Bathing a dog

Bathing a dog needs to be given special emphasis. This is because if you are careless in bathing, the dog may end up getting some infections.  For example, if you don’t close the ears with a large cotton ball, water may enter into their ear canals and may cause ear infections with signs like constant discharge from the ears and shaking of head.

Frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is a long haired breed like the cocker spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat lose their protective characteristics.  However, when the dog has defecated on the skin due to frequent digestive upsets such as diarrhoea,  the dog may be subjected to more frequent bathing. 

Take care in avoiding some irritant soaps or human soaps. The soap materials used for people are not suitable for dogs.  Similarly, many human shampoo products have some ingredients that are not suitable in the proportions that can be used on dogs. Hence,always try to use the shampoo products that are mentioned mainly for use in dogs. Take more care in using any new product. 

Always have plenty of time and patience for bathing in one place with easy availability of water.  Dogs love the sprinkling of water, river, and oceans.  Even when you are using a bathtub, have everything in one place before bathing the dog. Try to have a leash, conditioner, towel, and shampoo in easy reach. Conditioner is helpful for making the combing activity easier later. Bathing should be a convenient and fun activity to both the dog and the owner. This should not be a burden.

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