Organic, Gourmet and Homemade Recipes and Treats – Best Dog Food Recommendations.

HOW OFTEN TO BATH YOUR DOG

Well, here is my sweet, mischievious Lola who likes to get into anything and everything.

She’s enjoying a mud bath in these pics, but she has also enjoyed rolling on dead birds and she even has on occasion come in covered in what suspiciously smells like poop. This is the perfect example of when and why to bath your dog.

Lola and Lady are  basically indoor dogs, but when it’s nice out they have free reign of the fenced in back yard.

Lola is obviously really good at finding the most awful, stinky gunk to get into.

Lady is much more lady like, and doesn’t like the stinky stuff as much, and is much more fastidious. Lady does not get as many baths as Lola does. Use your judgement and common sense.

If he looks, feels or smells dirty, then the time is now.

Basically a minimum of 3 or 4 baths a year for a clean, indoor apartment dwelling dog is sufficient. Obiviously many more baths for your outdoor, active or working dog.

WHERE TO BATH YOUR DOG

Brush out any mats and knots before bathing your dog.

In the colder winter months your should never bath your dog out in the cold air.

Indoors, in a tub for bigger dogs, or the utility tub for smaller dogs is best.

Use the proper dog shampoo and luke warm water and rinse the soap out after with a nice room temperature water. (Between 70 – 80 degress)

This will feel good for your dog and if he has any itching problems this will soothe him.

When they are done they of course shake off the excess water, which I unsuccessfully try to catch with towels and blankies that are special for my dogs. I never win this battle, but try anyway. I’m ususally just a wet as the dogs are.

I use a blow dryer on low heat and my girls love it. I keep the dryer always in motion, never letting it make a “hot spot”. Never let your dog out in cold weather is he is still wet.

In the warm summer time I bath my dog outside and let the heat of the sun dry them.

They can run and shake, and be free as the wind. Although Lola does tend to “dry off” by rubbing and rolling in my garden dirt, which to her is wonderful, but not so much to me.

BRUSHING VS. BATHING

During the winter months, when Lady and Lola are not out as much, they rarely need a bath.
I find regular brushing helps with removing dead hair, distributes natural oils and removes dirt. This alone helps decrease the amount of dog baths necessary.

If your dog has a waterproof coat it is best not to bath them as often as other dogs. Over bathing may reduce the coat’s ability to repel water. A waterproof coat is one that is extremely difficult to soak through to the skin, if at all.

DOG WITH ALLERGIES AND PEOPLE WHO ARE ALLERGIC TO PET DANDER

Bathing your dog will obviously lessen allergies in family members, by minimizing hair and dander in the house.

Dander is what causes allergic problems, and by bathing your dog, you remove the dander. (Dander is dried saliva from when the dog licks himself. When you rub or pet your dog this dander then is released into the air for us to breathe)

This will also help a dog with allergies, by eliminating itching, scratching and sneezing also.

HOW TO BATH YOUR DOG

Make sure is using the tub that your have a non slip mat down so your dog feels secure. I use a shower head and long hose that is just perfect so my girls can stand up and I am comfortable also. If you don’t have this, use a large pitcher (plastic) to wet and rinse with.

I wash the face first with a doggie cloth, without soap.

Some people put cotton balls in the ears for protection, and if it makes you more comfortable do so. Just don’t forget to take them out after.

I am just careful when washing around the ears and when rinsing, I hold each ear down so water doesn’t enter the ear canal. I clean the ears and make sure they are dry after by using a cloth wrapped around my finger and gently inserting into the ear and lightly rubbing. My girls usually swoon when I do this.

When the bath is finished try and get a towel or two ready and get as much water off before the shaking begins. I keep the girls confined in the bathroom and know I will have to clean the room up after, and just accept this as part of the routine. When they are towelled dry I blow dry them, and make sure they are nice and dry.

That’s about it. It’s not rocket science, but once your get to know your dogs likes and phobias about bathing, then you can work around it. Make it a relaxing as possible, so it doesn’t become a struggle and unpleasant event every time. And of course posting pictures of the sappy looking pictures of all the sad looking doggie faces is always good for a chuckle.

Once again I must thank my two girls – Lady and Lola for demonstrating my written word so beautifully. They of course were paid in delicious treats, hugs, kisses and cuddles. My husband and I had to get a bigger bed because they both get up with us every night. That’s quite amusing, considering my hubby is 6′ 5″ tall and weighs close to 300 pounds. At least we are warm.

Grooming your dog is just one tiny aspect of maintaining overall health and happiness. For a complete, encyclopedic survival guide to all aspects of dog health, from preventative care to choosing a vet to doggie First Aid (even the canine Heimlich maneuver!), you should take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.

A survival guide for knowledgeable, effective, and life-saving dog care, this manual keeps your dog’s health and wellbeing firmly within your control – which is exactly where you want it to be.

To be the best and most responsible owner you can be, take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.

You can visit the website by clicking on the link below:

Ultimate Guide to Dog Health