What not to do when bathing a dog?
Lenny Shanahan
2025-09-01 22:44:41
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Not all dogs like baths, so it’s also a good idea to choose a location where your dog feels safe and secure – and where you won’t be interrupted. Being up high and in a potentially slippery place can be scary so consider this carefully. Do not apply shampoo to your dog’s head or face as you risk getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes. Bathing your dog isn’t something you should do in a rush. Excess or left over soap can irritate your dog’s skin, so it’s important to be rigorous with the rinsing. Matted hair holds water which can leave you dog with irritated skin.
Elisha Stiedemann
2025-08-27 05:59:27
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Don't pour water over your dog’s head because lots of dogs develop secondary ear infections from moisture getting into the ear canal. Don't shorten the rinsing time – It’s really important to rinse all the soap and residue off your dog, which can take some time with a long or densely coated animal. Shampoo that dries on your dog’s coat or skin can be irritating, and it will also get dirty and matted in a hurry. Don't get your dirty dog a “little bit” wet – If you don’t have a hose or sprayer, just fill up the bath and slowly pour the water over your dog, saturating the coat and skin. Use a proper dog shampoo & conditioner for the dog wash, otherwise, you can dry out your dog’s skin if you use “people” products. Clean their furry faces with a wet cloth to avoid getting soap in their eyes. Attempting to do the dog wash alone can be a problem if your dog is nervous or afraid in the bath, you should have a helper with you to hold them steady and help them feel safe.
Norma Durgan
2025-08-15 17:51:37
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Soap is usually alkaline, i.e. high pH, which can disturb the natural acid mantle of the dog's skin, which has a protective function. Shampoos for humans are also problematic. One or two sessions are unlikely to cause any particular problems - although it depends on the sensitivity of the dog, but frequent use can make the coat dry and dull. In addition, some additives, such as artificial fragrances or dyes, can cause irritation and allergies to your dog's skin when bathing. Human shampoo is not suitable for bathing. While you wouldn't think anyone would think of bathing their pet with dishwashing liquid, it's probably no coincidence that Teri DiMarino, president of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association stresses that these detergents are degreasers that dissolve the oily protective layer of the dog's skin, drying out the animal's skin and coat. Their use can also cause skin irritation and allergies, especially if they come into contact with the eyes. Never rub the animal vigorously, as this may damage the surface of the hairs. Work with squeezing movements, never rub the animal vigorously.
Erik Gaylord
2025-08-13 07:19:58
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You should brush your dog or cat before and after a bath, but only if you regularly brush him at least three times a week. Brushing can be painful and uncomfortable if there are matts or knots in your pet’s fur. If his fur is too saturated with water, you’ll only create mats. Some de-shedding tools and undercoat rakes have been known to knick the skin and cause infections, so double check all tools with a professional groomer or veterinarian you trust before using them. You can even wait until the next day to brush.
Adele Cremin
2025-07-31 23:58:52
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Washing your dog too often can strip away the natural oils that help them maintain a healthy coat, leading to dryness and skin irritation. For breeds such as Border Collies, Cocker and Springer Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Basset Hounds, which produce a lot of these oils, it’s especially important not to harm the natural waterproofing qualities. They shouldn’t be washed with human shampoo, even baby formulas can be too harsh for canine skin. If you don’t have any dog shampoo, it’s best to stick to water alone.
Use lukewarm water for your dog’s bath, as extremes of hot or cold can be a shock to their system. A gentle stream of water is better than a powerful jet, which is too harsh, as well as disconcertingly noisy.
Try not to splash soap into their eyes and ears – using a flannel will help. Rinse and repeat the whole routine, ensuring no soapy suds remain, and taking care not to direct water into their sensitive ear canal.
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