Our canine friends are more than just pets; they’re part of the family. Perhaps your dog has a comfortable bed, plenty of toys, and many long walks. You may even spoil your dog with a doggy birthday cake every year.
Did you know that 48 million American households have a dog but not all of them know how to wash a dog properly? Along with walks and toys, your dog will need many baths and in the interest of your dog’s health, you should always use pet shampoo. Why is pet shampoo just as important as everything else you do for your dog? Find out below.
Avoid Human Shampoo
It’s can be tempting to use human shampoo on your dog. Whether you’re trying to keep costs down or you run out of dog shampoo and use your own as a quick alternative, it’s no good for your dog. Human shampoo is full of detergents that are harsh on your dog’s coat and skin.
As humans, we need these detergents for our hair but they can strip your dog’s skin of all the necessary natural oils to keep him healthy. Some people believe that baby shampoo will be kinder to a dog’s skin but it’s just a myth. Baby shampoos will dry out your dog’s coat and won’t help to correct any PH imbalances.
Prevent and Kill Fleas and Ticks
Dogs are susceptible to picking up fleas and ticks in all seasons, especially long-haired dogs. Using a preventative shampoo along with regular flea and tick treatments can help to protect your dog. If your dog does pick up fleas or ticks, some shampoos can kill them and leave your dog pest-free.
Most of these shampoos must stay on your dog's coat for at least ten minutes before you wash it off. This is to make sure that the ingredients find the eggs as well as the adult fleas. These dog shampoos will also protect your dog's coat and skin in the process.
Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Just like us humans, each dog is unique. You may find that your dog has specific requirements when it comes to bathing. If your dog scratches a lot after using regular dog shampoo, it could be that he is allergic to the fragrances used.
Your dog may need a hypoallergenic shampoo instead. Similarly, if your dog is itching because of a food allergy or has an itchy skin rash, using a hypoallergenic shampoo can soothe the skin. Hypoallergenic shampoos have anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help prevent dogs from making a minor skin problem worse.
You should always take your dog to a veterinarian if he displays symptoms of an allergy or skin rash. Always check for fleas and ticks first if your dog is itching.
Treating Mange
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that burrow into a dog’s skin. Mange can range from minor to severe, depending on how long the condition has been left to develop. Some dogs that have been adopted from rescue centers may still display minor symptoms of mange.
Symptoms can include itching, skin rashes, and hair loss. When left without treatment, mange can affect your dog’s immune system. A vet may prescribe a specific shampoo to ensure your dog’s skin maintains its natural PH balance and minimizes itching.
Types of Shampoo
There are different types of shampoo to meet your every need. There are shampoos designed specifically for long-haired dogs, short-haired dogs, white-haired dogs, and everything in between. The type of shampoo you use may also depend on the situation you’re in. Here are some you can choose from.
Brightening Shampoo
If you have a white-haired dog, these shampoos can keep your dog’s hair looking white and vibrant. They still help to maintain the dog’s PH balance and natural oils, while keeping the coat shiny.
Dry Shampoo
Whether your dog doesn’t need a full bath or you haven’t got time to go the full hog, dry shampoo can be a knight in shining armor. Although it won’t give a thorough wash in the same way a bath with regular shampoo will, it will provide a quick touch-up to keep your dog going until his next salon appointment.
Deodorizing Shampoo
Does your dog love to roll around on walks or investigate dead rodents? You won’t want to bring that smell home with you but deodorizing shampoo can be a solution to the problem. You can use it as a dry foam shampoo or a spray shampoo that will deodorize the smell until you get a chance to bathe your dog.
Everything You Need at Bubbly Paws
No matter what your dog needs for his coat, you can be sure he’ll get first-class treatment at Bubbly Paws. You can choose from a full-service dog wash or a self-service dog wash at any of our locations. Either leave your furry friend in the capable hands of our staff or come along and we’ll give you everything you need to do the job yourself.
If you choose self-service, there’s no need to make a reservation. Just show up at your most convenient location and we’ll get you started straight away. It’s far quicker and easier than trying to do it at home and it’s a great bonding experience for you and your dog.
Take a look at our locations here.
Choosing the Right Pet Shampoo
Choosing the right pet shampoo for your dog is important but isn’t always easy. At Bubbly Paws, we can guide you in your choice and have an array of shampoos to choose from including oatmeal and hypoallergenic. If you’d like to find out more about our services, get in touch today.