Pet Care Tips
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When it comes to keeping your pup clean, a good rule of thumb is to opt for a bath around once a month. Of course, this is dependent on the type of breed you have and their specific, individual behaviour. For example, if they are prone to rolling around in the mud, you’ll have to bathe your puppy more often. Or if your puppy is prone to dry skin, you may need to wait longer between baths. Just be sure to choose a puppy shampoo that is gentle on their sensitive skin.
Puppies don’t need a bath when younger than 8 weeks. Their small bodies are not quite ready to self-regulate body temperature yet. If they do need a clean, you can wipe your puppy down with a warm cloth. Once your puppy is older than 8 weeks, you can start bathing them in a sink. It’s a good idea to start bathing your puppy early and praising them throughout the process so they get used to it.
Puppies with oily coats, such as Basset Hounds, should be washed every week. Breeds with water repellent coats such as Golden Retrievers or Kelpies, on the other hand, require less washing. The same goes for puppies with thick coats like Malamutes, who benefit more from being frequently groomed instead. A general rule of thumb is to wash your dog when you notice an obvious change in their coat’s condition, such as an obvious smell.
If your pup loves to run headfirst into creeks, splash around in mud puddles and roll around in the dirt, then you will most likely need to wash them more often than an apartment-bound Maltese, for example. That said, you do share living quarters with your Maltese. It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and tolerance.
If your puppy suffers from skin allergies, make sure you speak to your local vet on how you can better care for them come bath time. Your vet may recommend a different washing schedule for your pup, or recommend a specific shampoo, one that may be a soothing shampoo or is a medicated shampoo treatment. If your puppy has sensitive or itchy skin, it’s important to consult your vet first because the wrong shampoo can cause more irritation to the skin.
You should never use household cleaning products such as body wash or human shampoo on your dog. This may seem obvious, but these products are definitely not suited to the condition of a dog’s fur and skin and can remove far too much of their natural oils in their fur and must be avoided. You should always opt for a puppy or dog shampoo.
If your puppy has sensitive skin or if you’re looking for any other advice on taking care of your beloved little pet, book an appointment at Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital for assistance from our dedicated team. Call us today on 02 9521 6422 or contact us online to book an appointment.
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