Your Pets Daily - Best way to dry a dog

Pristine Pooch: Top tips on how to clean your canine friends

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

With the current wet weather, we can expect lots of muddy walks with our pooch! And with wet dogs causing many health problems for our pooches, and Google Search Trends such as 'how often should you wash your dog' increasing by 130%, it's important for pet owners to know how to effectively clean and dry their pooch in the wetter weather.

Thankfully, dog-friendly holiday letting specialist, Canine Cottages, has collated five top tips on how to clean your dog effectively. In addition to this, you will find the things you must avoid when cleaning your pooch!

1. Brush before washing

Not brushing before a wash can lead to matting and the fur not getting properly cleaned. If the dog's matting goes untreated for a long period of time, you might have to pay the vet a visit to get the part of the fur shaved off. So, make sure to get out all the dirt you can spot before you give your pooch a good wash.

If your dog has got dirt in their fur that simply won't come out, the best procedure is to brush them before washing. If your dog's fur is very wet, use your hands to brush through the fur, as using a brush on wet fur can cause discomfort and pain for your pooch.

2. Get your hands dirty!

Washing a dog can be difficult as not all dogs like baths, but it is essential when it comes to having a clean dog! It's important to properly clean your dog's paws as dirt might stick between the toes and cause infection, so make sure this is a key focus. Find the best soap for your pooch if your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients too.

It's also important to get a good look between their paws to ensure there are no stones or sticks wedged between, as this can lead to infections and can cause some serious damage.

3. Avoid air drying

Letting your dog air-dry post-washing is the easiest solution, but leaving your dog's fur to dry on its own can increase the risk of matting, and leaves room for fungus and bacteria to grow, which results in a strong odour!

For short-coated dogs, drying on their own is usually not a problem, but long-coated dogs may struggle. Instead, try drying your dog the old-fashioned way with a towel, but use a soft cloth or sponge to dry their face.

4. Your own blow dryer works, too!

For long hair, there's usually no harm in using a blow dryer on your pooch, but make sure it's on the lowest and coolest air setting as full heat can irritate your pooch. Make sure to blow-dry in the direction of the fur to prevent discomfort. If your dog is frightened by the blow dryer and won't get used to it, it might be better to towel-dry instead!

Please be aware of the heat on your dryer, as too high heat can burn your dog's skin and cause it a lot of pain. Always make sure to keep it on the coldest setting.

5. Use a Quick Drying Spray

For a quick solution, try using a quick-drying spray. They are created to make water leave your dog's fur quicker, so are a fast solution. How many sprays you need depends on your dog's fur. Just spray on damp fur, then proceed to towel or blow-dry your pooch.

There have been varying reviews on how well the spray works, and you must make sure your pooch is not allergic to any of its ingredients before using it!

Commenting, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages says, "As we approach the winter months, it's time for pet owners to prepare for muddy and rainy walks with their pooches once more! Getting your dog clean and dry is not always easy, but it's important to properly clean them to hinder any matting and bacterial growth, and keep them super comfortable. Hopefully, these tips will help pet owners understand how best to clean their pooch as we approach the rainier season!"

Even when they are soaking wet, our pooches continue to capture our hearts. Check out Canine Cottage's blog on The UK's Cutest Wet Dogs! For some of our favourite soggy pups.

Mucky Pups: How to keep your dog clean during autumn and winter

Jessica Curtis — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Faced with rainy walks, muddy paws and the dreaded wet dog smell, keeping your pet clean during the autumn can be quite a chore. However, it's important, not only to keep your dog and home smelling fresh, but also to help prevent fleas and matting.

If you're an active dog owner who spends a lot of time outside with your pup, you probably don't want to let a little bad weather ruin your time. That's why we've asked the team at tails.com to share their top tips to keep your dog looking and smelling clean when it's raining.

How often should you wash your dog?

For many dogs, baths aren't top of the list when it comes to things they enjoy – but unfortunately for them, they are often unavoidable. So how often should you wash your dog?

So, if your dog hasn't managed to cover itself in mud or something worse, how often should you wash them? Well, the truth is that you don't really need to wash your dog on a regular schedule. Your dog's coat has evolved to clean itself of the basic day-to-day grime, and given that they can't sweat, they won't be producing any BO in the way we would define it.

That being said, we are all aware of a certain funk that can build up on our dogs if they haven't been washed or groomed for a while. For many owners, this isn't an issue, but for those who find themselves sat with a stinky pup, we would advise that you wash your dog no more than once per month – less if you can.

Too much washing can actually cause your dog some problems, as they have very sensitive skin. What's more, if you use any flea or worming treatments that are applied to your dog's coat, these will be washed out with each bath leaving your pet vulnerable to those parasites. So wash them rarely if you feel you must.

How to keep your dog clean during the wet months

Don't wait around:

Whether your dog has been splashing in muddy puddles, or even rolling about in animal poo, if your pooch returns home as a mucky pup, it is important that you wash or wipe them down as soon as possible. Cleaning your dog at the earliest opportunity gives the dirt less time to set in, which is better for both your dog and your home.

Keep a regular routine

For owners with dogs that don't tend to get dirty very often, it can be hard to know how often to clean your pet pooch during the wet months. Fortunately, your dog's fur has evolved to be self-cleaning, which keeps out most of the day-to-day dirt. However, we all know that even the proudest pups can get a little smelly after a while.

It's recommended that your dog only needs to be cleaned just once a month, so try setting a date each month that works for you and your four-legged friend and stick to it.

Use the right shampoo

It is essential that you avoid using human shampoo on your dog. The chemicals that we put onto our hair are no good for keeping your dog's fur clean, and can potentially be harmful to their coat and skin.

There are plenty of quality and affordable dog shampoos available on the high street and online, but if you are not able to find dog shampoo, then a small pinch of baby shampoo will do as these tend to be mild and won't contain any harmful chemicals.

Avoid over-washing

Keep your dog's dates with the bathtub down to just once a month. Too much washing can actually cause your dog problems, as their skin is a lot more sensitive than ours. Additionally, if you have applied any flea or worm treatment to your dog's coat then these will be washed out by excessive bathing, leaving them vulnerable to parasites.

Aside from the fact that your dog is mostly self-cleaning, there are plenty more ways to keep on top of your hound's hygiene. There are also plenty of 'waterless' cleaning products on the market like dry dog shampoo and waterless cleaning mitts, to help keep your dog smelling and looking clean without getting them wet.

Plan your route

Be wary of where exactly you are walking your dog and try to avoid the puddles if you can. If your pup has a tendency to stray towards muddy puddles, then it might be an idea to keep your pup on a lead during the autumn and winter months, when the ground is wet and boggy.

Extendable leads are useful to keep control of where your dog walks, whilst still allowing them the space to stretch their legs.

Protect their paws

As the temperature drops and the weather turns to snow, it is worth considering how sensitive our pet's paw-pads are to icy conditions and grit on the road. Regularly tending to your dog's paws with warm water and a moist cloth will not only be soothing for your dog but help to clean up one of the main areas that spread dirt around your home.

During autumn, it is extra important to keep checking your dog's paws after a walk, as bits of debris and leaves can get stuck between their paws and cause irritation.

Feed them right

You can help keep your dog's coat glossy and healthy by ensuring that they are eating the right food. Your dog's coat relies on protein, so feeding your pooch a good, balanced diet maintains their healthy glow on the outside as well as on the inside.

Tailoring your dog's diet keeps them looking and feeling great, and limits the time and effort you spend cleaning them.

Brushing is best

Brushing your dog frequently is the best way to keep their fur clean from anything that they might pick up while out and about. Jumping through piles of leaves is a great source of fun for your pup, but it is also a really easy way for them to pick up fleas and ticks.

Thoroughly brushing at least once a day will help to comb out any unwelcome visitors and keep your dog's coat looking and feeling smooth. Brushing your dog is still perfectly fine during the winter months, as they naturally have enough fur to keep them warm all year round.

Stay allergy alert

Autumn can be a tough time for pets who are susceptible to allergies - one in five of our four-legged friends are said to suffer from them. There are certain plants that thrive during the autumn months and combined with the number of falling leaves, there is quite a substantial amount of pollen around at this time of year.

It is worth finding out what allergies your dog might be suffering from. Tell tale signs to look out for are sneezing, watery eyes and coughing. You should seek advice from your vet if you believe your pooch is starting to display these symptoms.

Wear waterproof

Investing in a good quality, waterproof dog coat will keep your dog dry during the wet winter months. Even on days where the rain is not falling down, the colder climate means that muddy patches and puddles linger around for much longer - and we all know, our pups are drawn to them.

The best features to look out for when picking out a new coat for your dog are waterproofing, durability, double-lining, adjustability and affordability.

Wet Pooch? Tips and tricks on how to dry your dog

Katie Court — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:30:14 +0000

Search trends for 'best dog shampoo for itchy skin' has increased by 400 percent
Leaving your dog to air-dry can cause matting and bad odour – top tips on how to efficiently clean and dry your dog below

With wetter months ahead, we can expect lots of muddy and rainy walks with our pooch! Google Search Trends such as 'dry dog shampoo' have increased by 80%, while 'best dog shampoo for itchy skin' search trends also rose a whopping 400% in 20211!

For any pet owner looking for the best ways to dry their pooch effectively, dog-friendly holiday letting specialist, Canine Cottages, has collated five top tips on how to dry your dog effectively.

Brush before washing

If your dog has got sticks and moss in their fur that simply won't come out, the best procedure is to brush them before washing. Comb through the fur with a good brush that will get a proper grasp on whatever's hiding in there. If your dog's fur is very wet, use your hands to brush through the fur, as using a brush on wet fur can cause discomfort and pain for your pooch.

Get your hands dirty!

Washing a dog can be difficult as not all dogs like having a bath or a shower, but it is essential when it comes to having a clean and fresh dog! It's important to properly clean and rub your dog's paws as dirt might stick between the toes and cause infection, so make sure this is a key focus. Make sure you are using the right soap if your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients too.

Avoid air drying

Letting your dog air-dry post-washing is perhaps the easiest solution, but it can cause the most problems. Leaving your dog's fur to dry on its own can increase the risk of matting, and leaves room for fungus and bacteria to grow, which results in strong odour! For short-coated dogs, drying on their own is usually not a problem, but long-coated dogs may struggle. Instead, try drying your dog the old-fashioned way with a towel, but use a soft cloth or sponge to dry their face.

Your own blow dryer works, too!

For long hair, there's usually no harm using a blow dryer on your pooch, but make sure it's on the lowest settings and coolest air setting as full heat can irritate and hurt your pooch. Make sure to blow-dry in the direction of the fur to prevent discomfort. If your dog is frightened by the blow dryer and won't get used to it, it might be better to towel-dry instead! If ever unsure, consult a professional dog groomer to see if your blow dryer can be used.

Use a Quick Drying Spray

For a quick solution, try using a quick drying spray. They are created to make water leave your dog's fur quicker, so are a fast solution. How many sprays are needed depends on your dog's fur. Just spray on damp fur, then proceed to towel or blow-dry your pooch. There are many brands out there, so make sure to find one that suits your dog and their coat best.

Commenting, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages says, "As we approach the winter months, it's time for pet owners to prepare for muddy and rainy walks with their pooches once more! Getting your dog clean and dry is not always easy, but it's important to properly clean them to hinder any matting and bacterial growth, and keep them super comfortable. Hopefully these tips will help pet owners understand how best to clean their pooch as we approach the rainier season!"

Even when they are soaking wet, our pooches continue to capture our hearts. Check out Canine Cottage's blog on The UK's Cutest Wet Dogs! For some of our favourite soggy pups.

Your Pets Daily - Best way to dry a dog

Pristine Pooch: Top tips on how to clean your canine friends

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Mucky Pups: How to keep your dog clean during autumn and winter

How often should you wash your dog?

How to keep your dog clean during the wet months

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Wet Pooch? Tips and tricks on how to dry your dog

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