From the July 2014 edition onwards we're having a page of your questions in the magazine. If you have an interesting dog-related question you'd like answered please send an email to thinktank@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk
May issue
May issue
Tuesday 7 January 2014
Does it wash?
Can you wash your dog too much? This wonderful weather has meant my two Springers (aka the mud monsters) come back caked in dirt and I’ve been both hosing them down and bathing them on particularly dirty days using dog shampoo.
Thankfully they enjoy bath-time, so its not a struggle, but I’m worrying whether washing them with shampoo several times a week might be damaging their coats or skin? Anne Owen, by email
Washing dogs too frequently can cause a lot of damage to the skin and coat. Skin may become dry and hair brittle as shampoos strip away the natural oils that dogs produce. I personally do not wash my dogs unless it's unavoidable as they maintain their coats beautifully on their own, especially as they are raw fed. It is thought that dogs should not be washed more than once a month, but even that is excessive in my opinion. I have a hairy, mud-loving Irish Setter so I can understand your predicament! I tackle the situation by thoroughly drying him with a towel and then brushing out the mud later when it has dried.
Yes, you certainly can! If you wash a dog too much, you can strip it of it's protective, natural oils in it's coat.
ReplyDeleteWashing dogs too frequently can cause a lot of damage to the skin and coat. Skin may become dry and hair brittle as shampoos strip away the natural oils that dogs produce. I personally do not wash my dogs unless it's unavoidable as they maintain their coats beautifully on their own, especially as they are raw fed. It is thought that dogs should not be washed more than once a month, but even that is excessive in my opinion. I have a hairy, mud-loving Irish Setter so I can understand your predicament! I tackle the situation by thoroughly drying him with a towel and then brushing out the mud later when it has dried.
ReplyDelete