The constant chore of cleaning your dog is something that us dog owners know all too well. The only thing we think about when our dogs play outside, besides how cute they look, is how you’re going to get your dog in the tub. Keeping your dog’s hygiene and cleanliness in check is very important for overall health and well being. From grazing in the grass to rolling in mud, it’s almost like our pups prioritize getting filthy when playing outside. Avoiding a dirty dog is inevitable so it’s important to know how to properly clean your dog.
Cleaning your dog should not be a luxury- it should be a necessity. A well-cleaned dog makes for a healthier, fresh-smelling, and happier dog. This doesn’t mean you need to bathe or bring your dog to a groomer everyday. It more so means staying on top of their hygiene to avoid any potential problems and to maintain a constant, good health state.
A main problem dog owners share is keeping our dog’s paws clean after a visit outside. In the wintertime, paws need to be moist to avoid cracking or breakage. A waterless shampoo is a great way to clean off anything off paws and is very gentle. Using a paw pad moisturizer can also be applied after cleansing, which will keep your dog’s paws soft and moist. Ice melt is frequently used during the winter months and is very damaging to dogs’ health if ingested. You should avoid sidewalks/ pavements with ice melt on them because dogs actually enjoy the taste of licking it off their paws. In the case your dog walks on ice melt, perform this paw cleaning routine immediately after the walk.
Possibly the most-dreaded puppy chore… cleaning the poop butt. This issue is more common among long-haired dogs and is something to be mindful of. It’s important to manage your dog’s behind, so trimming the hair around his behind is a good way to avoid issues. Poop is unlikely to get caught or stuck to the trimmed hair, even though your dog may need some time adjusting to the new haircut. You should keep a pack of pre-moistened pads or wipes handy to facilitate your clean up job. These wipes remove any discoloration and fecal matter that may be sticking to your pup’s hair.
Cleaning your dog’s coat is another important part of maintaining good health. Brushing your dog’s fur is super important, as it removes loose hair, prevents matting, and helps to eliminate dirt. Long-haired breeds should be brushed 2-3 times a week. Dogs prone to shedding, or with thick undercoats should be brushed once a week. Even dogs with short hair still reap the benefits of a good brushing, even though you don’t need to do it as frequently.
If your dog is too dirty for a simple wipe or hair trim, then it’s time for a good ol’ bath. Even though a dog taking a bath is hilarious and adorable in movies, it may not be as fun in real life when you’re the one doing it. In order to avoid a wrestling match with your dog before bath time, make sure you keep the experience positive and fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind: protect your dog’s ears and avoid getting water in them, as water exposure in the ear can lead to health problems. Use a shampoo that isn’t over-drying or irritating. A mild soap that removes any odors or dirt while keeping essential oils intact is key. Avoid blow dryers when drying your dog because they can potentially irritate and burn the skin. Either towel your dog off or let them dry off the old fashion way, which does include the inevitable wet dog shake.
Cleaning your dog may not be your favorite chore, but it is vital for your dog’s health and hygiene. Neglecting any and all cleaning-related chores will cause serious health problems. Keeping fido clean is relatively simple and doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you. Be mindful of your dog’s health because they want to be clean just like us. Everything is an easy fix if you’re on top of your dog’s health. Be aware and understand the benefits that cleaning your dog entails.
