I have found that so many pet owners, and veterinarians, are confused about how often to bathe their dog and what type of shampoo is best. There are so many different brands of shampoos and conditioners on the market and so much conflicting information that I can see why owners become confused.
Bathing your dog is used for two general purposes. Hygiene, to reduce odors and remove dirt, and as a delivery system for medicated shampoos regarding skin diseases. The frequency of bathing your dog depends on where you live, if you allow your dog to roam free unsupervised in the backyard or elsewhere, and the personal preferences of the owner. I’m sorry, but I have heard from several vets that it is okay to bathe your pet once a week. This is bad information! I have been grooming for over 20 years and have seen the skin and coat conditions of thousands of dogs and of those who are bathed weekly. Their skin is dry and dull. Their coat is like a cotton ball. They are constantly itching and scratching to ease their dry skin. There dogs, okay? They shouldn’t smell like perfume and roses. They are animals! The only time you should bathe your pet this frequently if it has an oily coat that attracts dirt or if they have a medical skin condition.
Please, do not bathe your dog if they are matted. Bathing tightens the mats and makes them more difficult to comb out. Before shampooing, brush, comb out or cut the hair if it is matted. If it is matted to the skin it needs to be shaved off. If the mats are not tightened down to the skin, you can take a pair of thinning shears and make a few short cuts by opening and closing the shears directly on the mat. Take your fingers and spread the mat apart, then comb out with a metal comb.
They also sell dematting combs and rakes. These tools feature razor sharp, hardened steel serrated blades to tackle unmanageable mats and tough tangles while maintaining the coat. If your dog is seriously matted, do not put your dog through the torture of attempting to comb out a body full of matted hair because you want it to look a certain way. You were the irresponsible owner. The pet should not have to suffer because of your negligence.
When you begin to bathe your pet, wet his hair thoroughly with water that is body temperature. Then, beginning at the head and being careful around the eyes, apply shampoo and work up a nice lather. Do not allow water to get inside the ears, this could cause an ear infection. Some people place cotton balls in the ears. I don’t like to do that, they just fall out. I like to put a couple of drops of EpiPet ear cleaner in their ears before bathing to prevent moisture from entering the ear canal. EpiPet ear cleaner safely dries the ear canal using a combination of humectants and witch hazel. The humectants draw moisture out of the ears to keep them dry. Once lathered, I allow the shampoo to sit for a couple of seconds before rinsing. Lather, rinse and repeat, just like a human. On your final rinse, make sure the water runs clear. You do not want to leave any shampoo residue in the coat, this can cause itching on a sensitive dog. Water and rinsing are just as important as the shampoo because of it’s hydrating and soothing effects on the skin. When I think the dog is rinsed, I continue rinsing for a couple more minutes just to be sure. Feel the coat with your hands, you can usually feel if there is shampoo residue.
I like to offer my dog a little body massage while he is being bathed. The best non verbal way that we communicate with our dogs is through touch. You can massage their shoulders, spine, neck, back and head. Some dogs may be a bit sensitive to body massage, so respect their boundaries. They sell rubber grooming brushes and gloves that remove dead hair and massage the skin while enhancing your shampoos performance. They come in all shapes and sizes. I have found most dogs, especially your own, love being massaged and it makes bath time much more enjoyable. Your dog may even come get you for bath time.
Try to bathe your dog inside or take him to one of the self serve dog washes. Don’t soak your dog down with a garden hose outside. Stop being so cheap and lazy. How would you like to be sprayed with a garden hose with ice cold water and harsh water pressure? Even most water dogs do not care for this method! And for goodness sakes, do not invite your dog into your shower or bathtub with you, that is disgusting!
Take your dog to a professional groomer or invest in the proper tools for bathing your dog properly at home. Take my word for it, he will thank you and maybe even look forward to bath time.
