Tips For Grooming German Shepherd Dogs - Bathing German Shepherd Dogs
One most frequent question that I usually come across is: “How often should I bath my German Shepherd?” Most of the dog sites state that dog doesn't need so frequent bath. True indeed! They do not need frequent bath. But I am sure you don't find this answer quite satisfactory. Well, a lot of things are to be considered to decide how often if you should bath your German Shepherd. Frequent bathing washes off the natural oil of their skin, making it dry and produces dandruffs, which can be one of the major reasons of seborrheic scurf and other dermal infection. Over-bathing your German Shepherd Dog should be avoided to avoid drying out of his skin.
The first thing to be considered is how well you maintain him.
Secondly, the country you live and it's climatic condition are of the next prime imporant points to be considered.
Thirdly, season
Fourthly, regular brushing keeps your dog clean.
Fifthly, the place you keep your dog is the last point... but not the least!
A well maintained dog usually doesn't require frequent bath. Maintenance includes everything, starting from feeding right kind of foods to regular cleaning. In fact, to avoid over-bathing proper maintenance is of prime importance. It keeps the most beloved member(s) of your family live a happy and healthy life.
Next most important point is the country you live in. Most people, I have seen, overlook the point. If you are living in tropical country, most likely you may need to bathe your dog more frequently than if you live in colder region. Summers in topical region are really the most dangerous time of the year for breeds like Alsatian dogs. Frequently bathing – sometimes as often as once a week may be required during summer in tropical countries. Summer is the killer season for breeds like German Shepherds in tropical countries. During the flea season, you may need to bathe your German Shepherd Dog more often as a part of a the flea control program.
Routine and regular brushing keeps your shepherd's coat free from mats and tangles, which naturally keeps him clean. Not so frequent washing is required.
Lastly you must keep your kennel clean. It's part of your daily routine.
Make sure you use the soap and shampoo specially made for dogs. Why? Because, the body "pH" of a dog is much different from that of human beings. Also remember GSDs' skin "pH" are comparatively higher than most of the other breeds. Picking the right kind of soap and shampoo finds its importance here, when it comes to bathing your shepherd. Make sure water should enter the ears... if this happens, it may end up with serious ear infection in future.
Make sure you rinse him well. Left over shampoo and residual of soap leather will cause skin irritation and infection in future.
Wet coat gets easily tangled. Make sure to dry him well after the bath.
Here's another important tips, you might not have heard before! Between two consecutive baths you can easily manage the odor that can come during this long span of time! All you need to do is to massage some baking soda into the shepherd's coat properly and brush it off well. This will remove the odor. You can repeat this at an interval of 10 – 15 days. This is a temporary deodorizing technique for your dog.
How to use baking soda?
Interestingly, it's quite easy! And you don't need to call a professional groomer for that.
- Just make him lie of the floor.
- Sprinkle small amount of baking soda powder on his body part that can be massaged.
- Massage him properly.
- Make him roll the other side and repeat the process.... it's as simple as this!
