It was not that long ago that dog grooming meant washing your dog in the backyard with some soap and a garden hose. Today, there are many more options available to make the task easier and enjoyable for you and your canine.
Shampoos and Conditioners
And you thought only humans had an endless array of shampoos and conditioners to choose from. Not so, a good shampoo will ensure that your dog’s skin and coat remain healthy and shiny…for this reason, dogs can be washed on a regular basis without worrying about dry skin. The type of shampoo that is best for your dog depends on their needs…
1) Puppy
These shampoos are tearless and typically free of scents or dyes. They may also contain skin soothing ingredients such as oatmeal, making it a perfect for a choice for pups or dogs with sensitive skin.
2) Brightening
These shampoos often include ingredients such as lemon, ginger or calendula to brighten the coats of white/light colored dogs
3) Damaged/Itchy Skin
Similar to the puppy shampoos, these shampoos don’t contain harsh ingredients that may further irritate a dog’s skin. Honey, oatmeal, or aloe are often added to help sooth inflamed skin; stronger medicated shampoos are also available.
4) Normal
These are pH balanced for normal dogs and come in a wide variety of scents.
Regardless of the shampoo you select, remember to brush the dog prior to bathing to get out any tangles and most importantly…rinse…rinse…rinse…Any shampoo that remains in the coat will likely lead to itching.
To Condition or Not to Condition…That is the Question
If your dog has longer hair that is prone to tangles, applying a light conditioner will help. However, if your dog has an undercoat (e.g. like a German Shepherd) you should pass on the conditioner (it will weigh down the coat too much).
Next time….we look at grooming tools and determine which ones are best for your dog.