Bathing
Your Pet
Q: My dogs always seem to have dandruff and dull coats. I either use
baby shampoo or regular dish detergent on them, but I think it dries
their skin. Any suggestions?
A:
Dish detergents and shampoo intended for humans should never be used
on dogs or cats. Your dogs have skin that is thinner and much more
sensitive than human skin, and shampoos for humans have completely
different pH levels.
There
also is a big difference in the quality between various products that
are available for bathing your pet, just as there are different qualities
of human hair and skin care products. Poor quality ingredients, artificial
coloring and cheap perfumes are used in many skin care products for
pets. These products can be very drying or irritating, and even can
cause allergic reactions, resulting in itching and various related
skin problems.
Research
indicates that high-quality hypoallergenic shampoos, conditioners
and food supplements achieve best results for skin and hair coat care
when they are used in combination.
These
products can be used either for dogs and cats that have dry skin like
your pets, or in conjunction with veterinary medical treatment of
a variety of skin problems, including dermatitis related to allergies
resulting from fleas, food and pollen.
The
best shampoos are hypoallergenic, don't contain soap and are low lathering
to gently clean your pet's hair coat while adding softness and body.
The dandruff and scaling is removed, the skin is moisturized and itching
subsides.
Skin-
and coat-conditioning sprays and after-bath rinses can help control
itching by softening, moisturizing and healing the damaged skin.
Pet
food supplements should contain a combination of marine lipids, borage
oil, lecithin and essential fatty acids, which are commonly destroyed
by heat in the manufacture and storage of many pet foods. These nutrients
cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, they should be added to
the diet to boost the immune system, fight against allergic reactions,
and help control dandruff, dry hair coats and excessive shedding.
Vitamins A and E also are important for healing.
Since
dogs and cats have a wide variety of coat types, each pet should have
an individual bathing schedule. Most dogs with normal skin and hair
can be bathed just once a month.
Let
your individual dogs tell you how often they should be bathed. After
a bath using the hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioning after bath,
your pet's itching should be eliminated or significantly reduced.
When the itching begins to return, whether in a week or a month, it's
time for another bath. If the itching begins again within a day or
two after a bath, there probably is an underlying medical problem
that should be treated by a veterinarian.
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The
Vet Clinic is not intended to be a substitute for visits to your local
veterinarian, either for regular physical exams, annual dental checkups
or necessary treatments when your pet has health problems. Instead,
The Vet Clinic offers the pet owner information written by a veterinarian
about animal health care and natural, premium-quality products that
can have dramatic results without the use of drugs, chemicals, harsh
pesticides, or low-grade ingredients.
