Use a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Avoid using human shampoos, they may have too high acidity level for a dogs' sensitive skin.
Lets talk about additives to dog shampoos to make them more effective on a dirty, oily dog, or if Fido has been sprayed by a skunk.
Dawn Original Dish Soap Is Safe, Most of us are probably aware that Dawn Original dish soap is commonly used to clean wildlife caught in oil spills. Gentle enough to clean even baby animals, it's strong enough to handle the worst messes your dog will encounter as well.
If sprayed by a skunk, Dawn Original removes oil from the skin (skunk spray adheres to the oil), using diluted Dawn Original prior to skunk shampoo may increase it's efficiency.
Dawn Original kills adult fleas (fleas can usually float in water, but the chemical reaction interferes with the flea's exoskeleton, causing them to sink and drown) Dawn Original is ineffective against flea eggs or immature fleas and compete flea control requires medication to breaking the flea life cycle.
Veterinarians in animal shelters often use Dawn Original to kill fleas on puppies and kittens too young for other flea control medications.
Dawn Original will get your dog clean, but there's a catch. While the soap is non-toxic to dogs, it could dry out your dog's skin and hair. To counter the drying effect Dawn Original should be mixed with a skin soothing shampoo. Our favorite is a high quality oatmeal shampoo. Here are 7 benefits of Oatmeal shampoo for dogs:
Helps Relieve Dry Skin.
Aids Skin Conditions.
Soothes Irritated Skin.
Cleans & Softens the Skin.
Helps Develop Shiny Coat.
Nourishes Coat.
Itch Relief.
*When using an oatmeal based shampoo ( we use a concentrate 1 gallon makes 16 when diluted ) add 1/4 cup Dawn Original to one gallon of shampoo mixture (you can increase the Dawn Original depending on how oily or dirty the dog is).
*SHAMPOO the entire dog a minimum of 2 times.
Rinse thoroughly! Residue from any shampoo including a hypo-allergenic or even tearless will irritate the skin if not thoroughly rinsed out!
*The last step is a high quality conditioner that contains Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Aloe, Panthenol, Jojoba, Shea Butter, Soy Protein, Vitamin E & Burdock Root are also great skin and coat conditioners.
*A dog that is extremely dirty and oily is likely to be itchy and have irritated skin prior to the bath. If the dog has irritated, flaky or dry skin soak for 5 minutes & repeat.
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