Using A Shampoo To Bathe Your Dog
Every dog, whether shorthaired or longhaired, needs to be groomed on a regular basis. Dogs also need to be bathed regularly. They love to be clean and groomed, evidenced by how playful they become after their grooming sessions. They enjoy being told how beautiful they look, and a clean dog is a lot more fun to train than a dirty dog.
In bathing your dog, the general guideline in bathing is this: When your dog smells like a dog, bathe him. Some dogs’ coats repel dirt and pollution more effectively than others. Dogs live in a variety of environments, and his environment, as well as how much your dog is exposed to dirt or how dirty your dog becomes just eating his food, will dictate how often to bathe.
The easiest way to bathe your dog is in the bathtub because you need hot and cold water to get the shampoo out of his coat. You need to get a spray attachment for the faucet and a rubber mat to prevent him from slipping. Start bathing your dog when he is still a puppy and you can easily get him in and out of the tub. As he grows up, size permitting, he will get into the tub by himself. Make it a pleasant experience by giving him a treat after you have placed him into the tub and after his bath. Also teaching your dog to stand on command helps considerably.
Use a gentle shampoo diluted with water. If you use the shampoo full strength, it will take a while to rinse him and get all the shampoo out of his coat. Dry him with a thick towel, and you are all set.
If you have a small dog, bathing him in the kitchen sink will be easier on your back. Another alternative is to bathe him in a washtub outside, although you may not have access to warm water, and in some parts of the country, bathing him outside would not work too well in the winter.
Contrary to popular belief, only few dogs do not like getting a bath. Most of them actually enjoy it. They love the attention, and the warm water makes them calm and relaxed.
For bathing your dog, choose a mild herbal shampoo, something you would use for yourself. Rinsing your dog in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water, ½ vinegar and ½ water helps to repel fleas and other skin parasites. This solution also balances out the pH levels of the skin and is excellent for minor skin irritations. Your dog will have a wonderfully shiny coat after this treatment.
John & Louie said,
Wrote on March 12, 2008 @ 16:24
I will try this!
“Rinsing your dog in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water, ½ vinegar and ½ water helps to repel fleas and other skin parasites.”
\
Thanks Louie
Vickie said,
Wrote on March 12, 2008 @ 20:23
I liked the 1/2 vinegar and water, but I was wondering if anyone out there knows how to keep the armpits of dogs smelling better and to cleanse it better.. I have 4 daschunds and one of my females is pretty good sized one and under her armpits she sweats and gives off an odor that smells up her blankets. I give her a bath once a week if not 2x/week. I also get a washcloth in between baths and wipe down her armpits… Any ideas that can be given would be AWESOME!!!!
Vickie said,
Wrote on March 13, 2008 @ 00:41
What is the best shampoo to use on shorthair daschunds?
Penny said,
Wrote on March 17, 2008 @ 19:01
I’ve always read and have been told that it is NOT a good idea to use “people” shampoo on dogs. The ingredients in “people” shampoo can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. It’s always best to use shampoos designed for the type of animal you’re bathing. The only exception for this is Mane & Tail shampoo. I’ve been told by my vet that this product can be used on both dogs, horses, and people.
Oscar said,
Wrote on March 19, 2008 @ 23:31
I absolutely LOVE my bath! My people bathe me outside. I can’t blame them as much as I like to shake all over when I’m wet. Plus, when I’m outside it’s warmer for me since I live in Texas.
sheree said,
Wrote on March 20, 2008 @ 13:23
We use the same organic shampoo we use for ourselves. I am going to try the vinegar and water recipe. My rotty mix loves to go swimming, but then he sours I am hoping this will help. You never know. Thanks for the tips!!
Jeanne Pace said,
Wrote on March 21, 2008 @ 21:01
I have been making my dog’s food about a month now and he looks better and has more energy. Also he loves it as he leaves his bowl clean.
lisa B:) said,
Wrote on April 18, 2008 @ 12:22
I started using Dog O Suds a few months ago. It really smells good, rinses easily and his skin and coat look good. Just like Oscar, Rambo gets his bath outside when it is warm. We are in Louisiana. It gets just as hot here. And with heat comes fleas and skin problems. There are several different types. I found it on the dinovite website.
Lynn Shotts said,
Wrote on April 18, 2008 @ 15:56
Anyone know where to purchase a cedar scented dog shampoo? I have been unable to find one for some time. It leaves such a delightful aroma to the dog and lasted for some time–repells fleas also.
John & Louie said,
Wrote on April 18, 2008 @ 17:05
A message for Penny.
It’s about ph levels.
Humans are 5
dogs are 7
I will dig out some more info for you.
Cheers
mariek817 said,
Wrote on October 6, 2008 @ 06:40
i got same prob with my daushound she seems 2 sweat alot