Shampooing & Washing for Health

Although dogs will self-groom, many need help keeping themselves clean. Dogs love to roll around in good smelling stuff that we as humans may not see as so pleasant (e.g. other animal faeces, dead fish or animal parts, and many other smelly things.) Other sources of odour are from a build up of natural oils and environmental debris and dirt.  

Benefits of Bathing

Regular bathing helps promote a healthy coat and skin. Not only does bathing also help reduce doggie odour, but can provide allergy relief and promote faster healing of some itchy skin conditions.

My dog hates bathes.

Itʼs best to start regular bathing from an early age so your dog gets accustomed to being bathed. Even if you have an older dog, itʼs never too late to start bathing regularly. Be gentle, take your time, shower praise during bath times and reward your dog with a tasty treat afterwards. Since most dogs hate getting their face and ears wet, you might find it easier to save those areas for last.

Where to wash?

For smaller dogs, you can wash your dog in the kitchen sink or laundry basin. For medium and large dogs, a bathtub or outside may be more practical. If using a bathtub, it is a good idea to make sure you have a rubber mat to avoid potential slippage or falls. If getting dog hair or dog smells in your washing areas is unappealing to you, you might want to invest in a portable dog bathtub. There are also dog bath sprayers that you can easily attach toyour taps, shower head or garden hose to make bathing and rinsing easier.

How often to bathe?

The average dog should be bathed on a fortnightly basis and no more unless directed by our vet. Bathing too often will strip away all the natural oils that protect and lubricate your dogʼs coat and skin. If you find that you canʼt wait that long, you can use pre-moistened dog bath wipes in between bath times.

Which shampoo to use?

Never use human shampoos on your dog as they often contain perfumes and irritating substances that could potentially cause burning and irritation of the skin. Always use a dog formulated shampoo as these are more gentle and pH balanced for your dogʼs skin and healing such as EQyss Micro Tek Shampoo.

Puppy Shampoo

If you have very young dog or pup, itʼs best to use a dog shampoo formulated for puppies as these generally have no perfumes and are more gentle on delicate puppy skin. Normal Shampoo If your adult dog has no underlying skin issues, then an adult or regular maintenance dog shampoo can be used.

Conditioners

Conditioners help to soften, de-tangle and nourish your dogʼs hair coat. Some dog shampoos are all-in-one shampoos plus conditioner. Others have separate dog conditioners that you wash and rinse or leave-in conditioners that donʼt require rinsing.

Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

Oatmeal and/or aloe based dog shampoos are great for dogs with underlying skin allergies or itchy skin. The oatmeal helps to provide soothing itch relief while the aloe has natural healing properties.

Hypoallergenic Shampoo

If your dog has sensitive skin towards other shampoos or underlying skin disease, hypoallergenic shampoos are a good alternative as they are free of dyes, perfumes and more gentle on the skin.

Medicated Shampoos

Medicated shampoos are formulated for dogs with skin disease. These medicated shampoos contain different ingredients to help fight against bacterial and fungal skin infections. It is important to use a medicated shampoo based on your vetʼs recommendations to ensure the most appropriate one is used to treat your dogʼs skin.

Flea & Tick Rinses

Flea and tick rinses can be used in acute cases of flea and tick infestations. Since flea and tick rinses contain insecticides or pyrethrins to kill external parasites on contact, it is important that flea and tick shampoos are thoroughly rinsed afterwards.

Final Touches

After bathing, be sure to thoroughly dry your dog and groom other important body parts such as the nails, ears and eyes. Try to keep bath time a positive experience and reward your dog afterwards with a tasty treat or play session afterwards.