Dog owners know that a pet needs bathing from time to time. On average, it is recommended to bathe your dog at least once every one or two months. In addition, it is advisable to wash or at least wipe your pet's paws after each walk. The water for washing the paws should be warm, but not hot, and after the paws are washed, they should be thoroughly dried with a towel or a soft cloth.
- The hardest thing to wash is a dog with long hair. If the long-haired dog has tangles, they must be untangled or trimmed before bathing. Today, pet stores sell special anti-mats that are applied to the dog's coat and make it easy to untangle even the most complex-looking mats.
- It is most convenient to wash your dog in a large water container - for example, in the bathtub or trough. When bathing, only the dog's limbs should be immersed in the water. The bathing water should not be too cold or hot - it is better to choose a comfortable water temperature, just a few degrees higher than the dog's body temperature. A rag or rubber mat should be placed on the bottom of the tub to prevent the animal from slipping or falling.
- Before bathing, the dog's ears should be plugged with oil-impregnated cotton swabs. In order not to harm the animal while bathing, use only a special zoo shampoo: it must match the type of your dog's coat. Small puppies and very old dogs are washed with special lotions, and dogs that are afraid of water are washed with dry shampoos.
- Do not use antiparasitic shampoos for bathing dogs that are not infected with fleas or other parasites. The insecticides that are part of the shampoo can irritate the skin if used frequently. For some dog breeds, applying a conditioner balm after bathing is recommended.
- A thoroughly washed dog must be dried - with a hairdryer or a towel. Remember that bathing your dogs is best done in the evening, after the dog has returned from an evening walk. If you plan to bathe your dog during the day, keep in mind that it will be possible to take it out for a walk no earlier than three to four hours after the end of the water procedures. It is not recommended to bathe dogs of such breeds as terriers, huskies, schnauzers and pomeranians too often. Bathing too often has a negative effect on the structure of the dog's coat. If bathing is still unavoidable, try to choose a shampoo designed specifically for the coat type of the breed.
