Grooming a dog before bathing it is vital as it removes dead hair and matting and allows the water and shampoo to penetrate freely onto the skin. On the other hand, cutting the toe nails should be done after bathing as it leaves the nails pliant and easier to cut. Bathing is a must for every dog. Some dogs enjoy the water particularly during hot weather while others detest getting wet regardless of reason. You should train your dog to accept baths or you will be undergoing an ordeal every time you give your dog a bath.
The experience may be so exasperating that you might stop giving the dog a bath and that is not hygienically good for the dog. One of your main responsibilities as a dog owner is to ensure the dog is properly groomed and hygienically clean. There are many products in the marketplace that you can choose from.
Shampoos and conditioners are essential grooming supplies. Some dog owners might even share their own shampoo and conditioner with the dogs. This is not advisable as the chemicals suitable for humans may have different effects when applied to the dogs. With a large variety of brands, choosing your special shampoo and conditioner might not be so difficult. If you have specific breeds, consult with the veterinarian. They have experiences with different breeds and may be able to help you select the appropriate brand. Some products combine the shampoo and conditioner as one.
This is cheaper and may be just as effective. Some shampoos and conditioners have additional chemicals to fight against ticks and fleas. Other shampoos and conditioners come in a variety of fragrances and strengths and claim other uses such as whitening, color enhancement, sensitive skin, moisturizing, flea and tick removal and repellent, and other purposes. Be cautious and objective. Observe your dog as to whether they react adversely to the brand. Keep shifting brands until you are comfortable with the products you purchased. Be on your toes as adverse reactions can occur even if the dog has been using the product for some time.
Although it is convenient to get a shampoo/conditioner that can be applicable for other purposes, take note that the strength might not be as expected because of the other chemicals reacting together. If necessary, get separate bottles to ensure you are provided with the appropriate mix and strength. Remember that puppies are more sensitive and will need a lower mix than a regular dog. You will notice their skin becoming red or developing rashes if the shampoo or conditioner mix is too strong for them.
There are other parts of the dog that need attending to, such as the teeth, eyes, ears and feet. There are eye and ear supplies available in the market. Check with the veterinarian on the type of product, its purpose and the manner of applying them. Some ear products include lice or tick repellent. As you clean the ears of dirt and smudge, you are also applying a repellent against lice and ticks.
Remember that their sense of hearing is their second most powerful organ and should be handled delicately. Some ears get clogged with soap water if you don’t give them a thorough rinsing during their bath. There are medications to remove the clog and clear the passageway. A dog’s eyes are hard to administer if they keep moving and twitching their eyes. Use a soft sponge to wash the sides of their eyes gently and remove any dirt that may have gotten stuck while they slept.
There are special toothbrushes and toothpaste for dental care of the dogs. You need to train the dogs to open their mouth and allow you to brush their teeth since they may feel strange having a foreign object inside their mouth. Some dog owners prefer leaving this aspect of cleanliness to a dog clinic to ensure a thorough cleansing of the dog’s teeth.
Regardless on how well you personally take care of your dog, always bring them for regular checkups to a dog clinic and the veterinarian. Have them inspected and checked as part of an annual routine.
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