With hotter months ahead, we can expect lots of walks ending with our pooches going for a nice swim in the river!
But a wet coat can cause many health problems for our pooches, and Google Search Trends such as ‘how often should I bathe my dog’ increased by 60%, it’s important for pet owners to know how to effectively clean and dry their pooch in the summer heat.
Thankfully, dog-friendly holiday letting specialist, Canine Cottages, has collated five top tips on how to clean your dog effectively. In addition to this, you will find the things you must avoid when cleaning your pooch!
1. Brush before washing
Not brushing before a wash can lead to matting and the fur not getting properly cleaned. If the dog’s matting goes untreated for a long period of time, you might have to pay the vet a visit to get the part of the fur shaved off. So, make sure to get out all the dirt you can spot before you give your pooch a good wash.
If your dog has got dirt in their fur that simply won’t come out, the best procedure is to brush them before washing. If your dog’s fur is very wet, use your hands to brush through the fur, as using a brush on wet fur can cause discomfort and pain for your pooch.
2. Get your hands dirty!
Washing a dog can be difficult as not all dogs like baths, but it is essential when it comes to having a clean dog! It’s important to properly clean your dog’s paws as dirt might stick between the toes and cause infection, so make sure this is a key focus. Find the best soap for your pooch if your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients too.
It’s also important to get a good look between their paws to ensure there are no stones or sticks wedged between, as this can lead to infections and can cause some serious damage.
3. Avoid air drying
Letting your dog air-dry post-washing is the easiest solution, but leaving your dog’s fur to dry on its own can increase the risk of matting, and leaves room for fungus and bacteria to grow, which results in a strong odour!
For short-coated dogs, drying on their own is usually not a problem, but long-coated dogs may struggle. Instead, try drying your dog the old-fashioned way with a towel, but use a soft cloth or sponge to dry their face.
4. Your own blow dryer works, too!
For long hair, there’s usually no harm in using a blow dryer on your pooch, but make sure it’s on the lowest and coolest air setting as full heat can irritate your pooch. Make sure to blow-dry in the direction of the fur to prevent discomfort. If your dog is frightened by the blow dryer and won’t get used to it, it might be better to towel-dry instead!
Please be aware of the heat on your dryer, as too high heat can burn your dog’s skin and cause it a lot of pain. Always make sure to keep it on the coldest setting.
5. Use a Quick Drying Spray
For a quick solution, try using a quick-drying spray. They are created to make water leave your dog’s fur quicker, so are a fast solution. How many sprays you need depends on your dog’s fur. Just spray on damp fur, then proceed to towel or blow-dry your pooch.
There have been varying reviews on how well the spray works, and you must make sure your pooch is not allergic to any of its ingredients before using it!
Commenting, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages says, “As we approach the summer months, it’s time for pet owners to prepare for walks where their pooches end up going for a swim! Getting your dog clean and dry is not always easy, but it’s important to properly clean them to hinder any matting and bacterial growth and keep them super comfortable. Hopefully, these tips will help pet owners understand how best to clean their pooch as the summer sets in!”
Even when they are soaking wet, our pooches continue to capture our hearts. Check out Canine Cottage’s blog on The UK’s Cutest Wet Dogs! For some of our favourite soggy pups.
