When to Wash Your Dog

When should you wash your dog? It seems like a simple enough question, but in researching this article, I found all sorts of opinions on that simple question. From one extreme of, "I wash my dog every other day", to the other extreme of, "I haven't washed my dog in the 7 years I have owned him". I think those are both pretty radical answers, so let's get to reality.

I know that washing your dog is not fun. It is however, a huge part of being a responsible dog owner. If your dog could talk to you, he would tell you that he does not enjoy being the stinky dog in the neighborhood. It does not make him happy to be constantly scratching and trying to reach an itch that he will just never reach. Haven't you ever noticed how dogs seem to prance around a bit after they just got washed and groomed? My dogs act as though the water is killing them while they are being bathed. As soon as they are all done, they seem to walk around with their heads held a little higher. They know they smell good and feel good and that I won't be afraid to pet them anymore. Petting a dog and then realizing your hand smells like it just came out of a dumpster, is not a good thing. You need to wash your dog.

How often to wash your dog, seems to be up for debate. However, I have talked to 3 different vets in 2 different states, and I have found they have a basic consensus on when you should wash your dog. Yes it matters somewhat whether they are long haired or short haired dogs, inside dogs or outside dogs. However, the general rule of thumb seems to be that you should wash your dog approximately every 8 weeks.

If your dog has gotten into mud, or poison ivy, or has rolled around in some other dogs poop, wash them immediately. In the summer time, fleas and ticks are out in abundance, and flea collars are not 100 percent protection for your dog. There are many small insects in the grass your dogs run around on. You may not see the bugs, but your dog can feel them. If your dog is itching constantly, they are telling you there is a problem. It may be bugs or it may be allergens. Dogs absorb allergens through their skin, and they need to be bathed to offer them some relief.

You do not want to over bathe your dog. People washing their dog every other day, are likely going to give their dog a skin condition. A dogs coat and skin can get very dry if over washed, and it will irritate them and cause the excessive scratching all over again. Per the advice of my vet, I use an oatmeal based dog shampoo to wash my dogs. Oatmeal helps to prevent the skin from drying out and it leaves the dogs coat nice and shiny as well. It is ok to dilute the shampoo with water. You use less shampoo and save yourself a little money. It also makes it easier to apply the shampoo onto your dog. Using a conditioner on your dog is not mandatory, but it does make their coats feel very soft and can help keep their natural oils intact.

Another way to keep your dog clean and his coat healthy is by regular brushings. Some dogs hate it, but mine both seem to love being brushed. My cat gets jealous and plops down next to me to await his turn for brushing. It gives you quality time with your dog and it improves their hygiene and appearance. Something else that should be done every 8 weeks is clipping the dog's nails. I am awful at that, so I usually use a groomer so that I do not cut my dogs paws.

Just remember, your dogs are counting on you to keep them happy, healthy and clean, so don't let them down.

Sources: 3 veterinarians', 2 in Calif. And 1 in Texas

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shoptoit/2008/02/tuesday_tips_pet_grooming_1.html

http://mobilepetgrooming.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/how-often-should-i-wash-my-dog-part-2/