Washing the dog at home: how to do it without mistakes
Washing the dog at home: how to do it without mistakes
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 8, 2023
Whether and when to wash a dog has always been a controversial topic: there are advocates of weekly baths, those who wash their dog only when it's truly dirty, those who never wash their dog, and those who clean their dog's muzzle, paws, and private parts after every meal and outing.
Can we wash the dog at home, and how often should it be done? What is the right frequency?
Can I wash all dogs, and can I also wash a puppy? And is there a correct way to wash a dog and do it without mistakes?
Let's delve into this topic thoroughly, as bathing the dog is one of those tasks that we all have to do sooner or later!
We will provide information and advice on this subject, along with a small guide where we will explain step by step how to proceed with this simple procedure.
Why do I need to wash my dog?
Washing Fido is not only necessary to clean him when he's dirty, but also because often the impurities that accumulate in the fur and on the skin can be a cause of dermatitis or skin infections.
Sometimes washing is necessary to remove dead hair from the coat, while in some cases it is essential to eliminate annoying parasites, or to facilitate the treatment of fungal infections in the dog, such as mange.
How often can I wash my dog?
It is a common belief that dogs should never be washed or washed very little: while it's true that excessive cleaning could damage the natural oils in our pets' fur, it's also true that keeping a dirty and smelly dog at home would not be compatible with cohabitation between humans and animals in modern times.
There is no precise answer to this question, and the frequency depends on various factors, including:
The place where the dog lives (house or garden, city or countryside)
Lifestyle (whether it climbs on the sofa, sleeps on the bed, etc.)
Age (very young puppies should not be washed, very old dogs with moderation)
Breed
Type of activities (participates in competitions, accompanies you to the store)
Type of fur (long, rough, short, continuously growing, or it might be a hairless dog)
Health status
Presence of any allergies to environmental factors
Generally, it would be correct not to wash the dog more frequently than once a month, but obviously, it all depends on how dirty it gets!
What is important, however, is the choice of specific products for animals, which respect the pH of the skin (7, therefore different from ours) and do not completely remove the natural oils from the coat.
It is forbidden to use human hair products. There are also emergency homemade remedies, but honestly, dog hygiene products are very cheap and work well, so make sure you always have them available when you need to bathe your four-legged friend.
Can I wash a puppy dog?
In this case, too, there is no precise answer, it depends on how necessary it is, but it should definitely not be washed before two or three months of age.
Unfortunately, in some cases, this date is brought forward, for example, when a puppy is rescued in a state of abandonment and is covered in parasites, but if the dog is really very young it would be advisable to discuss it with the veterinarian.
Two months of age is the minimum recommended for bathing a dog, provided it is done correctly and especially that the puppy is completely dried.
The situation changes if the bath is done outside the home: in this case, it would be better to wait until the puppy has received all its vaccinations and boosters, as at a young age the immune system is not mature and it is not advisable to expose it to possible pathogens.
Dog Bath Products
1) Dog Shampoo:
There are many varieties available:
Shampoo for bad odors
Shampoo for smooth coats
Soothing shampoo for itching
Flea shampoo
Hypoallergenic shampoo
Deshedding shampoo
Dry shampoo
The choice can depend on the type of coat and health status (presence of parasites, dermatitis, etc.)
2) Dog Conditioner:
All are softening:
Detangling conditioner for knots
Conditioning balm for white coats
Conditioning balm for dark coats
Moisturizing conditioner
Specific balm for nose and pads
Again, the choice can vary based on the type of fur and health status.
Obviously, depending on the dog's fur, you will also need one or more brushes, or a specific comb for the type of coat.
You will also need towels and a blower. Why a blower and not the classic hairdryer? Quite simply: the blower is specific for drying our pets' fur, it has the right temperature and dries quickly without burning the animal.
What seems like a harmless blast of air to us could be very hot for a dog, who can't ask us to lower the temperature. It's not very expensive, so if you wash your dog often, it's a good investment.
If you want to learn more about dog grooming, read here!
How to Wash Your Dog in a Few Simple Steps
1) Brushing
Start by thoroughly brushing your dog: this part is crucial, as all dead hairs from the coat and undercoat must be removed. Also, take care of knots in sensitive areas: paws, tail, around the genitals, muzzle, and hairs under the eyes. If you have a short-haired dog, still use a comb or glove brush.
2) Protect the Ears
Insert cotton balls in the dog's ears to prevent water and foam from entering. Don't push them too deep but ensure that water can't penetrate the ear canal.
3) Wet with Water
Completely wet your dog with lukewarm water, including hidden spots, from the neck down. Make sure that all the fur except for the head is well soaked.
4) Apply Shampoo
Pour a good amount of shampoo and start massaging well into the body, then move to the head, paws, and tail. Make sure to remove dirt between the toes, the genital area, and the neck.
5) Clean the Muzzle
Clean the muzzle area very gently to avoid irritating the dog's eyes. If you're not confident, use a cotton swab soaked in a specific cleaner instead of shampoo for the eye area, or clean the muzzle with a wet towel. Rinse thoroughly.
6) Use Conditioner
Repeat the previous treatment with conditioner, leave it on for the time required on the package, and then rinse again. Make sure no conditioner residue remains.
7) Pat Dry with Towel
Thoroughly pat the dog with a warm, dry towel and remove all the residual water.
8) Dry the Fur
Dry the dog with the blower.
Can I leave my dog wet?
Drying is a very important operation because Fido must not get cold. The puppy must always be dried, and the adult dog too, especially if the temperature is not ideal. This is also the case if the dog has long fur that does not dry quickly, or if it is elderly or ill.
Dogs can air dry, but only you know your pet and whether it's safe to take the risk. Therefore, be very careful and avoid exposing them to unpleasant ailments due to cooling.
The fact that dogs swim in the sea or lake in summer and do not get sick is not an excuse to skip this step. Also, be cautious of air conditioning, which could cool the animal down.
Should I wash my dog after the beach?
Absolutely yes! The salt in seawater could excessively dry out the skin and fur, so you should bathe them with fresh water. If you're on vacation and can't do a full bath, at least rinse them under the shower.
Can I dry wash my dog?
Recently, dry shampoos have become very popular and trendy, but they cannot replace a bath, except in special cases.
What is dry shampoo?
It's a product that cleans the dog's coat without the need for water: it absorbs excess sebum and leaves the coat smelling fresh.
It works through the action of surfactants, substances present in almost all soaps and shower gels, which bind to both fat and water or air. When they are rinsed, brushed, or combed, they take dirt particles with them.
What types are there?
The product comes in the form of:
Powder
Foam
Spray
When to use it
For a quick and immediate clean if it’s not possible to wash the dog
During winter and it's not possible to dry the dog
If the animal is unwell but emits a bad odor
On vacation for emergency baths, but not if the dog has swum in the sea
When the dog is old and becomes difficult to wash
Why not to use it often
Makes the coat sticky, as it's not rinsed off
The dog might lick it, and it’s not an edible product
Could cause allergies
With continuous use, the fur might break
Although very convenient and fragrant, these products should only be used occasionally. They are practical and quick, but consider the well-being of your four-legged friend and give them the most appropriate cleaning for their needs.
Additional Tips for Washing Your Dog Correctly
Bathing your dog in a bathtub or shower can be challenging as many animals wriggle when washed.
There are specially designed tubs available on the market, as well as complete bath stations with a tub and blower, which can also be elevated.
Experienced groomers have adjustable tables that allow the dog to be positioned so it can be easily brushed and dried. These are also available for private purchase if needed.
I understand how important it is to make the right choice when adopting a puppy or an adult dog, so it's better to be well informed about the breed's characteristics, including those related to grooming, which can be quite costly. Find plenty of information onkhani.co.uk.
