Bath-time is something that most dogs don’t like. To doggos who like bath-time, I’d love to invite you to give Mr. Popo, our boss-dog and paw-in-chief, a crash course. The boy absolutely hates bath-time. No smearing of peanut butter on treats or toys can help because he doesn’t like either. Last week just after bathing he went out and kicked up a sandstorm covering himself and me in sand. I’m not joking! But no matter how much they dislike bathing, its non-negotiable. So, how often should you bathe your dog?
The answer largely depends on the dog breed, coat and lifestyle. If your dog goes out and not only rolls in the grass but also jumps into the mud puddle, they will need a bath. A lot depends on their coat too, wherein dogs with long and medium coat may need frequent baths versus ones with short coat.
A groomer’s perspective
We asked Claude Azih, head groomer at Romi’s Home Pet Nursery to share some grooming tips covering everything from bathing frequency to nail clipping and more.
“Bathe your dog once a while, once or maximum twice a month is ideal. Regular bath is not healthy as it takes away their natural oil which helps protect their coat,” he suggests. Azih recommends using gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos that are usually good for most skin types. In case a dog needs anti tick and flea treatment, be mindful about choosing a safe and gentle brand.
Asked if he would recommend the use of hair dryer if a dog is groomed at home, Azih gives a firm nod. “Washing and towel drying doesn’t really remove dead fur. Plus, moisture might result in skin irritation, especially for dogs with double coat. Unless you are using a medicinal shampoo that needs to dry off gradually, using a hair dryer to dry them up is a good idea.”
Some more grooming tips
“Don’t trim hair of dogs with double coat. Their fur helps them to regulate temperature, so trimming their fur during summer can make them feel hotter than usual,” Azih cautions.
Regular teeth brushing is ideal, he adds. Cleaning of ears and eyes is usually need based, while nail clipping should be done once a month.
Importantly, maintain a schedule for anal gland cleaning.
Note: This article is meant for information and awareness and should not be considered as medical opinion.
