Time For A Dog
Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog
Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to
the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing
our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge.
There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around
when discussing the best care for different dog types and
temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some
great ideas so you’ll be prepared for your next dog
bath and grooming session.
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How often should you bath your dog?
How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend
on the breed and what type of activities the dog
is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog
only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your
nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let
you know it’s time for a bath.
If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped
of its natural, protective oils. This will result
in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch,
further irritating the already sensitive skin. If
you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure
to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your
dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up
with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically
formulated for dry skin. |
Where’s the best place to bath your dog?
In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place
that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a
good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand
up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight
from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold
very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the
water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.
Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing
a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath
is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly
that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment
set up you’ll be able to save your back and control
the water temperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature
mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine
water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden
hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing
area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even
be used for bathing your dog inside.
If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water
temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where
to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually
be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs
you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large
shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger
the potential hassles.
Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at
bath time?
Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised
dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing
tub elevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable
for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the
hassle out of washing your dog. You’ll get the job
done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The
raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online
stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more
slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing
on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath
has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable
Products for the New Millennium".
Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?
Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of
dog grooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly
evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will
be just as determined to get past you when you don’t
want him to jump into the water at the beach.
If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door make
sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape
route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath.
This way you’ll have an easier time getting him back
in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing
a dog that’s wiggling around but the challenge gets
a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your
dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time
you may want to consider restraining your dog.
Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to
you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with
restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and
securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog
a quick and hassle-free bath.
Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath
time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface
of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt.
A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at
ease during bath time.
Things to have on hand at bath time:
Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath.
It’s ergonomically designed for both you and your dog’s
comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such
a bathing station set up in their shop. If you’re thinking
about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them
if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room
or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.
Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher - A Pet Shower is great, but
if that’s not possible make sure you have a large plastic
pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.
Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair
clogs with a simple to use drain screen.
Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water
from running into your dog's ears.
Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each
formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed
or dry scaling skin, fleas
About the Author
Article courtesy of: http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/home-dog-grooming.html dedicated to providing quality dog care advice on a broad
range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently
asked questions, recommendations, and Free Ezine.
Thank you for using 4Dog Info for
information on Dog Bathing.
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