Dog Bathing: 3 Things To Know
As dog parents, we strive to do the best we can for our dog's health and wellbeing. We like to pamper them and leave them feeling their finest. With the wealth of products and information out there, it can get confusing on what is ideal for our furry family members. These three questions about giving a dog a bath seem to pop up regularly: Do dogs need conditioner? How often should you bathe your dog? Can you use human shampoo on dogs?
Do Dogs Need Conditioner?
Absolutely! Dogs benefit from conditioner and here's why it's a great idea:
- Moisture Balance: Just like our hair, a dog's coat can become dry and brittle, especially after frequent baths. Conditioner helps restore moisture, keeping the fur soft and shiny. Conditioners allow you to bathe your pup more frequently without drying out their skin and coat.
- Detangling: Long-haired or thick-coated dogs can become matted or knotted. Conditioners can make brushing easier and more comfortable for both dog and parent.
- Skin Health: Certain conditioners have ingredients that calm and nourish the skin, stopping dryness and irritation. This is good for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Shedding Control: Conditioner can reduce shedding by loosening dead hairs and removing the undercoat during the bathing process, sparing your home (and car) from becoming fur central. Pro tip: Use a massage bath brush to get even more of the loose hair out!
How often should you bathe your dog?
The dreaded question with a frustratingly simple answer: it depends.
Factors like breed, activity level, coat type, and skin health all play a role. Generally, experts recommend bathing no more than every 4-6 weeks to preserve the skin's natural oils. However, if your dog is a mud-rolling aficionado or suffers from skin issues, more frequent baths may be necessary with specialized shampoos and wipes. Something else to consider is your own health. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may need to bathe your pup more often at certain times of the year to remove allergens from their coat.
Keeping these factors in mind, you should set up a monthly schedule for bathing your pup and observe their condition between baths. If your pup seems itchy, irritated, stinky or dirty, consider bathing more often using a deodorizing essential fatty acid product line or for more extreme skin conditions, a keto dog product line. From there, you will have a better idea of your dog's individual bathing needs. If you are uncertain, it is always best to ask your veterinarian at your next check-up.
Can you use human shampoo on dogs?
In short, it’s a no-go, not even baby shampoo. Our dog's skin has a different pH level than humans, therefore, they need products made specifically for them. That being said, not all dog shampoos and conditioners are created equal. Make sure to find quality products, such as our Dogtopia Spa product line which is tearless, hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. Your pup will be smelling fresh and looking like a million bones in no time!