What is a good hygiene regimen for a dog?
A good hygiene regimen for a dog includes brushing regularly, bathing regularly, trimming their nails, routine ear cleanings, checking and cleaning the paws, and brushing your dog's teeth.
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How does keeping my dog clean contribute to good health?
Keeping your dog clean allows you to pick up on illness or parasites early on. Regular hygiene practices such as brushing the teeth, bathing, and brushing the coat can also help prevent a variety of health conditions.
Is brushing my dog's teeth important to overall hygiene?
Yes, brushing your dog's teeth is crucial. It can help prevent dental disease. If your dog doesn't tolerate brushing, there are a lot of good dental chews out there that we can recommend.
How do you brush their teeth?
You can use a regular toothbrush or a dog toothbrush with dog toothpaste. Start slow and gradually increase the time you spend brushing. There are also finger toothbrushes available that may be easier for some people to use.
How do I find the right bathing products for my dog?
We recommend any oatmeal-based shampoo. Avoid using human products or dish soap as they can be really drying. We carry a product called Dermalay, which is an oatmeal shampoo that is moisturizing.
How do you bathe your dog?
Start by saturating their fur with water. Then, apply the shampoo and work it into the coat. Pay special attention to the paw pads, under the tail, and the undercarriage. After lathering them up, rinse off the shampoo and towel dry. Avoid using a blow dryer as it can dry out their skin or cause burns.
How do I clean my dog's paws?
You can use your regular soap and work it in between the toes. Make sure to rinse it all off at the end. For pets prone to infections between the paws, we recommend a medicated wipe for in-between bath maintenance therapy.
Why is it important to clean my dog's bed, bowls, collar, leash, and toys regularly?
Regular cleaning of these items can help keep your dog healthy by removing accumulated fur, dirt, and oils. We recommend cleaning these items at least once a month, ideally every other week.
What are some signs and symptoms of poor hygiene in my dog?
Signs and symptoms of poor hygiene in your dog include eating problems, itching, a foul odor from the mouth or skin, and infectious diseases, especially parasites.
How often should I be giving my dog a bath?
Usually, every other week is good. However, some dogs may require weekly baths, or even more frequent baths if they are being treated for a skin condition. Always check their skin for signs of dryness.
How can my veterinarian help me with dog hygiene issues?
Your veterinarian can perform a full physical exam on your dog, looking for hygiene issues, skin conditions, and parasites. They can also recommend treatments and home maintenance routines.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Bathing & Hygiene - FAQs
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council recommends brushing your dog's teeth every day to every other day.
How do I brush my dog's teeth?
Start slow if you've never brushed your dog's teeth before. Use dog toothbrushes and dog toothpaste, not people toothpaste. You can also use a finger toothbrush or just water and a toothbrush. Aim to brush the outside surfaces of the teeth and gradually get your dog used to the brushing process.
How do I get my dog used to having their teeth brushed?
Start slow, focusing on one side and stopping when your dog becomes impatient or uncomfortable. Always end on a positive note with a treat or other reward.
What is a sanitary haircut and why would my dog need it?
A sanitary haircut is where the hair from the rectum down to the male or female parts is trimmed up. This helps prevent any messes from accumulating there when they go to the bathroom.
How do I get my dog used to getting groomed?
Start brushing and bathing your dog at home. Start slow and stop when your dog becomes impatient. Reward them with treats or other positive reinforcement. For professional grooming, start around 12 weeks once they've had their third set of shots.
Why is it important to have my dog's nails trimmed?
Nail trimming is important to prevent nail bed infections and discomfort. If the nails grow out too long, they can break and cause pain to your dog. If you're unsure of how to trim your dog's nails, come into the clinic, and we can show you how to do it at home. Alternatively, we can trim your dog's nails during a tech visit.
Why is my dog scooting their butt on the ground?
Butt scooting typically indicates an anal gland issue. The anal glands may become full and uncomfortable for your pet, and might need to be emptied.
When should I take my dog to the professionals for grooming?
As early as 12 weeks is recommended. Depending on your dog's hair coat, they may need grooming every four to eight weeks. If your dog is new to grooming, it's important to communicate this to the groomer and build a trusting relationship.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Bathing & Hygiene - FAQs 2
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How often should I bathe my dog?
It varies depending on your dog's skin health. A general guide is to bathe your dog every two weeks. However, some dogs might need more frequent baths, like once a week, and others less frequently, like once a month. The frequency largely depends on how quickly your dog's skin dries out.
What is the best way for me to safely bathe my dog at home?
If you have a small dog, it might be easiest to bathe them in a sink or tub at home. For larger dogs, you can do it in a tub or outside with a hose. It's essential to ensure your dog's safety by either leashing them outside or ensuring you're in a fenced area to prevent them from running away during the bath. If bathing inside, make sure there's no neck lead around them if they're up high in a tub in case they jump out.
What shampoo should I use to bathe my dog?
We recommend using any oatmeal-based shampoo. Get your dog wet, apply the shampoo, lather them up, and rinse them off, ensuring there's no shampoo left. Make sure you clean between the toes, both the front and back side, under the carriage, and around the face. Avoid the eyes and use a washcloth to clean around the face.
Do I need to use conditioner on my dog?
As long as you're using a good oatmeal-based shampoo, you shouldn't need to use a conditioner. Avoid using people products or dish soap as they can dry out the skin. In such cases, you might need a conditioner. However, to make your life easier, just stick with an oatmeal-based shampoo.
Are there any products that can help my dog with itching?
The oatmeal-based shampoos are usually good for any itching issues as they moisturize the skin. If the itching continues despite using this shampoo, and over-the-counter remedies like Benadryl don't help, it might be time for a vet visit. Persistent itching usually indicates an underlying allergy or another issue that needs checking.
How do I get my dog used to being bathed?
Start bathing them as young as possible so they can get used to it as they grow older. If you've adopted an older dog or have a dog that you haven't been regularly bathing, start slow. Begin by getting them wet with water, lathering them up, and giving them treats and praise along the way. It's important to make it a positive experience for them.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram