I like
oatmeal based shampoos and I still prefer one made for dogs.
Today's
human products, however, are not as drying or harsh as years ago.
If you looked in the bags of many handlers at dog shows, you'd see
human products especially the Pantene
line being used.
No
matter which you use, rinse well to get all the soap out and don't
wash too often. Twice a month is the maximum bath schedule for most
dogs and if your dog is usually indoors, once a month should be
sufficient.
TIP:
Your
dog will rest easier if he's on solid surface while you're bathing
him. Put him on top a rubber non-skid mat or a towel. Don't let
him slide around in the sink or bathtub.
1.
Check the label and/or ask your vet if the product will affect the
topical flea and tick medication you use. Most products don't but
a few either counteract or remove the preventive. That means if
you like the shampoo, you need to give your dog the pills Capstar
or Comfortis
to kill fleas.
2.
Some products are safer than others. For years, many owners swore
by Malaseb
shampoo. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer because of insufficient
safety and quality controls. The company recalled some products
and stopped manufacturing it for awhile. They are now selling Malaseb
again. If you do use it, be extra, extra careful so your dog doesn't
get it in his eyes. It may injure or burn his eyes!
3.
All the shampoos for allergies or hot spots require leaving them
on your dog for 5 to 10 minutes to obtain best results. You know
your dog. If you won't be able to keep him contained for that long,
you'd be better using something other than shampoos for his allergies.
If
you saw video at the top of this page, you saw how these types of
sprayers attach to a kitchen or bathroom faucet and really simplify
hosing down your little dog.
I had
no problem attaching this one to my kitchen faucet and really like
it. The hose is 8-feet long and it has three settings: gentle, pulsating,
and concentrated.
I
use this even though I have a spray attachment at my faucet because
I can control the water pressure better and easier with this. My
little dog does not like the full blast of the kitchen faucet sprayer!
One
issue is that you have to keep pressure on the handle to keep water
flowing. If your model doesn't have a metal clip to keep the water
on,try these Velcro
Reusable Self-Gripping Ties. These also can be used
if you want a water pressure flow that you can't get with the metal
clip and want to give your hand a break. These are nice to have
on hand for other uses as well.
This
is a rubber glove with bristles that can be used for removing dead
hair but also can be used for massaging your dog while you give
him a bath.
Although
it's not advertised for bathing, I like it best for that and found
this one to be a higher quality that others. I massage the shampoo
in and it seems to relax my dog - not an easy thing to do when she's
in water.
I used
to use Kong's Zoom Groom but some dogs find that too hard. The rubber
bristles are not flexible.
The
glove also is easier for me to use - no gripping - so I can control
the pressure more easily. My dog gives it both paws up.
This
product won second place as the 2011 Retailers Top Products from
Pet Product News. It's a neat item that will make you make wonder
why no one thought of it before.
From
the manufacturer of the FURminator de-shedding tools, FUR Dry is
drying microfiber towel that you put on your dog to dry him off.
No more letting him shake his wet coat over all your clothes, furniture
or carpets.
It
can be used anytime your dog gets wet including after swimming or
boating. It looks like a bathrobe for dogs with openings for his
tail and head and a Velcro closing around his chest.
Leave
it on 30-minutes and his coat will be dry. My dog accepted it without
problem.
I
think the way it surrounds and hugs the dog creates a calming effect.
In fact, I think you could try it instead of the Thundershirt
that helps calm anxious dogs during storms and fireworks.