| Is your dog constantly scratching and the fleas | | | | as they find it easier and less messy. |
| treatment doesn't appar to be working. It may not | | | | When you're washing him, don't scrub his coat |
| be fleas, it may simply be the shampoo you are using | | | | harshly. It can irritate his skin. A gentle lather will be |
| or the frequency you are washing you dog. And all | | | | just as effective and he'll enjoy it more. You may |
| Dog Breeds are not born equal. Many people like to | | | | want to spend some time massaging his skin - he'll |
| wash their dog to keep them clean and smelling nice, | | | | love it. Rinse off all traces of shampoo thoroughly, |
| particularly if they live indoors. They also feel that it | | | | and consider using a leave-in conditioner, especially if |
| keeps his skin and coat healthy. | | | | his coat is dry. Dogs rarely like their heads to be wet |
| It may surprise you to know that if your dog has a | | | | and, just like humans, dislike soap in their eyes, leave |
| normal skin and coat, bathing is not all that important | | | | the head area to last. |
| in keeping it healthy. It's more important to feed | | | | A good towel dry will finish off his bath, and stop |
| them a quality food, as the natural skin oils help to | | | | you getting drenched when he shakes! Most dogs |
| repel dirt and keep their coat soft. Some dogs are | | | | find this the most enjoyable part of the wash, the |
| washed only once a year, and they are clean and | | | | rubdown and massage that goes with it. Some |
| smell great. | | | | people like to blow dry their dogs. It's not uncommon |
| Some less expensive foods aren't as good for your | | | | for small fluffy breeds to be dried like this. Be careful |
| dog's coat as foods with a higher price tag - this | | | | not to burn their skin with the hot air. One of the |
| relates to the quality of ingredients. If you find your | | | | frustrating events after the dog wash is the dog |
| dog's coat is dry and harsh, consider adding omega | | | | rolling on the grass and dirt trying to rid itself of the |
| fatty acids to his meal several times a day. You can | | | | wetness. So dry the dog as thoroughly as you can |
| purchase a specific dog supplement to do this, or you | | | | and then distract him by throwing a ball or toy. This |
| can try adding sardines to his meal - fish oil is very | | | | not only distracts but will help dry the coat |
| good for his coat. Dog Breeds differ in their washing | | | | completely. |
| requirements. A Chow Chow for instance only | | | | How often do you have to bath your dog? As |
| requires a bath two or three times a year. | | | | mentioned, some people wash their dogs very |
| If you do want to bath your dog, here are some | | | | infrequently, but you may not be comfortable with |
| guidelines. | | | | that. If your dog has a skin problem, your vet may |
| Choose your shampoo carefully. Never use a | | | | have prescribed a medicated shampoo. You may |
| shampoo designed for humans, as the detergents are | | | | have to shampoo your dog with this as often as |
| often too harsh for a dog's skin. It is quite possible | | | | twice weekly. |
| that they will dry out the dog's skin and lead to | | | | For dogs with normal skin, the less they are bathed, |
| irritation and itching. You may even think the the dog | | | | the better. Feeding them well has a much greater |
| has fleas when it is really a skin irritation caused by | | | | impact on skin health than washing. Ideally, wash |
| the shampoo you have used. There are many | | | | them no more frequently than monthly. This will allow |
| shampoos available for dogs; choose one that is mild | | | | you to use the monthly flea control products and not |
| and soap free. You can also select flea shampoo as | | | | wash them off in between applications. |
| this not only rids he dog of fleas but obviously is | | | | A clean dog is much nicer to cuddle, and he won't |
| designed especially for dogs. | | | | leave dirty marks on your couch. Take care with |
| Use warm water, it's much more comfortable for | | | | what you feed him and how you bath him, and he'll |
| your dog. Some dogs are afraid of the hose, or | | | | be soft and smelling sweet. Also remember that a |
| become afraid of the hose beacause the water used | | | | dog is a dog, not a human, and some dogs do enjoy |
| in a previous bath wasn't tested for heat or cold | | | | smelling very badly and will go out of their way to |
| beforehand. These dogs may enjoy being washed in | | | | rub their coats in the most vile things imaginable and |
| a large tub. Use a small bucket or a scoop to pour | | | | then trot happily back to you with a big smile. |
| water over his back. Also be careful of the hot | | | | Don't punish the dog for being a dog. Just wash the |
| water, we don't want to burn our best mate. Many | | | | little darling again. |
| people choose to wash their dog in their own shower | | | | |