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Dog Shampoos & Conditioners
With a staggering array of pet spa products available, it can be
confusing to choose the right one for your dog's coat and lifestyle.
Let's admit it: most of us just wind up picking the cutest bottle or
package.
In today's show, we'll talk about shampoos and conditioners with
manufacturers who can tell us about ingredients, uses (did you know
there are six different categories of conditioners?) and how to give
your dog the perfect bath.
Special thanks to our guest, Peter O'Kuhn, co-founder of Lani Dig
Your Dog, New York, NY.
10 Steps to the Perfect
At-Home Dog Bath:
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Set the scene
- Make the experience a relaxing, bonding one that your dog
looks forward to. Don't be in a hurry. Plan to spend some
quality time with your dog. Put on some relaxing music. Talk or
sing to your dog as you work. Stop to play and give him a treat.
It's up to you to create a relaxing atmosphere; if you're
uptight and afraid that your dog will misbehave, he will pick up
on this and find things to be anxious about.
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Pre-brush
- Before getting your dog
wet, brush away surface dirt and get rid of tangles with a comb
or brush. This will make the bathing easier on you and the dog.
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Light spray
- Spray with a detangling surface spray. This softens the coat
and begins to soften the dirt on the coat.
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Tools within reach
- The number two mistake dog owners make in bathing their dogs
is not having enough towels (the number one mistake is not
rinsing well enough). Assemble your tools -- towels, shampoo,
conditioner, treats, faucet nozzle or rinsing cup/pan -- within
easy reach. Be sure the room is warm enough to prevent a chill
after the bath.
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Warm water
- Get the water to warm but not hot. It should be just a bit
warmer than tepid; not as hot as our bath water.
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Collar off
- Remove collar if you can. If you need a collar to control your
dog, use a slip collar.
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Front to back, then down
- Wet dog, starting at the head and working back then down.
Wet, lather, rinse, dry in this order.
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Take time
- Let the shampoo stay on for recommended time. This is
especially important if the shampoo has a skin calming or
itch-reducing property. If your dog gets impatient, stay calm,
talk to her, give her a treat or two and give her a massage.
Make bath time a good experience.
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Rinse thoroughly
- Rinse thoroughly until hair squeaks. Condition, then rinse
twice.
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Dry
- Towel dry or blow dry on no-heat setting.
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