Dogs get dirty quickly: when playing outside, they like to roll around in mud puddles, run through thickets… Your dog does not smell good and has a very dirty coat. So you are thinking about washing him, but you don’t know when or how to wash your dog. Don’t panic: after reading these few lines, you will know how to wash your companion in good conditions.
Is it good to wash your dog?
Is it necessary to wash your dog? Giving your dog a bath or a shower will remove dust, dirt and foreign bodies that stick to the hair. So it’s a good thing! Bathing also calms the dog’s itching and prevents the formation of scales and the proliferation of parasites. One thing you should know, however, is that washing your dog too often causes sebum to be removed from the skin and can cause skin diseases. When baths are given too frequently, the coat loses its shine, becomes dull and brittle. Finally, you must wash your dog in good conditions: very cold baths, given outdoors in cool weather or poor drying conditions weaken the health of your companions and expose them to certain diseases.
When to wash your puppy for the first time?
Puppies, like children, get dirty very quickly. Eager for discovery, they like to explore, smell, roll around, play in dust and mud… So they need to be washed. However, puppies are young animals and are fragile. A puppy washed too early and too often risks catching cold and having a dull coat and fragile skin. We therefore advise you not to wash puppies less than two months old. If they are very dirty, you can however clean the soiled part of the coat, taking care not to use too aggressive products and to rinse and dry the hair well.
From two months of age, a puppy can be washed by paying attention to several points:
- The puppy should always be washed in a warm and dry place, never outside.
- The puppy can be washed in a shower, a bathtub or a small basin. Choose a container adapted to the size of your companion to limit the risk of slipping and injury.
- Always apply lukewarm water to the coat, starting at the bottom of the legs and working up to the head. Cover the puppy’s ears to prevent water from entering.
- Dry your puppy well. Use a terry towel, then use a dryer set to a moderate temperature and speed. Puppies are often afraid of the hair dryer. Introduce your puppy to the hair dryer gently so he doesn’t become traumatized.
- Brush the coat before and after bathing to remove any dead hairs.
- Do not take your dog for a walk immediately after bathing. Your dog may catch cold and may roll on the floor as soon as he puts one leg outside.
Is your puppy afraid of water? If necessary, get in the bathtub with him to show him that he has nothing to fear. Also remember to talk to him in a calm and reassuring voice throughout the wash.
How often should I wash my dog ?
When to wash a dog that has no skin problems ?
A dog with no particular skin problems should be washed every 4 to 6 weeks maximum. Some veterinarians even recommend waiting 2 months between baths. The aim is to keep a dog clean, without depriving him of sebum, which acts as a natural barrier against external aggressions.
When to wash a dog suffering from skin problems ?
The frequency of washing a dog suffering from skin problems or having parasites depends on the indications of your veterinarian. Some skin problems mean that you should wash your dog very often, while others mean that you should wash your dog very rarely. In all cases, it is essential to respect the prescribed treatment doses and duration of treatment. Some products are indeed very irritating when used too often (anti-parasite shampoos for dogs, for example). Note that many skin problems are related to the dog’s diet. Opting for a brand of kibble adapted to the age and breed of your dog (if necessary, food for sensitive dogs) is a good gesture to help your dog have a silky coat and healthy skin.
How to wash your dog ?
Do you want to wash your adult dog or bitch? Here are a few tips for washing your companion in a way that respects his or her well-being:
- Brush your dog well to untangle his coat and remove dead hairs.
- Place your dog in your shower or bathtub and stroke him.
- Make sure to check the water temperature before you get your dog wet. The water should be lukewarm.
- Wet your dog from the paws up to the head.
- Apply shampoo, being careful not to get it in his eyes or ears, as it can irritate him. Rinse your dog thoroughly.
- Once dry, he will groom himself by licking himself. He should not ingest any shampoo.
- Dry your dog with a towel and then blow dry at room temperature.
- Brush your dog to avoid knots and remove the last dead hairs.
- Reward your dog to treat grooming as something positive.
What product should I use to wash my dog ?
Never use human or baby shampoo to wash your dog. The PH of his skin is very different from ours and our beauty products can cause itching and redness. It is therefore better to choose a shampoo with a gentle or neutral PH for dogs. Avoid shampoos containing too many chemicals as much as possible. If they smell good, they are strong and harmful to your pet – or you yourself when you pet him. You can opt for natural products, or wash your dog without shampoo. Do you want your dog to smell good? You can add a few drops of Virginia Juniper, lemon or eucalyptus essential oils to your dog’s bath water. Antiseptics, these natural essential oils fight against bacteria, fungi and various skin problems. If your dog smells bad or has an oily coat, you can also use dry dog shampoo. This product is also useful for washing dogs that can’t stand being washed in your bathroom.
What should I feed a dog with a healthy, shiny coat ?
EVERLAND dog food is ideal for giving your dog a healthy, clean and soft coat. Enriched with linseed, a source of omega 3, our kibbles are suitable for all ages and profiles of dogs.
