How often can I bathe my dog?
Healthy dogs without skin problems do not need to be washed often. Usually, washing twice a year is enough, for example after a female dog has been in heat. During shedding, washing can speed up hair loss; old hairs will start to come loose the day after washing. The dog will then get through the thickest part of shedding all at once, so less hair will come loose afterward.
Washing is only bad for a dog when you wash it too often, because this can irritate the skin and remove the natural oils from the skin and coat. These oils protect the skin from drying out or becoming infected and keep the dog’s coat waterproof. Washing too often makes the dog more susceptible to illnesses and skin conditions.
Dog shampoo
You should never use your own shampoo on a dog. Dogs have very different skin from humans. For example, a dog’s skin is less acidic, much thinner, has more hair, and has no sweat glands. Therefore, use a special dog shampoo when washing your dog. Different types of dog shampoo are available for specific coat types, coat colors, or dogs with skin problems. These shampoos remove most dirt and mud from the coat, help keep the skin and hair in good condition, and give the coat a beautiful shine.
You can wash your dog in the bathtub, let it stand under the shower, or simply wash it outside in the garden with a garden hose. Make sure the water is lukewarm, even when it is warm outside. If you use water that is too cold, the dog will cool down too quickly.
Step-by-step guide to washing your dog
Washing:
- Brush the coat to make sure there are no more tangles. You can also put some cotton wool in the dog’s ears to prevent water and shampoo from getting inside.
- Wet the entire coat.
- Apply enough shampoo to the dog and massage it in thoroughly. For long-haired dogs, it can help to dilute the shampoo with water first and then pour the solution over the back and neck.
- Make sure no water gets into the dog’s eyes or ears; cleaning the face with a washcloth can help.
- Rinse out the shampoo.
- Wash the dog once more and leave the shampoo on for a few minutes. The first wash removes the dirt, while the nourishing ingredients only start working during the second wash.
- Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly. Any residue can cause skin irritation.
- Let the dog shake itself dry.
- Take a large towel and dry the dog thoroughly.
- Let your dog dry in a warm, dry, draft-free place.
- Brush the coat once the dog is completely dry.
