A Guide to Grooming and Bathing Dogs

Love Your Pets!

Your four-footed best friend is naturally adventurous and curious about the world. Dogs can’t help but roll in the mud and dig soil like they are looking for treasures. Aside from that, they also love to explore the things in the trash, searching for the food you threw there.  Whether you are a new pet owner or not, the following information is a must read. Learn how to better care for your dog as you discover the whys and hows of dog grooming and bathing.

While you cannot always stop them from doing those things, you can always prevent them from getting sick or allergies. That is done by keeping your dogs healthy with proper hygiene.

Like humans, dogs need regular bathing and grooming because these are important parts of general pet care. Aside from giving the right food, using the best dog shampoo that works for their skin is essential to keeping them healthy.

A true dog lover never wants their pet to smell bad or have flea bites. Because, what makes a dog more lovable, is when it has a healthy skin, shiny coat, and a pleasant odor.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

The frequency with which you should bathe your pets depends on its particular needs. For example, a dog that is exposed to outdoor activities needs to bathe more often than a home dog.

However, if the activity is swimming in the pool or beach, then your dog needs less bathing because swimming can be counted as bathing, too. You will definitely know when it’s time to take your pet to the shower area; just use your nose to tell when he or she smells too stinky.

If your dog is covered with dirt or mud, you should hose him with water followed by shampoo right away so as to not let the dirt or bacteria accumulate in the coat.

There is a reason why vets advise bathing your dogs only when necessary. The danger in bathing your pet too often may cause dry skin because of lack of natural oils. Aside from this, dogs might also get sick.

 What Type Of Shampoo Does Your Dog Need?

The best shampoo for your dogs is never your favorite shampoo for your hair. Groomers use dog shampoos because they have the right PH level for dog’s skin. Avoid choosing shampoos with harsh chemicals, dyes or colors, or other foreign ingredients which may cause irritation.

Instead, buy organic shampoos with oatmeal and aloe vera, for these ingredients are good at providing relief to your dog’s itchy, irritating, and dry skin. Also, add conditioner to make the coat stronger, healthier, and shinier.

 How to Train Your Dog to Enjoy Bath Time

When dogs are apprehensive during bath time, chances are they have experienced a terrible situation that makes them frightened of water.

The best time to train dogs to be calm while taking a bath is while they are still a puppy. If your dog is already old, the same technique applies. Pat and stroke the different parts of their body as you scrub off the dirt.

Go slowly and be patient with your dog. Get the treats ready and reward them with praises every now and then. Do not harden your voice or scold your pet or they will get more scared.

 Steps to Bathing Your Dog

1.  Brush the coat to remove the tangles. This will also help dogs calm down before you start bathing him.

2.  Wet your dog’s hair with water starting from the chest area to the head then all the way down to the rest of the body. Make sure all parts are wet.

3.  Use a damp washcloth to clean the head area. Avoid wetting the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth areas for they are sensitive.

4.  Apply the shampoo to the chest first before gradually moving to the other parts of the body.

5.  Gently massage the shampoo into the shoulder area then your pet’s side, back, legs, and tail.

6.  Rinse every part thoroughly with your fingers.

7.  Also, apply a hypoallergenic conditioner as you did with the shampoo. Rinse it thoroughly after.

8.  Towel dry your dog, making sure that every area is dry.

9.  Gently clean the ears using cotton balls.

10.  Give your dog a treat for a job well done.

 Why Brush or Groom Your Dog?

Whether your pet has a thick coat or not, brushing is an essential part of general pet care. This grooming activity keeps the coat in good condition and it prevents hair knots. It also helps in distributing the natural oils and removing the dirt from the hair.

 How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Coat?

Like bathing, brushing time is also depending on what your dog needs. For dogs that have short coats, less brushing is required than for those with thick or long coats. Some dogs might not even need a regular brushing at all.

The general guide or schedule for those that have short coats is once every few weeks. On the other hand, those with longer coats need brushing at least once a week.

 Other Tips for Grooming your Pet

In addition to bathing and brushing, dogs also need to have their paws, nails, and ears maintained from time to time. Below are some helpful tips every pet owner should know.

 Paws

  • Check the feet and footpads for wounds or infections regularly.
  • Remove grass seeds and burrs around the paws.

 Nails

  • Trim the nails as necessary to keep them in good condition.
  • Use a nail file to smooth rough edges.
  • Be careful not to touch the blood vessel for it will be painful for the dog.

 Teeth

  • Give your dog items that are good for chewing such as chew toys to keep teeth and gums healthy.
  • BRUSH your pets teeth!  Just like humans, our pets get plaque and tartar build ups on their teeth causing decay, gum disease and bad breath.  Check out this short video below for some quick tips about your pets and their teeth.

 Top 5 Recommended Dog Shampoos

Now that you know how to clean and groom your dogs properly, it is time to discover the best dog shampoos out there. This list includes 5 of the most recommended brands on Amazon based on the reviews of fur parents.

All of them have more than 4.3/5 stars satisfaction rating. So read on and find out which one of them will be most suitable for your four-legged friends at home.

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 Particular Paws Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

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Number one on this list is the bestselling dog shampoo, the Particular Paws Oatmeal Shampoo. This product is suitable for all types of furs, specifically dogs, and cats.

It is made of all-natural ingredients including oatmeal, shea butter, aloe vera, and chamomile extract, rosemary, and honey extract. As mentioned before, oatmeal is a great ingredient that provides relief to itchy, irritated, and dry skin by restoring or retaining a healthy, natural skin.

The shea butter, on the other hand, is used for making stronger, shinier, and longer coats. Aloe vera, which is an ingredient that is also present in many shampoos for humans, also works to protect and heal damaged skin.

The chamomile extract, as well as the other ingredients, ensures that your pet will smell fresh and feel good with their scent after every bath. There are no toxins or harsh chemicals added into this product, making it safe even for puppies and kittens.

Of course, this shampoo is good at removing heavy dirt and grime. Overall, this product promotes healthy skin and moisturized fur with improved coat texture. The 17-oz bottle is backed by the manufacturer’s one-year money-back guarantee.

 Pros:

  • Made of all-natural ingredients
  • Safe for small puppies and kittens
  • Includes a one-year money back guarantee

 Cons:

  • Not a total cure for serious skin problems
  • Some pet owners find the smell too strong

Particular Paws Hypoallergenic Dog and Cat Shampoo

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This dog shampoo is another one from Particular Paws, which is made for dogs and cats thathave sensitive and delicate skin. It is called hypoallergenic because it is less likely to cause allergy to dogs. In reality, the product is made for all types of furs. So, whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or ferret, this is still a great choice.

Like the first one, this product is also made of all-natural ingredients. The aloe vera is for moisturizing and protecting, while the chamomile is for cleaning and deodorizing the skin and the fur.

Furthermore, the rosemary and honey extract serve as the anti-oxidant agents for making your four-legged friend smell great after every bath. Aside from making sure that your pets won’t get an allergic reaction, the product also removes grime, dander, and dirt effectively.

In other words, it has the right blend of ingredients to clean and cleanse, eliminate strong odor, relieve itchiness and dryness, and improve your pet’s coat texture. It also works to prevent allergies from occurring.

There are no toxic chemicals that leave chemical residues which harm the skin and fur. It is also a no-tear shampoo, making bath time more manageable for pets thatare often apprehensive.

That is why it is ideal for all breeds and all sizes, even for puppies and kittens. Lastly, the product is made in an FDA registered and GMP compliant facility in the US and includes a money-back guarantee.

 Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic, specially made for dogs with sensitive and delicate skin
  • Soothes irritation and dry skin effectively
  • Safe for all types of furs and for young puppies

Cons:

  • The smell is too strong for small breeds
  • Cannot eliminate skunk odor effectively when used for big dog breeds
  • Only good for soothing irritation and not curing it

Pro Pet Works Hypoallergenic Organic Oatmeal and Aloe Cat and Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

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This product is considered to be one of the best dog shampoos on the market because it effectively soothes itchy and dry skin, which are common symptoms of allergies. It is hypoallergenic and also has the combined power of oatmeal and aloe.

Aside from this, the product is also a shampoo and a conditioner. Pro Pet Works is indeed a better choice over cheaper brands on the market.

According to the manufacturer, the product is made for most furry pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits with sensitive skin, food allergies, grass, and flea bites. It is guaranteed to be all-natural with no alcohol, no sulfates, no added colors, and no harsh chemicals added to the bottle.

As you may already know, oatmeal and aloe vera are the ingredients that provide cooling relief and healing to dogs that keep on scratching their skin. But, aside from this, the product also consists of vitamins A, D, and E, which are good for healthy skin and fur.

With these ingredients, your pet shouldbe able to restore natural oil and have a moisturized coat every after every bath. Since it is a soap-less and detergent-free shampoo, your dog won’t get eye or nose irritation while bathing.

He or she canstay calm while you brush and scrub off the dirt. The product has cherry and almond scents, leaving your pet smelling great.

The Pro Pet Works is pet tested and approved, and is recommended by many veterinarians. Like the other leading brands, it includes manufacturer’s 100% money-back guarantee.

 Pros:

  • Includes oatmeal and aloe vera ingredients and rich in vitamins A, D, and E
  • Effective in soothing irritation for most types of dogs
  • Both a shampoo and conditioner

 Cons:

  • Some people find the scent similar to a cough syrup
  • Does not work with other types of dogs
  • Issues with allergies getting worse

Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo

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If your pet is suffering from ringworm, pyoderma, allergies, and other skin problems, a medicated shampoo like the Curaseb Antifungal & Antibacterial Chlorhexidine Shampoo is a must. This product is made for all breeds of dogs and cats with ingredients such as chlorhexidine and ketoconazole.

This combination is great for eliminating yeast, bacteria, and fungus, thereby treating skin problems. While it is harsh on unwanted visitors to your pet’s body, it is gentle enough that your dog will feel refreshed after every bath.

Aside from the first two ingredients, the shampoo also has aloe to effectively heal dogs’ skin conditions. While other medicated shampoos do not have a nice smell, this one leaves a pleasant and refreshing cucumber melon scent.

The product deals with the smelly musty odor caused by the bacteria while also making your pet feel fresh and clean. According to the manufacturer, they are cheaper than the other leading brands with the same ingredients and effects. For this reason, more fur parents choose them.

Just follow the necessary steps in applying the shampoo for better results. And, since it is a medicated shampoo, a professional veterinarian’s guidance is a must.

Curaseb manufactures paraben-free and soap free medicated shampoo in the USA in a federally regulated and inspected laboratory. They back their products with a money-back guarantee.

 Pros:

  • Cheaper than the other leading brands with the same ingredients and effects
  • Good attreating common skin problems of both cats and dogs
  • Has a pleasant and refreshing cucumber melon scent

 Cons:

  • Does not work well with all types of dogs
  • Should be used with the guidance of an expert

 Fifi & Fido Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

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Another oatmeal dog shampoo and conditioner has come on the list, and it is from the Fifi and Fido brand. This product is also made from all-natural ingredients such as oatmeal, shea butter, and aloe vera.

These ingredients are common inorganic shampoo because they are effective atrelieving itchiness, dryness, and other common skin irritations,plustheyhelp createa soft and shiny coat.

Like the previous four products, this product also promotes healthier skin and stronger coat as it moisturizes them during bath time. Furthermore, the product is also great atremoving dirt and grime.

It leaves behind a fresh smell while eliminating the strong odor of your dog. Since it is all-natural, there areno alcohol-related ingredients, colors or dyes, parabens, ornasty foreign ingredients added to the shampoo.

What many fur parents really like about this product is the pump bottle that makes bath time easier. Simply press the pump and apply the shampoo to the fur and skin. This product is made in the US and may include free shipping if bought on Amazon.

 Pros:

  • The scent is nice and not too strong
  • Has the 2-in-1 power of shampoo and conditioner
  • Pump bottle design makes for aneasy-pour system that makes for afaster and more manageable bath time

 Cons:

  • Issues with damaged packaging upon receiving the delivery
  • Issues with dogs experiencing excessive flaking after using the product

Conclusion:

Choosing an organic dog shampoo for your pet is a good decision, especially if your pets have sensitive skin.

It is quite obvious that many pet owners prefer these kinds of dog shampoos because they work better in relieving itchiness and dry skin, as well as improving coats. All of the products included in the list seem to have a good track record in keeping their promise.

Four of them may not be a permanent cure for your pet’s allergy, but they are definitely the safest alternative to shampoos made of harsh chemicals. For dogs with serious allergies, a medicated shampoo made by Curaseb is definitely a must.

The only way to find out if a brand is the best dog shampoo by seeing if it works well with your dog. Therefore, you must take extra care in choosing the right one so as not to compromise your dog’s health.