The reasons for bathing dogs are more than convincing: dirt that remains on the hair and spreads around the house is removed, shedding is reduced, the possibility of allergic reactions is reduced and the health of the fur and skin is maintained.
However, while for us bathing or showering has a calming effect, for dogs this activity is anything but relaxing, he writes Petface. There are few dogs that like to bathe at home, and owners often make mistakes that further complicate this activity.
Inadequate water temperature
The water should be lukewarm. Too hot or too cold creates discomfort in the pet, so it can create resistance to bathing for a long period of time. To adjust the temperature, do it as you would when bathing your baby. Check the temperature on your upper arm, because that part of the skin is most sensitive to temperature. If you like it, that's it!
Water jet too strong
It is easiest to bathe the dog using the shower. However, the combination of the loud sound of running water and too strong a jet, as a rule, scares the pet. Therefore, reduce the pressure first. Instead of directing the stream of water directly at the dog's body, let the water slide over your palm to soak the fur. It's even better if you place your palm on the pet's body while the water is running, as this will further soothe it.
Wrong choice of shampoo
Never use your own shampoo, even the one intended for bathing babies and children. Dog skin has a completely different PH balance than humans. As a rule, human shampoos dry out dogs' skin. There are very good and high-quality shampoos for pets, so consult your veterinarian about the choice, especially if your dog has slightly more sensitive skin.
Insufficient use of shampoo
Most owners think that after applying shampoo to the dog's fur, they should wait a while for the shampoo to absorb. This is one of the classic mistakes because it will not remove dirt and grease from the hair. Instead, rub the shampoo into the fur with your fingers and massage the pet's skin for at least four minutes.
Start from the feet and gradually move towards the face, which is the most sensitive region when bathing. Of course, make sure that the shampoo does not get into the eyes and make sure that the water and shampoo do not get into the ear canal. Wash off the shampoo in the opposite way. Start with the head and end with the feet. Logically, shampoo and water with impurity will be washed away without remaining in the hair and on the skin.
Bad brushing technique
The dog should be brushed before and after bathing. Depending on the type of hair, brushing is recommended from once to at least four times a week. This activity can be unpleasant and painful if the fur becomes stiff and bruised, and bathing generally does not contribute to eliminating this phenomenon.
Consult your veterinarian or groomer about which type of brush to get and how often to brush your dog. This will help the effects of the bath to be much better. Inadequate equipment, poor brushing technique and tangled hair will only increase the dog's resistance to bathing.
Drying too quickly
Before bathing, provide enough dry towels to wipe the dog. There is nothing worse than chasing a wet dog around the house. Most owners want to wipe and dry their pet as soon as possible. Use towels to remove as much water as possible from the fur, but not to dry it completely. In fact, the fur should not be wet, but damp. That way you will brush it easier.
If you use a hair dryer, be careful. It is difficult to adjust the temperature of hair dryers for home use. Dogs do not like the sound or the high temperature produced by these devices. Basically, it would be good if you let the dog "finish" himself after bathing by licking his wet hair, as this will further soothe him.
Bathing too often
Most dogs groom and clean their own fur. Veterinarians even recommend bathing only when necessary - when the fur is really dirty. Regular, "Saturday" bathing is not really recommended. Bathing too often can dry out the skin because the natural oil that is normally produced will be removed. Regarding the dynamics of bathing, it is best to consult with your veterinarian, and it depends on the type of hair, skin sensitivity and living conditions of the pet.
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