How to Wash a Dog

Vets don't recommend to wash dogs very often because the chemicals that shampoos contain can be dangerous to your pet's skin. Besides, secretion that protects your dog's skin and coat is washed out if you bathe your pet too often. This may cause skin irritation. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't wash your pet at all. Dirty fur doesn't look good. Moreover, it mats, grows slowly and is not easy to brush.

Fortunately, dogs, unlike cats, love washing that's why it is not difficult to train them to enjoy bathing.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Vets recommend to wash a dog once every two months. However, a show dog should be bathed more often. If you have a long-haired dog, bathe it three times a month.

Do you have a short-haired dog? Don't wash it too often. You can comb it with a wet brush instead.

It is not recommended to wash puppies and pregnant dogs more often than once a month as their immune system is weak.

How to Wash Your Dog Properly?

If you have a small dog, you can bathe it in a basin. Big dogs should be washed in a bath. Place a small rug on the bottom of the bath so the dog won't slip. Don't forget to brush a long-haired dog before bathing.

Water should be neither too cold nor too hot. The most comfortable temperature is about 100 °F. Make sure that your dog's ears are protected and water won't get into them.

Remember that you should wet your dog's fur thoroughly without leaving dry hair. Dilute some dog shampoo with water, spread through the dog's hair and massage. Rinse the shampoo away and make sure that there is no soap behind the ears and other hard-to-reach areas.

Wipe your dog in the direction of hair growth using a terry towel. You can use a hair dryer to dry your pet's fur up, but choose a comfortable heat setting.

Remember to comb a long haired dog while drying up. Otherwise when the fur dries it will get matted and brushing will be painful.

What Can You Use to Wash Your Dog?

Choosing shampoo is a responsible task. There are different shampoos for long-haired and short-haired dogs. Before using a shampoo check whether it can cause allergic reactions. In order to do that, test the shampoo on a small area of your dog's skin first.

Bathing is a necessary procedure which will make your pet stay not only healthy, but also beautiful.