With so many different kinds of dog shampoos on the market today, it is not easy to decide which one to use. For most breeds, a basic, all-purpose shampoo is fine. But if you want your shampoo to do more than clean, you might consider a specialty shampoo.
• Shampoos designed to deliver extra conditioning to long or curly coats can make post-bath grooming even easier.
• Accentuate your dog’s coat color by choosing a shampoo made for white, black, or red coats.
• For sensitive eyes, consider a tearless shampoo.
• For wire-coated dogs, look for a shampoo designed to preserve the crisp texture of your dog’s coat.
• Many dogs have sensitive skin or eyes. A hypoallergenic shampoo can minimize sensitivity reactions to bathing.
• If your dog already has a rash, allergies, itching, or other sensitive skin conditions, look for a medicated shampoo designed to treat your dog’s problem. Your vet should be able to recommend a good medicated shampoo for your dog.
• For flea season, consider a shampoo containing a gentle anti-flea ingredient such as pyrethrin or limonene, or any of several natural botanicals designed to repel fleas, such as neem oil.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 21st 2007 in Dog Grooming
Proper and effective grooming contributes only indirectly to your dog’s general health but becomes a more significant factor with increasing age. As the natural skin oils come to be less effectively produced, the skin can become dry and scaly, causing itchiness and discomfort. Matted or tangled hair-coats likewise cause scratching and, in addition, can hold dirt and debris on the skin from which bacteria can readily enter skin that is already abraded by the scratching and chewing. Bacterial dermatitis is not at all uncommon in older dogs.
The daily grooming patterns begun in earlier years should be continued throughout a dog’s lifetime. It is my firm belief that all dogs, with the possible exception of some show dogs and those with certain skin diseases, should be combed and brushed every day of their lives with a metal comb and a wire-bristle slicker type brush. Combing should be done first, as its purpose is merely to remove tangles and separate the hairs so the slicker brush does not get caught in them. This is followed by the brush which should be used in firmly applied, long, slow strokes. The object of the brushing is to get the wires down to the skin, which is where the dirt is, to remove that dirt and the dry scales of dead skin.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 7th 2007 in Dog Grooming
Each Dalmatian puppy receives half a set of genes from his mother and father. The genetics of coat color are fairly simple in the Dalmatian and are controlled by four different genes.
All Dalmatians have short coats and are easy to groom. However, despite their short coats, they shed a lot and year round. A thorough brushing twice a week helps remove shed fur and add gloss to the coat. In addition, a daily wipe with a moistened cloth helps them keep clean between brushings and baths. The breed has a reputation for cleanliness and may even be found grooming himself like a cat.
For routine bathing use mild, hypoallergenic products; medicinal and perfumed products typically irritate their sensitive skin. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are often needed because the breed has a tendency towards a dry skin and coat. Pubescent dogs, usually males, occasionally have a tendency to develop acne and medicated shampoos, scrubs and gels may be necessary.
DogandMaster.com
dogandmaster on January 7th 2007 in Dog Grooming
