Bathing Dogs

I’ve Got Soap in My Eyes Again!

Published March 13, 2012 | By admin

Bolt, three-year-old Yorkie-Poo guest blogger: Ugh..what a way to start the day. Just when I thought I could kick back and lounge in the sun, my human came to get me and took me to…are you ready for this?…the dreaded SHOWER! I know, I know…I admit…I feel great afterwards, but the actual process of getting wet and lathered up is just not my thing, especially when I fuss and the soap gets in my eyes.

This begs the question on all water-fearing dogs out there: How often do you get a bath? It seems around here it happens about once a month. I do all that I can to stay clean. I don’t jump in puddles or roll in the mud. I try not to work up a sweat on my daily walks. I don’t go running through the brush. However, the dirt and stuff does accumulate, so I can understand why my human does not want a filthy dog running around her house or getting on the furniture. (Wait! Scratch that last thought! She thinks I stay off the couch!)

I did a bit of research on the internet. (I was too lazy to take a poll of the neighborhood dogs!) It seems the general consensus is to bathe dogs about every 3-6 weeks, depending on how much fur they have. The more fur, the more maintenance. Dogs need grooming, too, which is separate from bathing. We have to keep our fur from becoming matted and gross. I do pride myself on my overall appearance, you know!

Fortunately, my human keeps me well-groomed. My hair is very short and so much more manageable, keeping that shower hose at bay for longer than some of my furrier counterparts may see. That other dog in the house with me also gets bathed as frequently as I do. However, for the record, I will note that we are probably cleaned just a tad bit more than other dogs as some of those little people in our home have allergies, and by keeping us routinely clean, they can enjoy our presence. I do what I can and will take one for the team in that regard! Love those little people….they usually come with treats!

Have a great day! Spring is almost here!

This dog (or cat!) is in hot water, literally!

Published November 20, 2009 | By bloggindogs

Bo, the adorable cat: Our Yorkie-Poo friend, Bolt, got bathed yesterday. He tells us he is not too keen on getting his precious fur all wet, but we have to gently remind him that getting bathed regularly is important for us critters….especially the dogs!

Jessie, the lovable dog (with paws over her nose): When was the last time YOU had a bath?

Bo: We cats are so well-trained and independent that we handle these matters privately. At any rate, if you have a pet with normal or healthy skin, we have some bathing advice for you. Some folks will only bathe their dog when the stink becomes too much to bear. In actuality, your mutt should be bathed more frequently to remove any potential allergens, dead hair, and skin, and excessive oil in the hair and on the skin. So, in the summer, aim for giving your dog a bath every two weeks, and in the cooler months of winter, perhaps once a month will do. As for us cats, well, we are highly adept at grooming oursevles and do not need this type of bathing ritual.

Jessie: I heard that cats should be bathed on occasion and that it is best to get them used to it while they are still kittens!

Bo: Well, if that is the case, then please make sure you are very careful about your shampoo selection for me! As for your canine friends, you should also be selective here. You need to use a shampoo that will clean the hair and skin but won’t remove the thin layer of oil. The experts at www.ingleburnvet.com.au suggest using the natural shampoo from Dermacare or Aloveen or Fido’s Everday Shampoo.

Jessie: Don’t forget the fleas! You need to get rid of those nasty fleas!

Bo: Yes, YOU do! Certain flea shampoos do well at killing fleas, but the effects are usually short-lived and fleas will return after the fur is dry. You may want to look into a good flea rinse. I would rather mention what NOT to use, as these could harm your dog:

*Medicated shampoos, unless prescribed by a veterinarian. These can dry and damage the skin.

*Human shampoo. You people are 100 tmes more acidic than your dogs!

*Soaps of any kind, as these will only dry out the skin.

*Do not use eucalyptus or tea tree oils. These will irritate the skin.

*Laundry detergent (huh? people have tried this?) will remove that thin layer of oil on the skin.

For more information on how to bathe your dog, just ask the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City. They know their stuff!