How and when to bathe your dog? All the steps to follow.

Dogs are animals that need to be cared for. However, be careful not to do it in just any way, because dogs have different grooming needs than we do.

Why wash a dog? How often should he be washed? What products should I use? How to groom your faithful companion? All the answers in this article.

Should you wash your dog?

Dogs are very active animals that love to play and are generally not afraid to get dirty. As canines are not able to wash themselves, it is up to us to take care of their coat.

If you're wondering if you should wash your dog, the answer is yes. The reason for this is to allow them to get rid of residues that may be stuck in their hair, remove scabs, bacteria and parasites that may be present, limit potential itching, etc.

Washing your dog is not dangerous as long as you do it the right way.

First of all, you should be aware that showering puppies requires more care than adult dogs. Puppies are more prone to disease and can catch cold much more easily.

So, during the first months of his life, prefer to clean your puppy by area when he gets dirty.

From the age of 3 months, it is possible to wash your puppy in a bathtub and get him used to baths, provided you are very gentle with him.

To ensure that your dog's showering needs are met, make sure you use shampoo that is specially designed for canines. You should never wash your dog with normal (human) shampoo. Fortunately, there is a wide range of dog shampoos in pet shops and on the web.

This way, you'll have no trouble finding a product that meets your dog's needs.

If your dog has health issues, especially skin problems, your vet will be able to recommend the most suitable option.

How often should I wash my dog?

It is essential to wash your dog regularly, but be careful not to overdo it. Showers at too close intervals can be harmful to your dog's health.

Dogs have sensitive skin that must be taken care of. Shampoos, even when adapted to the needs of dogs, can irritate their skin and reduce the sebum that protects it.

In the long run, too frequent showers could expose your dog to external aggressions such as skin diseases or the flu.

But then, how often should you wash your dog?

Veterinarians recommend that baths be spaced four to six weeks apart. Ideally, you should bathe your dog about once a month. Of course, don't wait to wash your dog if he's really dirty or has a foul odour.

Steps to properly wash a dog

Washing a dog is not dangerous as long as certain rules are followed. Find out below how to safely wash a dog in 7 distinct steps.

1. Brush him

The first step is simply to brush your dog's coat with a brush that's appropriate for his hair type. Be sure to detangle his hair by carefully removing any knots.

2. Choose the right water temperature

Run warm water into the bottom of the tub. Make sure the water temperature is neither too high nor too low to avoid upsetting your dog.

3. Wet your dog

Wet your dog gently with the shower head. Be careful to avoid his face (eyes, ears, mouth…).

4. Shampoo him

Shampoo your dog with a dedicated product. Dog shampoos lather less than normal shampoos, which helps limit the damage to the skin. To make sure your dog is not allergic to the shampoo, we recommend that you first test it on a small area of his body.

5. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse your dog with lukewarm water, always avoiding his face. Repeat the operation to remove all the product.

6. Dry your dog

Turn off the water and let your dog first shake if off. Remove him from the tub and place him in a clean, dry towel. Finish drying him with a hair dryer. Use the lowest setting and keep the dryer away from your dog to avoid irritating his skin.

7. Brush him again

Brush through your dog's coat again to leave it shiny and soft.