Bath Time

[happymomof2]

I am sure this question and subject has been talked a lot on here but I need some advice. I have a shih tzu and he of course is an indoor dog but needs a bath at least once a week. What is the best thing to bathe them with?

I have heard that they can have skin conditions and I don't want to contribute to that.

Thanks

[lindsayanng]

Anyways, a bath is definitely not recommended once a week, more like once a month. Over bathing usually results in skin problems because of the shampoo. You really should only bath once a month according to my vet, and clean the ears once a month too.

They make THOUSANDS of different types of dog shampoos, you will definitely want something that has a conditioner in it beacuse your dog has long hair, and if you want you can get a skin moisturizing shampoo too which will help with dry skin - but your best bet if you are worried about the condition of your dog's skin is to cut back on the amount of baths

[tiffers]

If the shampoo you buy is soap-free, you can bathe once a week with no problems. You may want to use a soap-free oatmeal shampoo, as those guys have allergies out the wazoo. You may also want to look into a sensitive skin as well. Call around to local vet clinics or do an internet search for DVM Brand Hy-Lyt, Relief, Pearlyt, or D-Basic shampoos. We sell them at our clinic, but they're all soap free and safe for weekly bathing.

[jacko]

you also have to consider the weather...

[happymomof2]

Thanks for the replies. I do have an oatmeal conditioner for dogs. Went about a week ago to pet supermarket for the soap free shampoo but they were out. Will try there again.

Jacko, just curious - when you said you have to consider the weather, what did you mean by that? The dryer winter months?

Thanks

[tiffers]

Went about a week ago to pet supermarket for the soap free shampoo but they were out.
Are there any petstores in your area? Try a petstore first...grocery stores aren't known for good pet products. Also, you may want to call around to a few vet clinics to see if they sell shampoos.

[theresa92841]

Are there any petstores in your area? Try a petstore first...grocery stores aren't known for good pet products. Also, you may want to call around to a few vet clinics to see if they sell shampoos.

I think she meant a petstore and that is what a pet supermarket is, not a grocery store. Probably something like Petco or Petsmart.

[tiffers]

I think she meant a petstore and that is what a pet supermarket is, not a grocery store. Probably something like Petco or Petsmart.
Oh. Supermarkets here are grocery stores like Wal-Mart almost. :)

[theresa92841]

Oh. Supermarkets here are grocery stores like Wal-Mart almost. :)
I am just guessing. But that is what I would have thought she meant "pet supermarket" = Petco or Petsmart.

[Ltlpistol]

It depends on the dog as to how often they need bathed.

I have to bathe my Cookie every week, or she stinks! She apparently has a natural body odor and being a white dog she turns dingy grey within just a few days of being bathed. Cash, on the other hand can go two weeks before 'needing' a bath. And then it's only because he's not neutered and his belly gets crisp with his, um, effluence?

Cheyenne, even though she's an outside dog and in the dirt hasn't been bathed since I got her. Dirt just slides right off her short hair.

I use an oatmeal shampoo or a medicated shampoo alternated with Johnson's Baby Shampoo.

[Malteluv]

Both Yuki and Kaya are indoor dogs but I bathe them once a week, on Saturdays, without fail. I have two maltese dogs and I always use 2 different shampoos and a conditioner. Occasionally about once or twice a month they will go to the doggie spa (depending on finances). Why do I use 2 different shampoos? Because when they go outside for their walks, you never know what will follow them inside so I try to protect them by using the zodiac flea and tick shampoo and then an oatmeal shampoo and lastly a conditioner. After they are bathed, I notice that they seem more relaxed and not shaking or scratching. It is best I note here that Yuki has long hair and Kaya's hair is just growing back. I also find that by keeping them clean, the air in the house smells better and not like "dog" (which I absolutely hate) and I am able to get down to their level and not inhale any odors (sorry sound bad, but that's the best way to explain it).

I have been doing this with Yuki for the two years that I have had him and have experienced no problems. Kaya is a recent adoption, I adopted her on 4/13 and I had no choice but to bathe her myself and even get her groomed just so that I can get the smell of the kennel off her. I have also experienced no problems with her either. They both actually enjoy bath time especially since when it is my turn to bathe they are trying to get into the bath because they think it is time for them to bathe. I am a bit of a nut when it comes to Yuki and Kaya and I am forever in their faces cleaning out the corners of their eyes because if I don't then they will start to itch their eyes and that is the best way to prevent germs and keep them from itching their eyes.

All I would say is that you should pay special attention to your dog for the first two to three times that you bathe her and if you find that bathing her once a week is too much then opt for once every two weeks.

[lindsayanng]

I understand bathing if your dog has a smell or if they just came in from a kennel.. That makes sense, but if your dogs are only going outside for walks and not playing or rolling in dirt, it seems frivilous to bath them every week..

Also, If you really want to use a flea shampoo on the every week, then getting a soapless shampoo will not make adifference if you use in in conjunction with a flea shampoo. Have you tried any of the topical flea repelents like Frontline or Advantix? This way you can JUST use a soap free shampoo and you dogs will hardly EVER itch.

I think its great that you are into keeping your dogs groomed and happy, and since it's been working for you, keep doing it.. BUT with a new dog, its just something to think about because his/her skin may not be as "tough" as your existing dog and you def. (like you said) should keep an eye on it.

[Hunna]

I have a shihtzu, and I was bathing him religiously every week and it caused alot of skin problems, sores even. I have backed off to every 3 weeks, and IF I keep on top of bushing him every day, he doest stink.

[tiffers]

I have a shihtzu, and I was bathing him religiously every week and it caused alot of skin problems, sores even.
What were you bathing him in? Was it soap free and made for dogs?

[Hunna]

What were you bathing him in? Was it soap free and made for dogs?
It was made for dogs, I cant remember the name. I had gotten it at petco. Some puppy formula. I have since switched to an oatmeal shampoo that is made to sooth skin irritants and hotspots. I will have to run upstairs to get the exact brand. When I read the ingredients, will it say soap or is it called something else? so i can check for it.

Bandit gets 2 hotspots, one above his tail, and the other on his leg. Do you do anything for those? A friend of mine said they can be cut out...but that sounds aweful dramatic for something that rarely flares up.

[lindsayanng]

I dont THINK that you can CUT OUT hot spots.. they are a part of the skin.. there is a new thread by macawpower about hotspots and it has some intfo in there.. its better the treat a hotspot before it gets out of the control than to just let it sit though..

[tiffers]

When I read the ingredients, will it say soap or is it called something else?
It should advertise being soap-free if it is. Otherwise, it's not safe for everyday or even every week bathing.

Do you do anything for those?
I am quite curious on how you 'cut' out a hotspot?! Does your friend mean surgery!? :eek:

If possible, shave the area around the hotspot and keep them as dry as possible. Lindsay was right, there is a thread HERE (http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?t=31964) that talks about hotspots as well.

[Hunna]

yes she meant surgery. She was working as a secretary at a vet office, and said they just had a patient who had several cut out, and skin sewn back together. That just didn't set right with me. I have talked to my vet, and she suggested benedryl as it seems to be seasonal with the change in weather.

[tiffers]

Benadryl will also help, it'll do away with the urge to bother it. :) ...I am surprised that a vet would actually 'cut out' hot spots!? :eek:

[Julia423]

My shih-tzu received baths every other week for nearly nine years...at PetSmart with his groomer. I really don't know what she used on Max, but his skin and fur was healthy. My other guys are also on the every other week schedule and only Chico gets a special shampoo as he tends to get itchy.

[5kidsnadog]

Wow, I feel like a real boob. Finn has gotten two baths in seven months. One was because, when I was brushing him (apparently a lot too vigorously on the seat of his pants - he has long ones) and somehow ended up with anal gland guck on his fur (OMG that was horrifying), and once because we ran in slushy weather and he was coated in mud. Otherwise, I brush him probably 3 times a week and use a coat conditioner spray that makes him smell great. He's not a doggy smelling dog, and his white parts seem to stay clean. Are you really supposed to be washing a dog more often?

[tiffers]

Are you really supposed to be washing a dog more often?
...I'd say it's bathe as needed perhaps. Chica gets one every few months...or when she gets something gross on her.

[kaiyanbecky]

that was one of the first questions i had for my vet too when i first got Blue and she said i can bathe him once every week but i should use a sensitive skin puppy shampoo.

[JMar0408]

I bathe Chania every week with some products I got at Petco called Spa or something like that... it's a Lavender Shampoo, Rice Flower face shampoo (so that it doesn't itch her eyes), Almond Milk conditioner, and it also came with a little lavender after-bath spray.

Anyway, her skin hasn't reacted badly...actually it's gotten a lot softer and smoother as far as her coat...well it's shiny as can be. but yeah def. keep an eye on your dog's skin ...you certainly don't want to have to deal with dermatitis or anything that'll cost you more to fix than to prevent.

[theresa92841]

I think you can bathe them as frequently as you want as long as you use the right products. I take Gigi in every couple of weeks. I figured out I would rather she hate somebody else who bathes her and clips her nails, etc. She was very shy and fearful and I didn't want her to have any more reason to not want me to touch her. And I figure since she is shy anyway it is good to have her on a regular routine so she will be use to the people and the experience instead of it scaring her. She actually likes to go there.

[Julia423]

Wow, I feel like a real boob. Finn has gotten two baths in seven months. Are you really supposed to be washing a dog more often?
Don't feel bad. I have to wash my guys often because they are pigs! These guys literally get dusty...they run in from playing in the yard and rub their little fur faces all over just to get the dust off. I must spend a fortune on upholstry shampoo!

[rockyzeus]

i need a little more info on why you are bathing him once a week and if he is in full coat or if you had him cut down?