What To Do When Bathing a dog

What To Do When Bathing a dog

All dogs get dirty and if you let nature take its course you will most likely end up with a smelly dog that can make your house smell very doggy. So, bathing a dog is something we should all do now and again as good dog owners who care about our pets.

When bathing your dog you should avoid getting water in his ears as this can cause problems and could lead to infection which can make your dog uncomfortable and lead to him spending a lot of time shaking his head as if to clear something out of his ears.

How often you bathe your dog will depend on many things such as what breed of dog he is, how hairy he is and what sort of lifestyle your dog leads. If he is out every day digging in the dirt he will get dirty very quickly but if he hardly ever leaves the house he will keep very clean.

The Hairy types of dogs like many types of Spaniels might require bathing to be carried out once every six or eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently and you are using shampoo you can remove essential oils from the skin and coat which may lose their protective character.  If your dog has got some smelly item on its coat then obviously you need to wash him but as a general guide six to eight weeks is about right.

You should avoid using your regular human shampoos and soap as these may have additives and detergents that might be harmful to your pet dog.  You should always choose specialist dog grooming products and washing soaps to make sure you do not do any harm to your dog.  Using a dog coat conditioner can help avoid his coat becoming tangled and make grooming and brushing his coat easier and less uncomfortable for him too.

When the time comes for you to start bathing your dog make sure you have everything you need handy and within reach. Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold and be sure to have plenty of water available ready for rinsing the shampoo out of his coat.

Some dogs love bathing while others never seem to feel comfortable about it. If required get a helper to assist and hold your dog still while you wash him and rinse his coat clean. Use a leash if needed and keep reassuring him that everything is OK.

Bathing your dog should be fun for you and him so try to make it a happy time for him with lots of cuddles and affection and with luck he will look forward to the next time you decide it is time for bathing your dog.