's hair with it the fibres are still intact and don't snip the hair. Also make sure that the towel isn't too large or too small, if you use a towel that is too big it might take too long to dry your dog.
After your dog has been dried, you should put the dog hairdryer on low and use the setting that feels comfortable for you. Then brush out the excess water from the coat of your dog. To speed up the process you can blow cool air through the brush. Once your dog is dry (don't rub her face! )
Step 6 Going the extra mile
Your pooch is now clean and is smelling great, below are some ideas to include in either your regular routine or to schedule for your next bath.
Keep the ears clean. Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears such as basset hounds or Shitzu. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the length and severity of these episodes for your dog. You can use a mild, alcohol-free ear drop to disinfect the ear canal and wash out all the dirt and debris that's accumulated there. You can also use ear wipes for regular maintenance.
Trim the nails. When nails are so long that they constantly touch the ground, they exert force into the nail bed, create pain for the dog (imagine wearing a too-tight shoe) and pressure on the toe joint. Guillotine clippers can be easily used by most people as there is no blade lock and usually a quieter sound, so less scary for the dog. The ideal way to trim the dog's nail is to snip small pieces off starting from the sides and working inwards.
Flea, tick and worming treatment. Modern treatments for parasites are either oral or applied topically to the pet's skin. Once your pet has had a thorough cleaning, it's an ideal time to apply these treatments. Make sure you consult your local veterinarian as to the best treatments for your area.
Trim and clip. If you're a confident dog groomer it's time to get out the clippers and give your pet a hair cut. However, even if you're not keen on giving your dog the professional grooming look yourself you can do some interim maintenance. Pay particular attention to around the paws, tail and stubborn matted sections can all be tidied after her bath.
Conclusion
How often to bathe a dog? It's perfectly okay to wash your dog every two weeks. In fact, the American Kennel Club recommends every two to three weeks for dogs over 6 months old. If you want your dog to stay healthy, it's important that you bathe her. Dog fur will become matted if she isn't regularly bathed.
This is often a problem for very young puppies, older dogs with long hair and older dogs with flaky skin. But every dog is different. Different breeds have different skin and coats, so you'll have to find out what's best for your dog. If your dog is a very young puppy, you may not bathe her as regularly or if she has a short coat. Some breeds don't need as regular baths if their coats are short and smooth.
Some like to play in the water. Others just like to relax in the tub and splash around. However, it's always important that you acquaint your pet with bathing and the equipment as soon as possible. If you have a dog with long fur, you'll need to be more careful with the shampoo and conditioner you use. Make sure you take regular breaks during the dog washing process, and reward and praise regularly to ensure your pet has an enjoyable experience.
コメント