Signs Your Dog Needs a Bath: If you’ve ever owned a pet, you know that they can get filthy and not always smell the best. As stinky as they can get, we still love them anyway, right? But how do you tell if your pet has reached the point where they need a bath?
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And how often should you wash your dog? What about the breeds or hair types that require less or more bathing than others? Don’t worry!
This article will answer all of these questions and teach you everything there is to know about bathing your pets safely and how to meet their grooming needs. By the end, not only will your pet be clean, but they’ll also have healthier skin and will smell nice and fresh.
Five Signs Your Dog Needs a Bath
1) Excessive Shedding
Have you ever noticed how dogs and cats shed a lot in the spring and fall? That’s typical because they are losing one coat and replacing it with another. During these times, helping the process with a bath that uses special shampoo and a proper blowout can do wonders for your pet’s grooming needs and help get them through this period.
2) Foul Odor
If you smell something not-so-pleasant coming off of your pup or kitty, this could mean they need a bath. This isn’t true of just their rear ends, but also their feet. So if a smell or odor is coming from your pet and you’re unsure what it is or where it’s originating, give their feet a sniff. Don’t worry. We won’t accuse you of being weird.
Also Read: Chicken Allergies in Dogs: Is My Dog Allergic To Chicken?
Smelly pet feet can be the smell of bacteria that get stuck in their paw fur that causes an infection known as pododermatitis. This can usually be remedied with regular bathing, special shampoos, and a vet visit. But prevention is the best medicine, so be sure to wash between paw pads when bathing your pet to avoid this issue.
3) Greasy Fur
Greasy fur can be a sign of skin problems, so if you notice that your pet has greasy fur, it might mean they have dry or flaky skin. If left untreated, this could lead to yeast infections in the ears and other areas on the face or body. In this case, make sure you groom them to keep their fur mat-free and wash them with special shampoos designed to help them out. If you’re not sure which one to use, consult your groomer or vet.
4) Excessive Itchiness
Does your pet keep scratching or licking themself? If so, this could mean that they need a bath. Just like us human folk get itchy when we haven’t bathed, dogs and cats can be the exact same way. Many pets will be able to handle this process by themselves, but some might need help. So if you notice your pet itching everywhere and they can’t seem to stop, it might be time for a bath because there could be something irritating their skin that is making them itch.
5) Tangled Fur
If your pet’s fur is tangled, matted, or full of burrs, this could mean that they need a bath as well as some additional grooming. Tangled fur can be really uncomfortable for your pet because it traps dirt and bacteria close to the skin. This causes irritation and infection if not treated properly. You can use a high-quality pet-appropriate conditioner to help detangle the fur. Still, you may need to cut out or shave chunks of matted fur out in some extreme cases. Again, if you’re uncomfortable doing this on your own, get help from a reputable groomer.
Breed-Specific Bathing Needs
Not all dogs and cats will need to be bathed as frequently as others, and this usually has to do with what kind of coat type they have. Short-haired breeds may only need to be bathed around twice a year because their coats are so short that they won’t get too dirty. Long-haired pets might need to be bathed more often than this, which could be as frequently as once every two months.
Are You Over bathing Your Pet?
Many people wonder “How often should I bathe my dog or cat?” The best answer is by observing the signs we listed above and proceeding accordingly. Overbathing your dog or cat strips their fur of the natural oils that keep them healthy. This will result in frizzy, dry fur that can lead to excess shedding and hair loss. So, unless they are really dirty or smelly, there is no reason to bathe more often than a few times a year.
Of course, this can also vary by the lifestyle and personal grooming habits of each pet. A dog who spends more time at the beach or a lazy cat that is allowed outside into the garden to lounge in the dirt frequently could find themselves getting washed a little more often.
Benefits of a Grooming Routine
Bathing is just one component of a proper grooming routine. When done correctly, a grooming routine will reduce or even eliminate many health issues caused by not properly caring for your pet’s coat. Grooming should include fur checks to ensure no mats in their fur and cleaning their ears to prevent ear infections. In the case of dogs, nails that are trimmed regularly keep them from splitting and breaking. A few minutes of grooming daily will keep your pet healthy and better adjusted to these routines.
You should also consider adding dog skin and coat supplements to your dog’s diet or the equivalent for cats. These will make their coat silkier, shinier, and softer while also clearing up any dry skin they might have. In the end, it will also make your grooming routines easier, as there will be fewer problems to overcome. Remember, prevention is the best medicine.
Of course, this can also vary by the lifestyle and personal grooming habits of each pet. A dog who spends more time at the beach or a lazy cat that is allowed outside into the garden to lounge in the dirt frequently could find themselves getting washed a little more often.
Benefits of a Grooming Routine
Bathing is just one component of a proper grooming routine. When done correctly, a grooming routine will reduce or even eliminate many health issues caused by not properly caring for your pet’s coat. Grooming should include fur checks to ensure no mats in their fur and cleaning their ears to prevent ear infections. In the case of dogs, nails that are trimmed regularly keep them from splitting and breaking. A few minutes of grooming daily will keep your pet healthy and better adjusted to these routines.
You should also consider adding dog skin and coat supplements to your dog’s diet or the equivalent for cats. These will make their coat silkier, shinier, and softer while also clearing up any dry skin they might have. In the end, it will also make your grooming routines easier, as there will be fewer problems to overcome. Remember, prevention is the best medicine.
If you do come up against any significant concerns, always remember it’s best to reach out to your vet for help right away. Again, better safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s health. Catching something sooner than later will also save expensive vet bills down the line.