Whether wooly, corded, wavy, curly or silky, in general, dogs take a lot of pride in maintaining their coats—until they decide it’s time to take a mud bath. Many dogs take pleasure in rolling around in brush and mud puddles and piling on the dirt, and they often think of regular baths as cruel and unusual punishment.
In fact, baths are good for your pup, no matter how much they sulk about it. There are many ways to get your pooch clean, but deciding to use dog shampoo specifically formulated for their coat and skin is the wise decision. Read on to find out why your dog needs shampoo of their very own.
Understand Why Bathing Matters
No matter what your dog has to say, sometimes they need a deep cleaning. Regular baths keep your dog healthy by keeping their skin and coat dirt-free and removing allergens that can cause irritation, itching and infections. Giving your pup regular baths can also become a trust-building exercise that strengthens your bond. Picking the best dog shampoo is easy when you know what to look for. The right dog shampoo will be refreshing, gentle and easy to rinse out of the coat, and will help to make the bathing experience a positive one.
Know Your Dog’s Coat
Different dogs require different bathing regimens. Single-coated dogs like greyhounds, dalmations and boxers may not need baths as often as other breeds with thicker coats and can use gentler shampoos with good results. Double-coated dogs like golden retrievers, border collies and German shepherds have shorter undercoats with dense, long outer coats, which require a shampoo that penetrates through to the undercoat and skin.
How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoo for Your Pup
Dog boarding companies often have helpful tips to help you take care of your pup and choosing the right dog shampoo is simple with these guidelines:
You should
- Look for dog shampoos with natural ingredients
- Choose soap-free options that soothe and hydrate
- Consult a dog boarding kennel offering dog grooming near you for suggestions on the best dog shampoo for your dog, based on their breed and coat
You should avoid
- Using human shampoo on your dog because it will have the wrong pH level and cause your dog’s skin to become irritated
- Purchasing dog shampoos with parabens and dyes because both can cause serious health issues
- Dog shampoos with artificial fragrances derived from chemicals that can cause allergic reactions
- Find Great Dog Grooming Near You
At American Boarding Kennels, our staff are equipped to give you suggestions specifically tailored to your dog’s needs. We provide overnight care for dogs, doggy daycare and professional grooming services. Pet owners have been trusting us to take care of their pets for over 37 years and we have been lauded for our pet grooming services due to the care and attention to detail we put in every single pet. We have locations in Burnsville, Montgomery, Edina, Wayzata, and Long Lake. Visit our website today for the best dog boarding and training near you.