Dogs need water procedures no less than people. Bathing is not only a way to cleanse dirt, but also a prerequisite for grooming. This is a real pleasure for many pets, but only if the owner knows how to wash the dog correctly and what detergents to use. Only then the bathing process will be pleasant to her and will not cause discomfort.
How often should a dog wash
More recently, there was an opinion that dogs should be washed only in rare cases, as necessary. This was due to the fact that aggressive detergents disrupt natural grease. Today, the attitude to washing has changed dramatically due to the fact that a huge number of specialized shampoos for dogs have appeared on the market , which not only do not harm, but also have a positive effect on the coat of the animal. Regular washing restores balance, improves the nutrition of the coat, makes it shiny and silky.
The question of how often a dog should be washed is influenced by a number of factors - breed, cleanliness of the animal, living conditions, quality of coat, etc. Dogs living in urban conditions in order to clean the coat of dust and smog require more frequent washing.
Longhair as well as molting breeds need to be bathed from one to four times a month, depending on weather conditions and the condition of the coat.
How to wash a dog
Before bathing, you should first close all the windows and windows in the house, because even a small draft can lead to a cold. If the dog is not accustomed to bathing, she may try to jump out, risking injury. Therefore, it is worth making secure and tie the leash at least to the mixer. It is best to start accustoming your pet to hygiene procedures from a puppy's age.
How to wash a dog so that it is not torture for her, but gives only pleasure? You need to put her favorite toys in the bathtub, let her play with a trickle of water, and in the process of washing talk in a confident and calm voice. In the bath, the dog must be in a standing position. First you need to properly wet the coat, starting from the tail, gradually moving towards the head. It is especially important that the water does not get into the eyes and ears of the animal. Then make sure that the breasts, stomach and paws are wet enough.
Shampoo use
The level of acidity of the skin of animals is different from human, therefore it is recommended to use special shampoos for your pets. They should be chosen, focusing on the appearance of the dog's coat. The main requirement is that the shampoo does not dry out the coat, so it is better to use products containing lecithin, lanolin, egg yolk.
Shampoo should not be poured directly from the bottle. Before use, it should be diluted with water in a small plastic bowl and thoroughly soaping the entire surface of the dog’s body with massaging movements, paying particular attention to the most polluted places.
It is most convenient to apply shampoo with a sponge, you can use a washcloth or a rubber brush. Rinse the detergent composition thoroughly, because its residues can cause skin irritation. In general, the washing procedure is quite simple, and for the owner of a small breed it will not be difficult, while washing a large dog is much more problematic.
Dog Coat Conditioners
A caring owner must use a balm or conditioner in the washing process. They make it easier to comb the hair, enrich with nutrients and create a protective barrier that protects from dust and sunlight. Balms and conditioners prevent the formation of tangles. In addition, this is an excellent solution to the question of how to wash the dog so that the hair after this procedure becomes especially elastic, shiny and acquires a luxurious look. Before use, the air conditioner is also diluted with water in accordance with the recommendations on the package. Apply it to the wool with another sponge (not the one used for shampoo) and rinse off with warm water after 4-5 minutes.
Wool drying
Before wiping the dog, you must carefully squeeze the wool with your hands to remove excess water. You can then use a towel.
With very careful movements, dab the coat, wrap the dog in a towel (if the size of the breed allows) and put it in a warm place. While she is resting, you can prepare for the next procedure. In summer, in hot weather, further drying is enough to do with a comb. In the cold season, so that the dog does not freeze, it is better to use a hairdryer. You should be accustomed to this procedure carefully so as not to scare, preferably together with an assistant who will hold the dog. Dry thoroughly so that not a single wet area remains.
How to wash your paws
When it is dry outside, after walking just wash your paws. Sometimes you can even simply wipe them with a damp cloth. If the weather is rainy, more thorough cleaning of the paws is needed. To do this, you will need a rectangular basin and a fabric that absorbs moisture well.
You need to choose a permanent place where it will be most convenient to wash the dog. This is usually done in the hallway. It is recommended to pre-lay a synthetic rug there, on which, after a walk, the dog sits down and patiently waits for the moment when the owner, having undressed and prepared a bowl of water, begins to wash her paws. She gets used to this procedure quite quickly, especially if you start doing this from puppyhood.
It should be remembered that in winter you need to wash your paws only with cold water. A sharp temperature difference can adversely affect the strength of the skin, which covers the pads of the paws.
Owners of shorthair breeds (Dobermans, Dalmatians, boxers) often wonder how to wash a dog without using water. There are situations when it is necessary. In order to clean the coat of dirt and remove the smell characteristic of dogs, a special solution is used: in a glass of warm water, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar and the same amount of vodka. Moisten a soft sponge with this compound, squeeze and thoroughly wipe the wool with it. To give it a beautiful shine, wormwood and burdock leaves are used.
If for some reason there is no way to carry out hygienic procedures for your pet at home, you can go to a special salon where you can wash your dog. In Moscow, it is not difficult to find such institutions where very comfortable conditions for this process are created, and good specialists perform it.