Dog grooming - is it important to wash your dog?

As part of the routine maintenance regime for your pooch, you should regularly wash your furry friend. But as a pet owner, how do you know the specifics of a good wash regime? Here are some dog-washing tips to help keep your pooch healthy and pleasant on the nose.

How many times do I need to wash my dog?
This is a tough one, as it’s somewhat dependent upon your dog’s age, breed, behavioural habits, inclination towards water, and so on. Certain breeds, such as long haired dogs and breeds with excessive skin folds, e.g. Shar Peis, will be predisposed to trap moisture and develop infections, and will need a different bathing regime to short-haired indoor pooches.

And, if you’re like every other pet owner, you’ve probably come to the obvious conclusion that dogs are always going to get filthy no matter what you do!

So there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As a guide, try to wash your dog whenever they become noticeable dirty and smelly. However, take care not to over do it. Some dogs, if washed too frequently can quickly lose those natural oils that make the hair silky and smooth. So try to strike that balance between keeping your dog smelling fresh, yet retaining a healthy coat.

What should I use to wash my dog?
There are a whole swag of products out there for washing your dog, including a variety of natural, medicated and organic shampoos and conditioners. As a rule of thumb, always do your research when purchasing your dog’s products, but try to use a natural product when you can. Oatmeal shampoos and conditioners are great options.

How do I wash my dog?
Every pet owner will have their own tips on the best technique to adopt, so instead of recommending a specific approach to follow, here are some helpful hints:

• Start young. The sooner your dog gets used to baths, the better for everyone. Note – a tasty treat offered during the bath will reinforce the benefits of bathing to your dog
• Rubber mats are a great way of giving dogs traction to avoid slipping
• Where possible, avoid getting soapy water near your dog’s eyes and ears. This is a sure-fire way to make your dog hate bathing
• Try to do it in an area that can get a little messy, as I guarantee this will happen. Spare bathrooms or the backyard are great options.
• Avoid bathing with cold water over winter. And always have a few crisp dry towels on hand
• Always praise and reward your dog throughout the process.

 Hopefully now you can set up a bathing regime for your pooch, which will be a stress-free experience for everyone involved. 

 

WATCH: Dr Alister Webster - How to Wash Your Dog

 

Related Products:

• PAW Classic Care Shampoo is an ‘everyday’ shampoo that cleans the coat effectively while being gentle on the skin. Formulated to leave a dogs coat soft and shiny with a fresh calendula and rose scent.
• PAW 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo effectively cleans and conditions the coat and skin for convenient grooming care. With sulphate-free cleansers and rich conditioning ingredients it gently cleans and conditions in one simple step.

 

What tips and tricks do you use for washing your dog?