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loose hair and dog dander floating around the home and the amount of hair the dog swallows while self-grooming with his tongue.
Regardless of the type of hair coat, you should inspect your dog’ s coat every few days to ensure no tangles or clumps have developed under the armpits, in the groin, or behind the ears. After a romp through the grass or in the woods, look for burrs or twigs that might have become trapped in the coat and could cause irritation.
“ Regardless of the type of hair coat, you should inspect your dog’ s coat every few days to ensure no tangles or clumps have developed under the armpits, in the groin, or behind the ears.”
If you regularly check your dog’ s coat and skin, you will have a better chance of detecting any unusual lumps and bumps, parasites such as fleas and ticks, or sensitive areas on your dog’ s body.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Most dogs require bathing on an occasional basis, usually when their coat becomes dirty or when they develop a‘ doggy odor’. Non-shedding breeds with no health issues usually need a bath every six to eight weeks, during their regular grooming. Dogs with heavy undercoats benefit from bathing in the spring and fall, when they undergo seasonal shedding. for use on dogs— their skin has a different thickness and pH( acidity) than human skin. Human shampoo, including baby shampoo, is far too harsh for their skin. For regular bathing, a hypoallergenic shampoo without added perfumes is best. An aloe and oatmeal shampoo is often recommended. For optimum results, a conditioning product should be applied afterward to restore any lost moisture to the skin and minimize the development of dandruff after the bath.
“ Dogs should only be bathed with a shampoo formulated for use on dogs— their skin has a different thickness and pH( acidity) than human skin.”
If you find that your dog requires frequent bathing, consult your veterinarian, who may recommend using a special shampoo, conditioning rinse, or‘ dry shampoo’ to prevent skin problems associated with repeated baths. For specific information about grooming or bathing your dog, see the handout“ Grooming and Coat Care for your Dog”.
Why does my dog have skin and coat problems at certain times of the year?
Some dogs suffer from skin irritation related to dry winter conditions, particularly the lack of humidity in our homes. Other dogs that have allergies to pollen from trees, plants, or grass may develop skin problems during the pollen season. This may occur in the spring with tree pollen or during summer or fall for plant pollen allergies.
Some dogs are allergic to fleas and other biting insects and can develop a rash or patchy hair loss with a single insect bite. If you bathe or groom your dog and the skin or coat problem returns quickly, bring him to your veterinary clinic for an examination.
How often your dog needs to be bathed will vary with his age, lifestyle, type of hair coat, and underlying health status. If you have a young puppy who accidentally soils himself, he absolutely should be bathed. A dog may need a bath after a stroll through the mud or a romp in a dirty pond. Some dogs enjoy rubbing their head in decomposing debris in the park or rolling in objectionable objects and will need a bath before coming back in the house! Finally, if your dog has allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe frequent bathing as part of the treatment regime. For some, daily bathing may be necessary until the problem is under control.
Dogs should only be bathed with a shampoo formulated
Sometimes, skin problems such as excessive dandruff, doggy odor, a greasy coat, or excessive shedding can indicate an underlying problem. Sometimes, this problem will be easy to diagnose and treat, but occasionally, the underlying disorder can present a diagnostic challenge and might require referral to a dermatologist. Once the underlying problem is diagnosed, the appropriate treatment can be prescribed to control your dog’ s symptoms.
Your take-home message is that your dog’ s general coat appearance may be the first indicator of health problems. A healthy dog does not shed excessively and has a shiny coat free from dandruff or greasiness. Before you reach for the shampoo, think about whether that lackluster coat could be telling you something else. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian.
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