Time To Shampoo Your Dog

Shampooing your dog may not be the most fun experience, but it is necessary. No one wants to be around a dog with doggie odor, and it sees the larger the dog, or the more hair a dog has, that is the dog that has the offensive odors and the more challenge to wash.

Many dogs like to be outside, especially in beautiful spring or autumn weather, but when winter or summer arrives, the weather is too uncomfortable for them to stay outside too long.

Does your dog like to sleep on the furniture, or does he sleep in or on your bed? Then a clean dog is a must. No one wants to sit next to or sleep with doggie odors, or be around an unclean pooch.

There are two subjects to consider in helping you make a shampoo purchase. First, does your dog have a skin disease – fleas, itching, or skin irritation? If so, this condition needs to be taken care of immediately. Find the cause and treat it. It may be necessary to make a veterinarian visit. Second, do you provide your dog with a high quality dog ​​food? Their nutrition, adding dog food supplements if necessary, will keep your dog healthy from the inside out.

If you have a healthy, well-fed dog, then the kind of shampoo you purchase can be next on your agenda. There are several kinds of dog shampoos and even conditioners, so your dog can have a beautiful, pleasant smelling coat, and a coat that will be easier to brush and groom.

Do not use human shampoos on your dog. They could cause skin irritations. Here are several types of dog shampoos to consider:

Tearless: This is a non-irritating shampoo. This is especially good for dogs that have lots of hair around their face.

Oatmeal: A shampoo with oatmeal is a natural, anti-itch shampoo that helps to treat dry skin irritations.

Hypo-allergenic: This product is good for dogs with sensitive skin allergies. It will have no fragrances or colors added – a very natural product. Great for puppies and kittens.

Extra deep clearing: Some dogs run in fields of dirt and sticky undergrowth, or in areas of trees or dried grasses, and are probably outside a lot. This shampoo can get rid of all that dirt and grim, and that entire awful, horrible odor.

Aloe Vera Rinse: This quickly removes dirt and grease while the aloe keeps your dog's skin moisturized. His skin will not dry out. It works very well on curly or long fur pets. Use this after you have shampooed your dog.

Baking soda: Shampoos with baking soda removes pet odors the natural way. It is non-irritating and non-drying. This item is gentle enough for puppies and kittens.

Waterless: This is a quick, easy to use, non-wetting and non-rinsing shampoo. Great for last minute touch ups at a show. This product is also great during bad weather, after doggie surgery, old or sick pets, or soiling mishaps.

Whitening: This shampoo is great when you own a white haired pet. It keeps his fur from turning yellow or dirty looking.

Skunk mishaps: This is the worst condition !! When your pet gets the poof from a skunk – first, keep your pet outside. Second, check their eyes because they can become quickly irritated. Clean them with special formulated shampoos just for this purpose. Regular shampoos and tomato juice seldom cut the odor completely. If you live in an area where a skunk spray is still possible, this shampoo should be kept on hand in case your pet needs to be shampooed immediately!

Before you start to bathe your dog, make sure you have all of the items you are going to need, near you. For example, you will need: shampoo, rinses, a container to pour the water on your dog, towels, hose or warm water, protection for the floor if you are washing him inside, etc. Your dog will not wait patiently, if at all, while you go get something. Start on the dog's face, working towards his back, his legs, and his tail area. Trimming around his anal area may be necessary to keep him clean during elimination.

Always take extra care when shampooing around your pet's face. Brushing before shampooing is also recommended because it will remove the snarls and mats, so making the brushing and grooming easier after he dries.

How often should you shampoo your dog? There are differences of opinions on this subject. Some say only several times a year because it is too drying to their skin. Others say weekly to monthly. The decision is yours. In making this decision, decide the issues. Does your dog have the doggie odor? Does is hair feel greasy? Does he look dirty? Does it get on your furniture? Does he sleep on or in your bed? Is he an indoor dog only? Is he an outside dog only? Is he an indoor / outdoor dog? Is his skin dry and flaky? Does he have skin irritations? And remember, a dog does not have the best personal hygiene.

My opinion is that the more he is in your home, on your furniture or in your bed, and the more doggie odors he has, the more he needs to be bathed.

So, make sure your dog is healthy; he has no skin irritations; he is being fed a high quality dog ​​food. Then decide on the right shampoo for his hair and skin type and you will be able to make the decision on how often you will be enjoying the grooming process. Just remember, you will get wet!

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.