Dogs' fur picks up dirt and odors from the air. Leaving this dirt unattended can lead to unpleasant odors and dermatitis. Dogs don't lick their fur to keep it clean, so owners need to shampoo them regularly.
What is the purpose of shampooing a dog?
A dog's fur can pick up dirt and fleas every time you walk it. Furthermore, a dog's warm fur provides a comfortable habitat for fleas and mites. Shampooing and keeping your dog's fur clean can help prevent skin diseases and flea and tick infestations.
Bathing your dog is important not just for cleaning dirt, but also for maintaining your dog's health and building a bond with him through talking to him and touching his body.
How Often Should You Sham Your Dog?
It is recommended that you shampoo your dog once or twice a month. Some owners are concerned about odor and shampoo their dog once a week, but excessive shampooing can cause various problems, so care should be taken.
Like humans, dogs have sebum, and over-shampooing can strip away essential sebum. Excessive shampooing can also damage a dog's skin and, in some cases, lead to dermatitis and other illnesses.
For dogs that tend to have a bad odor, try rinsing them with just warm water once or twice a week. We recommend using a mild shampoo to minimize skin damage.
What is the ideal shower temperature?
A shower temperature of 37-38°C is recommended. This is a temperature that humans perceive as "slightly lukewarm."
Dogs are covered in fur, so they cannot regulate their body temperature as quickly as humans. A hot shower can cause their body temperature to rise excessively, draining their energy.
Water that is too cold can also cause a dog to catch a cold, so be sure to pay close attention to the shower temperature.
How to wash your dog!
Step 1
Before washing, brush your dog's entire body to remove dirt, hairballs, and loose hair. This will thoroughly clean the hair down to the roots and make drying easier. For dogs with long fur, be sure to brush the areas around the ears, neck, buttocks, and inner thighs, areas prone to hairballs.
Step 2
When showering, start with the buttocks and wet the face last. Holding the shower head close to the body allows the hot water to penetrate to the roots of the fur, reducing the irritation and noise caused by the water hitting the skin. Many dogs dislike getting their face wet, so gently scrub with a towel or gauze, or cover their eyes and ears with your hands to prevent water from getting in.
Step 3
Do not apply shampoo directly to the body. Make a good lather with a sponge or net beforehand. Gently wash the shampoo by massaging it into the skin in the direction of the hair's grain. Avoid going against the grain or scrubbing the scalp, as this can irritate the skin.
Step 4
Next, rinse thoroughly, starting from the face and working your way down to the bottom, to ensure no shampoo remains. Any shampoo remaining on the scalp can cause dandruff and itching.
Step 5
Finally, thoroughly dry the area with a towel and then dry it with a hair dryer. Wrapping the area in the towel and pressing it against the scalp while wiping will prevent unnecessary irritation. By thoroughly towel drying your hair at this point, you can reduce the time it takes to dry with a hair dryer.
★Important Notes★
Hold the hair dryer far enough away and test the air against your hand to make sure it's not too hot. Damp drying can cause skin problems, so be sure to part your hair and dry it from the roots. Pay particular attention to the paws and ears, which are difficult to dry.
Summary
Bathing your dog isn't a bad thing; in fact, it's necessary to remove dirt and odors. However, bathing your dog every day with shampoo can be hard on your dog's body, so try to limit it to once every two to three weeks.
It's also important to speak to your dog gently when bathing. This is also an important time for communication between you and your dog, so follow these tips and learn how to bathe your dog to help them enjoy it.
