As pet owners we know that it is impossible for our pets to keep clean on their own, they are inevitably going to run around in the mud, roll in the dirt, etc. And even if they don’t come home caked in mud, it is important to maintain a certain level of hygiene. While dogs don’t need a bath/shower everyday or even every couple days it is still important to wash and clean them up periodically. Sometimes giving your dog a bath is less about their well being and more about the owners. For us humans the odor of a wet, smelly dog climbing on the furniture and trying to cuddle up in bed is not ideal to say the least.
If you are wondering how often you should bathe your dog, the answer is we don’t know for sure. In reality various sources such as Central California SPCA say, “the reasons to bath your dog are unique to their breed, activity level, environmental exposures, and so on.” In other words there is no one size fits all answer and what works for your dog might not work for your neighbors or anyone else’s.
Another important question is what is the best way to get your dog cleaned up? Is it better to stay in the comfort of your home and wash them in the shower, bath or outside (if you are somewhere very warm). Or alternatively should you pay a little more to send your dog to a professional groomer and pick them up a few hours later all fresh and clean? When deciding how to get your dog clean there is no wrong answer. For most, the choice between professional help and at home care comes down to the level of convenience and willingness or ability to pay. Many people who have small dogs have no issues doing pet care at home, but other people with large Saint Bernards and a muddy yard are not as eager to use their showers as a puppy spa… For many people the simplicity of driving to a groomer, handing the leash over, and returning a few hours later is extremely worth the cost of the service. The other benefit of going to a professional groomer (that we don’t always think about) is that beyond a bath they can also trim nails, trim fur and brush teeth, among other things.
The last important decision to make is what products, specifically which shampoo to use. There are a plethora of shampoos on the market varying from the big name brands sold at PetSmart or Petco to the smaller, more natural ones often sold at pet boutique stores. The newest shampoos on the market are CBD pet shampoos which have been very well received by users. One product in particular is from Zen Frenz and has oatmeal, lavender, chamomile, and CBD which all work to help pets calm, even during bath time. For many pups you can see results in just 5-10 minutes after application. Pets become more relaxed, less anxious and less jumpy. If you haven’t had the chance to try out a CBD pet shampoo we highly recommend you give it a go!
Works Cited
Ccspca. “How Often Should You Bathe a Dog?” Central California SPCA, Fresno, CA, 8 Apr. 2017, www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/