How often can I wash my dog?

Healthy dogs without skin problems do not need to be washed often. Usually washing twice a year is enough, for example after a has been in heat. During moulting, washing can accelerate hair loss; a day after washing, old hairs start to let go. The dog then passes through the thickest moult at once, so that less hair is released afterwards.

Washing is only bad for the dog when you wash it too often, because the skin can start to irritate and the fat layer of skin and coat goes away. The fat layer protects the skin from dehydration or infections and keeps the dog's coat waterproof. Washing too often will make the dog more susceptible to diseases and skin conditions.

Dog shampoo

You absolutely can't use your own shampoo for a dog. Dogs have a completely different skin than humans. For example, a dog skin is less acidic, a lot thinner, has more hair and has no sweat glands. Therefore, use a special dog shampoo when you are going to wash your dog. Different types of dog shampoo are available for certain coat types, coat colors or for dogs with skin problems. These shampoos ensure that most of the dirt and mud is removed from the coat, helps keep skin and hair in a good condition and gives the coat a nice shine.

You can wash your dog in the bath, leave it in the shower or just outside in the garden with the garden hose. Make sure that the water is at lukewarm temperature, even when it is warm outside. If you use too cold water, the dog cools down too quickly.

Step-by-step plan for washing your dog

Washing:

  1. Make sure there are no more tangles in the coat by brushing it. You can also put some watts in the dog's ears to prevent water and shampoo in the ear.
  2. Wet the entire coat.
  3. Place enough shampoo on the dog and massage well. In long-haired dogs, it can work to dilute the shampoo with water and then pour the solution over the back and neck.
  4. Make sure that no water enters the dog's eyes or ears; it can help to clean the face with a washcloth.
  5. Rinse the shampoo.
  6. Wash the dog again and let the shampoo soak in for a few minutes. The first time the dirt is removed and the second time the caring ingredients only start to work.
  7. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly. If residue remains, this can cause skin irritation.
  8. Let the dog shake itself out.
  9. Grab a large towel and dry the dog well.
  10. Let your dog dry in a warm, dry and draft-free place.
  11. Brush the coat as soon as the dog is completely dry again.