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By Tom Fish
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How often should you wash your dog? Canines are magnets for dirt, leaving some exasperated owners to question how frequently they require cleaning.
The answer is quite complex as it depends on fur length and skin type, as well as just how dirty they get.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer at the American Kennel Club (AKC), believes it can be difficult to determine how often you should clean your pet.
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He told Newsweek: "How often to wash a dog? In a nutshell, most dogs can get by being washed about once a month but it's not as easy as it seems: it also depends on the individual's breed, length and type of hair, lifestyle (plays in muddy lakes, show dog, etc.).
"Most importantly, it's how you wash your dog that is important, and for that, I always advise my clients to use less shampoo (consider diluting the shampoo) and rinse, rinse and then rinse again!
"More damage can happen to a dog's skin from not thoroughly rinsing shampoo than from over-shampooing or using the wrong shampoo."
How to Determine a Dog's Coat
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As a rule of thumb, the longer the pet's mane, the more regularly it will need washing.
Jorge Bendersky, celebrity dog groomer and author, told the American Kennel Club (AKC): "Obviously, the more hair a dog has, the more work is involved, including the frequency of the bath."
He said: "For dogs with medium-to-large coats, a bath could be needed from weekly to every four to six weeks, as long as the coat is properly maintained in-between baths."
But while dog's coat category is a contributing factor in the amount of washing the animal will require, the length of its fur is not the only factor.
The more follically-challenged pooches, such as the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Xoloitzcuintli, require relatively more attention in the washroom and the AKC suggest these breeds of dogs could need baths once a week.
And owners of dogs with medium-length manes should also avoid over-washing, with Monica Handy of Woofie's Mobile Pet Spa telling the AKC: "Over-bathing could strip too much oil from the skin and disrupt this process. Using a product specifically for shedding will help avoid this."
How to Wash Your Dog
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Preparing for the task is key to effectively washing your pet, so have the dog's shampoo, brush and towel all within reach.
Having the dog wearing a collar can help to steady and secure the animal while wet, while a non-slip mat is advised so it can reassuringly have all four paws on the ground.
First, test the water to make sure it is not too hot, as the temperature needs to be lukewarm, before placing the animal into the bath.
Now carefully start to shower your dog down, while taking particular care to avoid showering too much around its ears and eyes, as such areas can cause your canine discomfort.
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After applying sufficient shampoo, rinse the animal clean before gently squeezing water from their fur by putting gentle pressure on their body, rather than pulling on their fur.
Now get the towel and rub them dry before, or if it is warm enough outside, why not allow your dog to dry in the garden naturally?
Alternatively, applying a hair drier on a low setting will get the job done nicely, although it is advised to give the dog plenty of praise, reassurance and treats, to prevent them from getting too distressed by the loud noise.
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