Dog Training

Tips for Dog Baths

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.

If you keep your dog well groomed, which means frequent brushing and keeping his sleeping area clean, you will not have to be bathing a dog more than every month at the most. Some breeds have more dog odor than others. If your dog is being groomed regularly and he begins to smell, it is time for a bath. But do keep in mind that more than once a month can dry the skin and coat.

Here are some tips as to bath time frequency…

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. He has simple doggy odor – use one of the many tearless dog shampoos on the market.

**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. External Parasites – if your dog has fleas, tics, mites or lice use a shampoo specific for this problem. Bathing is one of the best methods of ridding your pet of these parasites while cleaning and conditioning his coat.

6. If he’s had a run in with a skunk. Special shampoos are made for this problem.

7. A day at the beach – salt may cause itching and skin irritation.

Dog Bathing Tips

1. Puppy Bathing – use shampoos that are especially 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 pet, they are too harsh and have a different PH level.

5. You may want to add a fatty acid supplement to your dog’s diet for a healthy shine on his coat.

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. Select the right shampoo for your dog. There are many to choose from.

8. Wear old clothes you will get wet.

9. Be careful not to let fur go down your drain use a simple drain screen to protect your plumbing from hair clogs.

One final word on dog baths and grooming in general; your dog’s appearance says a lot about you and how you feel about your best friend. There is no such thing as a breed that requires no grooming.