How Often to Shower them?

We all understand the heat and humidity Singapore, or any other tropical countries brings about and this plays an important factor to the number of bath times. 
With our tropical climate, it tends to be more often than other countries that experience colder and drier climates. ​

​Generally, bath times occurs once every 1 to 2 weeks or even twice a week and these depends on various factors and breeds. And especially since bathing more often, one should consider using a gentler, soap-free pet shampoo that’s easier on your dog’s skin. 
Dogs are just like humans, with the rising heat and humidity, we tend to feel itchy and some may even resort to scratching ourselves. Similarly, itchiness is commonly seen in our pets, when they start scratching, bacteria may be passed from their paws to their body and eventually leading to allergies and skin sensitivity.  ​
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Some may ask if bathing is necessary? 
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That said, frequent bath times more often than truly necessary may strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils, resulting in them being prone to dandruff, frizzy, dry and tangled furs. This may especially be so due to the chemicals, harsh ingredients in the shampoo. 
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Certain shampoos may dry or irritate the dog’s skin more than others, so how do we avoid such issue? 
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Using a dog-specific shampoo and all-natural shampoo can reduce potential skin irritations and dryness. Even better if your shampoo consists natural oatmeal which moisturise and sooth any redness if any.  ​

In any case, it is advisable to use a gentle and all-natural shampoo if you’re bathing your dog as frequently as every week or more. 
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​Most paw parents would rather skip their pup bath time for various reasons, but bathing plays an important role in the health of your dog’s coat and skin, helping to keep your dog clean and free of dirt and parasites. As a paw parent, we definitely understand the added benefits of a clean and pleasant-smelling dog on your bed, couch and especially when you hug them. ​

​Of course, if your dog enjoys occasional swimming, is obsessed with mud puddles, or is exposed to the grass and garden all day long and does a lot of rolling in who-knows-what, then you may want to give it a shower more frequently than if that same dog lived in an apartment indoor, or best even round the clock air conditioned. ​

 
Long coat dogs usually need to be groomed and bathed more often to avoid problems like flea hosting, matting of the coat and skin problems while dogs with a shorter coat require a lower frequency. When you shower your fur kid too often, it can lead to skin irritation or problems. Having said that, breeds like labrador retriver or cocker spaniels have an oilier skin condition that requires a more frequent wash else the so called ‘doggy’ smell will surface. 

NEVER EVER use human shampoo on dogs as certain chemicals, ingredients and scents can have an adverse effect on their skin. We shall discuss more about ingredients in the upcoming article.
Good dog shampoos work to keep the natural oils of the coat and is not too abrasive for your dog’s skin. A healthy dog has natural oils in their skin, and this helps keep their coat healthy. 

Do take note that if your dog is on a medical shampoo for his coat, it tends to be very dry for their skin and coat with prolonged use. Doggy potion is formulated to be effective standalone or even when used alongside with medicated shampoo to moisturise their skin, preventing them from becoming overly dry. Once they get well, immediately switch out the medicated ones to prevent the yeast from getting used to the medication. 
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While dogs don’t require daily scrub downs like we do, they do need regular baths–but just how regular depends on several factors, such as the dog’s environment and type of coat. Chat us up if you need advice on how much bathing is appropriate for your individual dog. 

​Basically, the best way to gauge when your dog needs a bath is to give her a good sniff. How does it smell to you? Not so good? Start running the water.  ​