Bathing is one of the hygiene practices to keep your furry friend clean and healthy.
It's not necessary to bathe your dog every day, but there may be times when you need to give them a bath. After swimming in the sea or if your dog has rolled in the mud, a bath will be essential!
So, to find out how often you can wash your dog, what products to use and how to make sure everything goes smoothly, read our article now!
How often can you wash your dog?
Dogs shouldn't be bathed too often. In fact, frequent washing can damage the protective layer of sebum that covers their skin. However, rinsing isn't always enough, and sometimes a bath is necessary!
Dogs should be bathed at most once a month for long-haired breeds and every two to three months for short-haired breeds. In some cases, a bath is necessary, for example, if your dog has fleas or has been swimming in salt water.
Always use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs to avoid irritating their skin!
Tips for washing your furry friend
It's highly likely that you'll need to shampoo your dog at some point. Therefore, we advise you to get them used to it from a very young age (but you shouldn't wash a puppy before they are 2 months old).
Praise him at every stage of the bath to make this moment a pleasant and positive one in the mind of your furry friend.
To avoid frightening him, avoid directing the water jet directly at him, especially at his head. You can gently pour a little water over his back with a low-pressure jet or use a container to slowly pour the water over him.
It's often thought that baby shampoo can be used to wash dogs. This is a mistake because a dog's skin has a less acidic pH than ours. Therefore, it's essential to use a dog shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, with a suitable pH level. This will prevent irritating your pet's skin and avoid itching.
If your dog has long hair, you can find dog conditioners or even masks specifically formulated for it. Generally enriched with keratin, these will help detangle and make the coat silkier.
Finally, we recommend installing a non-slip mat at the bottom of the bathtub to prevent your dog or puppy from slipping!
How do you properly wash your dog?
To wash your dog's fur, there are several steps to follow:
1/ Brush your dog thoroughly to detangle its fur and remove all dead hair. Use a dog brush, such as a slicker brush;
2/ Prepare all the equipment you might need. Put the shampoo and conditioner bottle within easy reach, the container for pouring water, the towel, etc.;
3/ Check the water temperature before wetting your dog. The water should be lukewarm, neither too cold nor too hot;
4/ Wet your dog completely. Avoid the head to prevent water or product from getting into its eyes or ears;
5/ Emulsify the shampoo and apply it to your dog, massaging to thoroughly clean its coat;
6/ Rinse thoroughly until there is no more product on the dog;
7/ Dry your dog thoroughly with a towel. You can also use a hairdryer, but you must take some precautions. Use the hairdryer on the lowest heat setting and keep it away from your dog to avoid burning its skin;
8/ Brush your dog again to remove any knots that may have formed during washing;
9/ Reward your dog to make this a pleasant moment for him!
We hope this article will be helpful and allow you to properly care for your dog's coat. Remember that you need a specific dog shampoo and that you shouldn't bathe your dog more than once a month. Finally, some dog breeds require a visit to the grooming salon!
Feel free to share your bath tips in the comments!
