There are several reasons why your dog should be washed once. Dogs just love to get dirty and they should be able to! However? It may also be that your dog’s coat type requires occasional washing with the best shampoo to stay in good shape. Fleas or annoying skin problems can also be the reason to bathe your dog. In this article, we will discuss more washing the dog coat, using dog shampoo, and how best to proceed while washing.
When should my dog be washed?
It is not necessarily necessary for every dog to be washed often. For healthy dogs with normal skin and coat, 1 to 3 times a year is more than enough. Even then, it is in principle only necessary once when your dog’s coat is very dirty and holds a lot of sand and dirt. This dirt can cause itching and skin irritation and sometimes it can become very smelly.
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For your dog, it is very nice to be washed as well and it can be a great relief to walk around with a clean coat again. For yourself, it is also secretly very nice to be able to cuddle again with a fresh and clean coat. For medical reasons or other inconveniences, it may be necessary to wash your dog’s coat more often, for example twice a week.
Choose the best dog shampoo
Washing with a good dog shampoo is important in order not to unnecessarily affect the fat layer of your dog’s skin. This fat layer is necessary to keep the skin healthy and serves as an extra protective layer. Washing too often or with the wrong shampoo can affect this layer and unbalance the condition of the skin.
In principle, it is not immediately necessary to wash your dog with shampoo with every wash. If your dog has become very dirty or has been rolling in the mud after a walk in the forest, you can also rinse the coat only with water. When you do wash with a dog shampoo, it is important not to use human shampoo for this, but to choose a shampoo specifically for dogs.
What dog shampoo did I wash my dog with?
Due to the many different coat types and the many different reasons for washing, there are also many different types of dog shampoo available. It depends on your dog which shampoo you need for washing. Puppies’ skin and coat is still very sensitive and fragile. Therefore, when washing a puppy’s coat, use only mild puppy shampoo.
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In adult dogs with normal skin, you can opt for a universal dog shampoo. It is always important that it is a mild shampoo. In addition, you can also choose a shampoo that is specifically suitable for the coat type of your dog. Think of a shampoo or conditioner for long-haired coats. Never use a shampoo for humans. Dog skin is less acidic than human skin and can become very unbalanced. Human shampoo is absolutely not suitable for washing your dog’s coat.
Washing with the Best Dog Shampoo
If you are going to wash your dog’s coat for special reasons, it may be necessary to also use special dog shampoo. To treat a flea infestation, you will need to wash the dog with flea shampoo to control the fleas. With skin problems, it is again very important to use a dog shampoo that is specially intended to treat the complaints in question.
The wrong shampoo can even aggravate the complaints. Consult with your own vet or visit the Discus pet store for a long time to choose the right shampoo for your dog’s coat.
Where can I wash my dog?
To be able to bathe your dog you must have the options for this. You can of course do this at home in your own bath or shower and in the summer it can also be done in the backyard by using a garden hose with dog shower . You can also go with your dog to a car wash or doggy wash nearby or visit a grooming salon in the area.
Please inquire in advance about the possibilities. You are not allowed to wash your dog everywhere and the costs also differ per location. An advantage of a visit to the grooming salon is that your dog is washed by people with experience and that you are assured that your dog’s coat gets the right treatment.
Preparations when washing the dog
When you start working at home and want to bathe your dog, you start by first preparing all the necessary equipment. You prevent a lot of wetness by making sure that everything is within reach. Items you need during washing include a leash and / or collar, dog shampoo, conditioner, dog biscuits, a washcloth or gloveand a non-slip mat. Items you will need to dry are towels and, if available, a water blower.
Before you start, place the non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath, shower or car wash. The bottom can become very slippery during washing. When your dog has insufficient grip, standing still will become difficult. Slipping can cause unpleasant injuries or injuries. Therefore, with a non-slip mat, ensure that your dog has sufficient grip during washing.
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In order to be able to maintain sufficient grip on your dog when your dog’s coat is wet and lathered, it is wise to put a collar on your dog. Before you start washing, it is good to brush and detangle your dog’s coat so that it does not get worse during the wash.
Washing the dog
Dog’s coat First bring the water to the correct temperature before you wet your dog’s coat. You measure the correct temperature by testing it on your own wrists. On average, a temperature of around 25 degrees is most pleasant for most dogs. Too hot water can irritate sensitive skin. Too cold water can lower your dog’s body temperature and even cause hypothermia in extreme cases.
Always keep an eye on how your dog reacts to the temperature of the water and adjust it if necessary. Adjust the shower head to the softest possible jet and ensure that the dog’s eyes, ears and nose remain dry. Divide the dog shampoothen evenly over the dog’s coat. You can also first dilute the dog shampoo slightly with water to make it easier to distribute over the dog’s body.
Massage the shampoo well into the coat and pay extra attention to the places where a lot of dirt ends up. Always let the dog shampoo soak in well. In the meantime, you can give your dog a treat as a reward for the sometimes somewhat exciting experience.
Dry your dog well
Dry the coat well and make sure that no shampoo is left in the coat to prevent skin irritation. Give your dog a good shake to get rid of the first water. Dry the coat well with a dog towel or use a water blower if you have it available. With the longer coats it is good to comb them out and / or brush them immediately after washing.
Your dog can get a little colder after washing because the body temperature has to restore itself for a while. You do your dog a favor to use a dog bathrobeor to give your dog just as good an extra blanket to warm up again. For more tips, advice or the right products for washing your dog, you are of course welcome at your Discus pet store.