Bathing your Dog
Our useful guide on how to bathe your dog properly at home.
Water Temperature:
In order for your dog to have a comfortable and positive experience, it is very important to have the correct water temperature. You can test the water temperature by running it on the underside of your arm. Your dog will wriggle and shake if the temperature is not suitable, so ensure to keep checking throughout the bathing process. Older dogs or dogs with mobility issues tend to enjoy the warmth of the water so you may even allow the warm water to fill the bath as it helps to soothe their joints. (appropriate amount)
Please do not rinse your dog with the hose outside. Dogs do not enjoy being washed in cold water and it can be counterproductive as it does not clean the coat properly.
Shampoo
Make sure you are using the correct shampoo. Do not use human shampoos on your dog even baby shampoos. Dog shampoos have a different pH balance than human shampoos humans have 26 layers of skin and dogs only have 7 layers, therefore, they have less reliance on chemicals than humans. Use a natural dog shampoo, House of Hounds only use natural shampoos, from HOWND which are available to purchase in the salon or via our online shop. For dogs that suffer from skin conditions, hypogenic shampoos are best, if you’re not sure contact your vet for recommendations.
Washing
Start washing your dog from the tail up to its neck. if you’re using a shower head turn the pressure down so as not to startle your dog and also to help avoid water going into their eyes/ears. When the dog is well soaked apply the shampoo with a shower puff or use exfoliating gloves as it aids in spreading the shampoo evenly and you won’t need to use as much shampoo.
Massage your dog all over, and wash down the legs, paying particular attention between the toes and pads as they get packed with mud.
Apply a little shampoo to the top of the head, and massage the ear flaps however be careful not to get water into your dog’s ear canal. Rub around your dog’s muzzle and around the eyes again be careful not to get shampoo directly into your dog’s eyes.
RINSE RINSE RINSE, using warm water. Starting at the head lightly rinse the face, avoiding getting water into the ears/eyes. Then rinse down the body leaving the legs until last.
At House Of Hounds, we wash your dog until it is clean, quite often it is 3 or 4 shampoos. If your dog is not washed correctly dirt will remain on the fur which leaves a greasy dog that takes longer to dry. So it is really important to wash and rinse correctly.
Drying
Blot dry your dog using a dog towel or a highly absorbent towel. Do not be tempted to rub your dog’s coat if they have a fleece or wool coat as this creates knots and mats.
When your dog is mostly dry, spray some detangle to the coat this helps reduce tangles and gives a good shine to the coat. Remember to ensure you use products that suit your dog’s coat type, any allergies make sure you check with your vet if you are not sure about the products to use on your dog’s coat.
Comb out your dog’s coat, and make sure you use the correct combs and brushes on your dog. House Of Hounds sells a range of combs and brushes so ask our staff what’s best for your dog.
House Of Hounds uses industry-approved drying blasters, at home you can use a standard hair dryer but make sure you do not have the setting too hot and ensure you move around the dog’s coat. During the drying process make sure you brush out your dog to remove any tangles or knots. Ensure you dry your dog thoroughly.
Remember
Use warm water
Only use natural dog shampoos
Rinse well
If all of the above is a little too much, leave it to us for a bath and brush
Chat with a member of our team if you need any further assistance
Happy washing 🙂
Brushing your dog
Brushing not only is a great way to check your dog’s health it also helps to remove excess hair from their coat and reduces the amount of hair that you have within your home. Brushing also helps distribute the natural oils in your dog’s coat and skin. When you brush your dog you can look for any skin issues like lumps, ticks, fleas, or hair mats.
How often you brush your dog and what type of brushes to use are determined by the coat type your dog has.
Long-haired breeds for example Collies, Lhasa Apso, and Shih Tzus, need to be brushed weekly or more often if the coat is tangled. A pin brush is the best choice of brush. The bristles grip the undercoat and remove loose hair and it gets down to the skin without causing pain.
Start close to the skin and brush away from it, use a comb to help remove any mats. Do not pull on the skin.
Short-coated dogs such as Labradors, Greyhounds, Beagles, and French Bull Dogs, do not mat and tangle easily therefore they don’t need frequent brushing. However, they should be brushed every few weeks to remove loose hair. Use either a rubber brush or a soft bristle brush.
Short wiry or curly breeds such as Dachshunds, Poodles, and Bichon Frise, need to be brushed with a slicker brush followed by a metal comb. Any breed crossed with a curly coat breed eg Labradoodles, Cavachons, and Cockapoos requires frequent brushing once every other day. These coats if not properly maintained at home will mat easily.
The brushing, how it is done.
Brushing
Brush down out away from your dog’s skin. Be sure to brush in the direction of how the coat grows, do not brush backward.
Be Gentle
You could damage your dog’s coat if you pull and stretch hairs. Take your time in untangling any snags, imagine your own hair caught in a brush or comb.
Mats
If you encounter mats, apply a coat conditioner or detangler spray and leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb or slicker to get through the tangle. Mats can get close to a dog’s skin, and removing them can be painful, so proceed carefully. We do recommend regular grooming to maintain a good healthy coat.
Remember
Brush regularly
Use the correct equipment
Be Gentle
Ask our team how to demonstrate brushing your dog and for recommendations regarding the best grooming products for your dog that are available in our salon.
Happy brushing 🙂
