You have planned to bring home a dog and you’re quite excited. You’ve bought everything for him including food and food bowls, water bowls, dog bed and crate, leash and toys. But have you thought of how you’d keep your dog clean? If you haven’t, here are a few tips about canine cleanliness so that you can be ready with supplies to clean your dog.
Most pet parents tend to over-bathe their canines because they don’t want a dirty dog unwound on the bed or couch. However, they should understand that dogs don’t need to bathe often. In fact, as per the recommendations of vets, you need to bathe your dog just once every three months. There are exceptions as long-haired dogs, very active dogs and dogs that often roll into things need to be bathed more often. But on an average, bathing once in every couple of months with a good shampoo for dogs is enough. More frequent bathing than this can irritate your dog’s skin, causing it to flake and her coat may become dull.
The most common health issue for dogs is not heartworm, but periodontal disease. This arises in the gums due to tartar buildup on teeth. If remains untreated, periodontal disease can cause terrible consequences, such as bacterial infections that could be fatal.
All in all, brushing your dog’s teeth regularly every day is very important. You get toothbrushes designed for dogs. But you can even do the job quickly with your finger. The habit of brushing should be developed from the very young age.
The dirtiest thing in your home is perhaps your dog’s bed. It’s a sanctuary for ticks, germs, fleas and allergens. No matter, how clean you bathe your dog, if her bed is dirty, it’s of no use.
Cover your dog’s bed with a removable fabric cover which you should wash twice in a month. If your dog sheds, the bed should be vacuumed at least once every week.
Toys should be cleaned especially because they go in your dog’s mouth. However, using a cleaning spray or disinfectant could potentially harm or even poison your dog. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) suggests cleaning non-soft toys with water-diluted bleach. A greener alternative is a solution of half water and half vinegar in which toys should be soaked in for 30 minutes. Whichever option you use, clean toys at least once a month.
Have you now added the cleaning supplies to your list of your new four-legged family member’s belongings?