Dogs are lovable. There is no question that having a dog will bring joy to your life. It will also bring muddy paws, hairballs and a little stink. Fortunately, a regularly bathed dog can remain soft and fluffy, shed less, and smell good; not to mention, cleaner dogs create happier pet owners. Included here are a few reasons to bathe your dog frequently.
1. Less Dirt
Everyone knows how much dirt a dog can get into. They love to run and slide and will usually pick the muddiest places to do so! By regularly bathing your dog, you can keep your home looking much nicer and feel much more welcoming in allowing your pet to be a part of the family. Longhaired breeds are especially susceptible to getting dirt clods caked in their hair; softening those with water can make it much easier to clean them out.
2. Better Smell
There is nothing quite as awful as that old, wet dog smell; no one enjoys having that in their home. And if that odor wasn’t enough, your dog will be sure to find the smelliest things to roll in, usually a dead fish or other dead animal. The smell is sure to make cuddling up in bed with your puppy less enjoyable. By bathing your dog on a regular basis you can avoid the smell that can soak into your couch cushions and mattress.
3. Softer Coat
Puppy coats are just about the coziest thing in the world, but, unfortunately, those puppies grow up to have much coarser hair. Bathing your dog can help remove some of the dirt and oils that make him less pleasant to pet. Their coats should look shiny and soft after a good wash and be much fluffier on their backs.
4. Reduced Shedding
Dog hair is inevitable when you have a good four legged friend. However, there are ways to reduce its presence in your home. By brushing your dog daily, you can leave the excess hair outside and keep your home slightly tidier. Another good option to stop their shedding, is to feed them a little olive oil to help strengthen their coat. By doing a full dog wash once a week you can remove a lot of the excess hair in a good scrub and keep it out of your house.
When to Be Cautious
Many experts recommend washing your dogs once a week to keep them clean and pleasant smelling. However, if you have a dog that is susceptible to dry skin, this may not be a good idea for you. Be sure to have your vet check your dog’s skin to ensure they stay comfortable. Excessively dry skin can also cause more hair to fall out from your dog, negating the decreased shedding effect.