So you’ve brought the pup home. You’ve just got to grips with feeding times, the pees, the poos and lets not forget the sleepless nights!
Now I bet you’re beginning to wonder - how often should I bathe my dog?
Don’t panic if you’re yet to clean your pup. In fact, it’s essential that you don’t wash your hound too frequently.
Over-bathing can strip natural oils and lead to dry skin for your poor pooch.
So, unless they’re dirty (or they’ve rolled in something gross) it’s best to leave them as long as possible.
Here are some tips for cleaning your canine.
Frequency
Aim to wash your dog every 4-6 weeks. Frequency will also depend on your dog’s breed, fur-type and lifestyle.
Preparation
Prepare your dog’s coat before washing particularly if they are long-coated. Brushing their fur is recommended to avoid tangles. It’s also useful to shed any loose fur and dirt prior to washing.
Now, if this is your first rodeo bathing a four-legged friend, be warned - things will get messy. Wearing your finest clobber is definitely not recommended and you will need towels, all the towels in fact.
It’s a good idea to have everything you need on-hand before you start the bathing process as there’s nothing more unpredictable than a soaking wet dog!
Once you’re in some old clothes (or a Drywalks, were easy) and have 2-3 towels nearby, grab your chosen dog shampoo and choose your method of washing. Ensure water temperature and pressure is comfortable for your pooch.
Technique
Begin by wetting your dog’s fur, then gradually lather them up with dog shampoo from head to tail. Rinse well ensuring all product is removed from their coat. Repeating this process is recommended - if you have a well-behaved doggy of course! If your dog’s fur is prone to tangles and matting now is the time to condition. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Your freshly-washed pup now needs drying. If you’ve never smelled a wet dog, you won’t want to skip this step. Start by towel-drying their fur as much as you can, then use a hairdryer on a low setting to finish drying.
Happy bathing gang!