What to do at bath time

Features

November 7, 2009

By Joyce McNally The McAlester News-Capital Sat Nov 07, 2009, 06:50 PM CST

What about giving your pal a bath at home? The kitchen sink can double as a tub for small dogs and puppies and the bathtub is great for larger dogs if you have a hand-held shampoo hose or shower message attachment.

According to the “Dog Bible” there are many dog shampoos on the market. You’ll want a quality shampoo so look for natural botanicals without harsh chemicals.

Human hair products and household cleansers are not suitable for dogs because they don’t have the appropriate pH balance for your dog’s skin and could cause an allergic reaction.

For most dogs, a tearless dog shampoo works well. Sensitive dogs can tolerate only hypoallergenic, tearless, colorless, and odorless shampoos so you would need to stay away from fresh and flowery fragrances. For dogs with dry skin, a medicated shampoo soothes and heals. For hard, shiny coats, a protein-enhanced shampoo adds a glossy sheen. Texturizing shampoos are available for hard, wiry coats, and bluing shampoos brighten white coats. Aromatic deodorizing shampoos combat all kinds of smells, including doggy odor and flea shampoos banish those pesky pests. If your dog has chronic skin problems, talk to your vet or ask a groomer for advice on which product would be best for your dog.

Flea and tick products, including other medicated shampoos should be left on the dog for 15 minutes to do their job. Watch your dog closely when using any product that contains chemical or botanical pesticides. If your dog appears lethargic or nauseous, drools, or has trouble standing, immediately rinse the product from its’ coat and take it to the vet. These are signs of an allergic reaction.

Conditioners or cream rinses made especially for dogs help combat static electricity while adding body. They also make long or fluffy hair easier to brush. Finishing rinses are usually diluted at the rate of one cup per gallon of water.

Before the bath, brush all knots and tangles from your dog’s coat. It’s harder to get them out if the hair is wet. Fill the tub with lukewarm water to about halfway up your dog’s legs. Gently hose down your dog by feeding the spray into the coat. Never spray directly into the eyes or ears. Start at the back end to allow your dog to get used to the spray. Work the shampoo into the coat and lather all over. Pay particular attention to frequently soiled areas such as the face, the feet, and the rear end.

Lather long coats with the lay of the coat so you don’t create tangles as you scrub. Do the opposite of fluffy dogs, swirling against the grain to make the coat stand up during shampooing. Most dogs enjoy being lovingly massaged as they are being washed.

Starting rinsing at the head, working your way down the body. Rinse thoroughly because shampoo left in the coat can result in an itchy dog. Apply the conditioner or cream rinse and repeat the same process. If your dog has long hair, gently squeeze moisture from the ears and legs before using the towel. If your dog has curly hair, pat its’ hair instead of rubbing to prevent matting.

Wrap your dog in a soft towel and carefully rub or pat to remove as much moisture as possible. Letting your dog dry outside in the yard isn’t a good idea because it could catch a chill or decide to take a nice roll in the dirt. You can train your dog to sit still while you use a blow dryer to dry its hair. Be careful not to direct its airflow too long on one spot, which could cause a burn. Shorthaired and smooth-coated dogs can be air-dried in a warm, draft-free room, but longer haired dogs will need brushing. Do not use a blow dryer on curly-coated dogs because their coats will become frizzy.

Spay or neuter your pet. Help prevent pet over-population. PAWS low income spay and neuter program is available. Call 470-7297 for an appointment.

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