Washing your dog's head is one of the trickiest parts of the dog bathing process. You don't want to get soap or water in sensitive areas like your dog's ears, nose, and eyes. Easton recommends you save this part for the end of the bath, and suggests using a washcloth to clean your pet's face.
And the faces of even short-haired breeds can need routine grooming to keep them free of clumps, stains, dried food particles, and other blotches. The ideal time to wash your dog's face and eyes is at bath time. Don't simply focus on his body, make sure you cover all the ground from nose to tail.
The Cotton Ball Method
Using a warm wet washcloth and a bowl of water with a small amount of dog shampoo, gently wash Velma's head and face. Be sure you get the areas around her eyes and the outer surfaces of her ears. Rinse out the washcloth under warm running water and then use it to rinse Velma's face.
Make sure you wash around her eyes and the outside of her ears. Use fresh water to rinse out the washcloth and then wipe her face clean of any traces of the soap or shampoo used to wash her head. Towel her head dry, remove the cotton balls, and then use a brush to make her look her best.
In order to prevent water from getting in his ears, place a cotton ball in each. Ideally, your dog's head won't get wet during the bathing process, but the cotton balls will help prevent water from going where he doesn't want it.
Don't pour water over your dog's head because lots of dogs develop secondary ear infections from moisture getting into the ear canal. 3. Don't get your dirty dog a “little bit” wet – If you don't have a hose or sprayer, just fill up the bath and slowly pour the water over your dog, saturating the coat and skin.
Some dogs that have healthy, clean ears may never need to have their ears cleaned. However, it is recommended to clean your dog's ears if you notice discharge or an odor when examining the ear. Your veterinarian can help you decide how often your dog's ears should be cleaned.
Bacteria can grow in skin folds, causing irritation and potential infection. Keeping his face clean and tidy is an important grooming task. Some dogs will love having their face washed while others will turn away from you and try to get away before finding the closest mud pit to roll in.
Wash Your Dog
Using extra care, wet the head, face and ears. Cup your hands over his ears to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Lather these areas with care because even tearless shampoo is uncomfortable in the eyes. Rinse thoroughly, and when you think you've done a good rinse job, rinse and rinse again.
“Ingredients within these products can cause skin irritation as they are not designed for dogs. They can alter the skin pH and make it more likely for dogs to develop dry and itchy skin. More worryingly, they can even lead to the development of skin infections.”
Allergies, hormonal imbalances, fungus, parasites and localized inflammation can lead to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin and cause an unpleasant smell. Your dog's discomfort will lead to excessive scratching and licking which can cause a secondary bacterial infection.
The Sink Bath Method
Make sure the water is warm, not too hot and not too cold. Put the cotton balls just inside your pup's ears to keep water out. Add your dog to the sink and use the cup to pour warm water over him to wet him down. Apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands and lather onto your little dog.
Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
Some bacteria in dogs' mouths are zoonotic, meaning the animals can pass them to humans and cause disease. Some common zoonotic bacteria include clostridium, E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter, which can cause severe gastrointestinal disease in humans, said Dr.
In most cases, we say it's better not to kiss your dog. However, recent research suggests that dog saliva could aid wound healing. Yes, your dog has bacteria in their mouth. Pastuerella – lives in the mouths of cats and dogs that can cause skin, lymph node and, sometimes, more severe infections.
It depends. "If the dog has learned to accept kissing on top of the head, then that's fine," says Shojai. "For a new-to-you dog, though, I'd find other more species-appropriate ways to show affection." The truth is that some dogs simply don't like being kissed.
If they look and smell good, leave them alone. As long as your pooch's ears are healthy, they don't need to be cleaned. In fact, cleaning a healthy ear can damage its self-cleaning abilities. Clean the ears if they have a mild odor, and you see an occasional head shake.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
Hiding under beds, tables, or other furniture is a common behavior in many dogs. Dog may hide under things due to fear, illness, or a simple desire for private space. If your dog starts hiding when they never used to before, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
You should also wash your hands right after a dog licks them, or at least before touching your face and eating, since this is another way that pathogens can enter your body. "It doesn't matter if it's your dog or someone else's that licked you, you should still wash your face and hands after," Reynolds says.
The short answer is: as often as necessary. Contrary to popular belief, bathing your dog can be a weekly or even twice per week experience you both can enjoy.
Eyes and ears require every bit as much attention. It's a good habit to clean your dog's eyes with every bath, but you shouldn't neglect to clean any noticeable discharge from the eyes. Check for redness or other signs of irritation.
Ear mites: Crusty, blackish-brown buildup resembling coffee grounds in your dog's ears is a sign of ear mites, tiny insects that can make your pup's ears their home. Left untreated, ear mites could make your pet go deaf!
The easy way to calculate a dog's age is to take 1 dog year and multiple it by 7 years. This is based on an assumption that dogs live to about 10 and humans live to about 70, on average. For example, a dog which is 5 years old is 35 “human years.”
For Animals who are prone to itchy, irritated ears. A soothing ear drop which is gentle enough to be used on the internal ear. The Stinky Stuff Ear Drops are a great way to soothe itchy, irritated ears and repel mites, ticks and all nuisance insects.