Vets and groomers are commonly asked, ‘What’s the best dog shampoo?’. The answer isn't always straightforward, as the right shampoo for your pet depends on many factors. We’re going to explore how to choose the best shampoo for your dog and share some top bathing tips.
How often do I need to wash my dog?
Generally, you should only bathe your dog when they are dirty or smelly. Shampooing them too often can strip their coat of its natural oils, leading to a dull coat and dry skin. So, the longer you can leave it between baths, the better.
If your dog has a skin condition, you might need to bathe them more often than regular. Some medicated shampoos will need to be applied regularly to be effective.
Top tips for choosing the right shampoo
When choosing a shampoo for your dog, consider the following –
● Is the shampoo dog-specific? – You should only use shampoos designed for dogs. Products like human shampoo and washing up liquid/dish soaps are too harsh and could affect the pH of your pet’s skin.
● What is your dog’s skin type? – Does your dog suffer from dry or flaky skin? Does their skin seem sensitive and itchy? Or perhaps they have normal skin with no issues? This should be taken into account when choosing your shampoo.
● What is your dog’s coat type and colour? – For example, a long-haired breed may benefit from a detangling formulation, whereas a short-haired breed won’t require this. Also, a white coat may need a shampoo that helps to brighten it and remove stains.
● Does your dog have any specific health issues? If your dog has been diagnosed with a health issue such as skin allergies, yeast overgrowth, or pyoderma (bacterial infection), then a prescribed shampoo may be the most appropriate and effective product to use.
● What ingredients are used in the shampoo? Shampoos containing natural ingredients like oatmeal, tea tree oil, or coconut oils can have soothing and moisturising properties. They may be less irritating than shampoos containing harsh chemicals.
When trying out a new shampoo on your dog, it might be worth doing a small test before using it all over. This is particularly important for dogs with sensitive skin. Apply the new shampoo, following the manufacturer's guidelines, to a small area of the body only. Assess your pet’s response over the next 24 hours, before giving them a full bath.
How do I make bathtime less stressful for my dog?
So, you’ve picked your best dog shampoo, but there’s a problem… your dog hates baths! This is where some positive reinforcement comes in handy.
From a young age, it is worth slowly introducing them to the bath by bringing them to the bathroom with you and giving them lots of praise and rewards. Once happy with this, try running the shower in the background. The first time in the bath, you can just let the shower water run over their feet while giving them plenty of treats, keeping the session short. Once they are happy with this sensation, you can progress to working the shower up their body, all the while rewarding them.
This type of training can work with older dogs too, but it may take them longer to get comfortable with each step.
Here are a few more stress-free bath time tips –
● Place a bathmat or towel in the bottom of the tub so that your dog doesn’t slip around.
● Keep the water lukewarm; it mustn’t be too hot.
● Be careful around the ears and eyes, keep water out of their face, and avoid shampooing this area if possible.
● Lather your chosen shampoo into their wet coat, before thoroughly rinsing.
● Offer plenty of treats and praise to keep the experience positive. Some owners use xylitol-free peanut butter smeared on the side of the tub to keep their dog busy.
● Dry them off with a towel afterwards, before lifting them out of the bath.
Summary
The best dog shampoo will be the one that is right for your dog. Consider factors like coat and skin type, as well as specific health issues. Try and make bathtime a pleasant experience by working on your positive reinforcement training.
