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WHY DOES MY DOG OR CAT NEED TO BE BATHED?
Some animals are never bathed and come to no harm at all. However bathing has lots of advantages. The obvious one is that
your friend will be much more pleasant to have around! Bathing cleans the skin, removes dirt and debris from the coat, loosens
and removes dead hair and skin flakes, and conditions the living hair to produce a shiny healthy appearance. Less dead hair
and dirt in your dog's coat will make him more comfortable and less likely to scratch and cause skin damage.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY PET NEED A BATH?
Once a month is good. Bathing more frequently is not recommended, as too-frequent bathing reduces the amount of protective
oil in your cat or dog's coat. Less protective oil can leave the coat dull and brittle. This dries out the skin, which then
becomes itchy, flaky and at risk of disease. The oil also helps to repel dirt - too much bathing (more often than every 3
weeks) can actually make your dog get dirtier faster!
WILL MY CAT OR DOG LIKE BEING BATHED?
Bathing and drying should be pleasant for your pet - there is absolutely no reason for fear or discomfort. Most enjoy
the process; however, some dogs and cats may be frightened. A few dominating dogs consider it all to be disrespectful and
react accordingly. Gentle, firm handling, lots of patience, treats and praise for good behavior will usually win a dog over.
WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
For most dogs and cats, a professional shampoo and conditioner is used to provide thorough cleaning and conditioning of
the coat - without stripping out all of the protective oils. Other types of shampoos are also used on occasion - special shampoos
for white dogs, sensitive dogs and cats and harsh coated dogs. All of these shampoos are environmentally safe, gentle on your
pet and rinse out thoroughly. If your pet requires a particular medicated shampoo or you just have a favorite kind, this can
be used instead.
MY DOG HAS SKIN PROBLEMS...
Often times a change in diet or a trip to the vet can help certain skin conditions. Please let us know if you have medicated
that you would like us to use. If you know your dog has skin problems or is sensitive to shampoos, please say. A gentle shampoo
is used on sensitive dogs and puppies.
WHAT ABOUT PUPPIES?
Gentle, safe shampoo is used on puppies, as on all dogs. Puppies should be bathed and groomed regularly, from the age
of four weeks on so that they get used to the process and learn how to behave.
CAN MY PET BE BATHED IN COLD WEATHER?
Kip bathes and grooms dogs in an enclosed, heated truck - using warm water and a highly effective warm-air blow dryer.
Your dog will never be sitting around getting chilled.
WILL YOU DRY MY DOG OR CAT PROPERLY?
In most cases, yes; but some animals strongly dislike having the blow dryer around their head and it is sometimes better
to leave this part slightly damp than to panic your pet. Your pet will never be turned out into the cold while he is still
damp and there is absolutely no chance of him becoming chilled no matter how bad the weather may be.
WHY DOES MY DOG STILL SMELL AFTER A BATH?
Most dogs should smell pleasant after bathing. Continual bad odor may indicate a medical problem. Ear infections, skin
disease, internal disorders, dental decay and fungal infections can all create an unpleasant smell. If monthly baths are not
keeping your dog smelling sweet, then you should consult your vet and get your dog checked out. A poor quality diet can also
cause your dog to smell less than pleasant. Many dogs, however, just have a natural "doggy" smell, particularly
males, and nothing much can be done about it. Bathing your dog more often than once a month is unlikely to make a difference
and is not recommended.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE OTHER BATHING-RELATED QUESTIONS!
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