How often can I wash 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; a day after washing, old hairs start to come loose. The dog then goes through the thickest shedding all at once, resulting in less hair falling out afterward.
Washing is only bad for the dog if you wash it too often, as this can irritate the skin and remove the protective oil layer from the skin and coat. This oil layer protects the skin from drying out or infections and keeps the dog's coat waterproof. Washing too frequently makes the dog more susceptible to diseases and skin conditions.
Dog Shampoo
You absolutely cannot use your own shampoo on a dog. Dogs have a very different skin than 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. There are different types of dog shampoos available for certain coat types, coat colors, or for dogs with skin problems. These shampoos help remove most dirt and mud from the coat, help keep skin and hair in good condition, and give the coat a nice shine.
You can wash your dog in a bath, have it stand under the shower, or simply use a garden hose outside. Make sure the water is lukewarm, even when it is warm outside. Using water that is too cold can cause the dog to cool down too quickly.
Step-by-step plan for washing your dog
Washing:
- Make sure there are no tangles in the coat by brushing it. You can also put some cotton in the dog's ears to prevent water and shampoo from getting into the ears.
- Wet the entire coat.
- Apply enough shampoo to the dog and massage it in well. 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; it can help to clean the face with a washcloth.
- Rinse out the shampoo.
- Wash the dog again and let the shampoo sit for a few minutes. The first wash removes dirt, and the second wash allows the nourishing ingredients to work.
- Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly. Any residue can cause skin irritation.
- Let the dog shake itself off.
- Take a large towel and dry the dog well.
- Let your dog dry in a warm, dry, and draft-free place.
- Brush the coat once the dog is completely dry.
