After going for a walk in the rain and mud, dirt particles quickly accumulate in every dog's fur. The same applies when man's best friend goes for a trip to a lake or splashes around in the local stream.
To avoid dirt in the home, your dog should be bathed from time to time. This way, the fur will shine again and your home will stay clean.
Content: Bathing a dog
- How often should the dog bathe?
- Which shampoo is best for dogs?
- How do I prepare a suitable bath for the dog?
- How do I bathe my dog properly?
- Conclusion
How often should the dog bathe?
While many people enjoy a bath or shower almost every day, four-legged friends should take a bath as rarely as possible. You should bathe your dog every eight to ten weeks at most so that the skin does not dry out and the four-legged friend does not become irritated.
An exception is if the dog suffers from certain dermatological diseases. These include fungal or mite infestations, which must be treated with a special shampoo. It is best to seek advice from a veterinarian and visit him as soon as you notice such a change.
In winter, dogs should only be bathed in exceptional cases. Since part of the fat layer is always lost when bathing, the dog can quickly get cold if the protective layer of fat no longer provides the necessary warmth.
Which shampoo is best for dogs?
It is best to use only clear water to bathe your dog, as this has the least possible effect on the skin. However, many dogs start to "smell" over time, so many dog owners like to use a shampoo.
It is best to use a special shampoo for dogs that is moisturizing. Bathing removes the fat from the dog's skin, which can dry out the skin and cause cracking. If you want to treat your pet to something particularly good, use a tested, organic dog shampoo.
This should be free of alcoholic ingredients and should not contain any strong fragrances that irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions in the dog. Such dog shampoos are available in many pet stores, but your vet can also advise you on the right care products.
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How do I prepare a suitable bath for the dog?
If you have a garden, you can use the hose to rinse off large dirt particles outside. This will prevent soil, sand and plant matter from getting into the drain and clogging it.
Cover the bathroom floor with old towels or sheets to keep the floor clean. It is best to bathe your four-legged friend in the bathtub. If you do not have a bathroom with a bathtub, you can also use a bowl of water and a sponge to rub off the dirt particles.
Only use as much shampoo as the packaging recommends and rinse the foam out of the coat thoroughly at the end until there is no residue left. In the garden, the dog should shake the water out of its coat itself, so that you have less work to do when drying it. This also keeps the furniture and walls inside clean.
You can remove the remaining water with a towel and blow-dry the fur if necessary. Make sure that the heat on the hair dryer is not set too high.
How do I bathe my dog properly?
When bathing, the water should not be too cold, but also not too hot so that the animal does not burn itself. Ideally, the water should be the same temperature as the dog's body. Test the temperature slowly and see if the animal feels comfortable and can tolerate the water temperature.
You can gently massage the shampoo into the dog's fur with your hands. This means that the dog bath also has a soothing and physically relaxing effect. Coarse dirt particles can be removed with a dog brush. At the same time, this can help to get the fur back into shape and gently remove lost animal hair.
We also recommend a non-slip rubber mat, which gives the animal more grip in the bath. This way, your four-legged friend can stand safely on the smooth floor of the bath while you shower him. When drying him, use a particularly absorbent towel that can absorb a lot of water.
This will ensure that the fur dries properly and the water doesn't spread around the house later. Finally, you should reward your dog with a special treat so that he will happily let you clean his fur the next time he goes for a bath.
Conclusion
So it's not that difficult. Unless the dog is afraid of water. Then it will be a bit of a test of patience, because the four-legged friend should be gradually accustomed to the tub. It's best to start without water at all. You can also reward small improvements with treats. Over time, he'll definitely get used to it.
