Can I bathe my dog?
Bathing the dog should be seen as necessary and should not be part of the routine. Cleaning several times can cause severe skin problems, as excessive bathing damages the lipid layer, a layer with a protective function that protects the skin from the outside, and dehydration. On the other hand, with weight and measure, the bath can help the animal fight against those dermatological diseases.
The frequency of baths varies according to lifestyle and time of year since in summer there is a greater tendency to bathe dogs, which is even advisable.
Can I bathe my dog after vaccinations?
Both adult dogs and baby dogs can only be bathed 15 days after being vaccinated to prevent them from catching a cold and the immune system getting busy dealing with the cold instead of the vaccine.
Frequency of baths
Longhaired dogs: Once a month
Medium-haired dogs: Once at 4 or 6 weeks
Shorthaired dogs: Once at 6 or 8 weeks
Baths
-Brushing: Choose a brush ideal for your dog’s coat type. Remove excess hair, dust, or other dirt. You can brush the dog before the bath to remove the loose fur and during the bath.
-Shampoo: The type of shampoo to use varies according to the kind of hair and is a crucial element to consider when bathing because there are different hairs with different hydration needs. Do not use shampoos for people, as shampoos for dogs contain tolerable substances for their skin, unlike shampoo for people.
Note: Completely remove the shampoo to avoid itching or dryness of the skin.
-Water temperature: Avoid very high and very low temperatures. Use warm water, but never forget the season.
-Safety: Dogs tend to slip in the bathtub, so it must be appropriately secured. Choose to put towels on the bathtub floor to give the dog security and make it feel comfortable.
-Drying: Use towels in the hottest months of the year to absorb excess water and a dryer in the coldest months to dry your dog completely. Be careful when drying, so you don’t burn the skin! Move the dryer away slightly and keep a safe distance.
-Ears: The ears must be protected when bathing since the entrance of water can cause otitis in the animal. When washing, be especially careful with the ear canal and clean the inside with a suitable product. Do not use cotton swabs, cotton, or water or shampoo directly.
Give your dog time to get used to the bath. Some dogs get tense and scared, so calm your pup and take your time to complete the task. Avoid negative tones of voice, so you don’t scare the animal, and wet it calmly.
The famous dry bath
As its name implies, dry shampoo is a shampoo that does not need water. It is ideal for cleaning the dog in times with lower temperatures and for quick action in the hygiene of the animal.
Dry shampoos clean and moisturize the coat, fighting dirt and odors that insist on not leaving. Of course, dry shampoo is unlikely to be successful if the dog walks in the mud. In these cases, the best thing to do is to use water, but dry shampoo is efficient for specific instances in which it is just a more pungent hair smell, or the hair needs extra shine. This is also a valid option for sick dogs or dogs going through a post-operative period.
Advantages of dry shampoo:
-It’s great for winter, so the dog doesn’t get cold.
-The shampoo is safe and efficient.
-Can be used on dogs of any age.
-It is a practical and fast process.
-Neutralizes odors and perfumes without harming pores and hair.
-Keep the dog sanitized.
Bath with dry shampoo
In the same way as baths with water, baths with dry shampoo should be preceded by a good brushing to remove dead hair and possible knots.
Dry shampoo should then be applied to the body, except for the head. We advise you to consult the product instructions to use the shampoo correctly. The bath should end with another brushing to remove shampoo residues and even new knots that may have been created.
In any bathing options, reassure your dog and cuddle him so that he relaxes and becomes comfortable. Although some dogs show fear at first, this is a task that they quickly get used to, being a matter of time before they become fully familiarized.
