Paws of Happiness

When we talk about dog attacks and vicious dogs what comes to our head?are usually think of words like under socialized, untrained, possibly fear aggression or maybe aggressive or adversive training.

A vicious dog is a dog with a propensity or tendency to attack. A dog who in danger is the safety of human beings. A dog who chases or aggressively pursues someone.from what I can tell from research. Size, breed, or any individualized details of a dogs physical appearance have nothing to do with that definition.

I’ve went for over 30 years before I was ever bit by a dog. The funny thing is I’ve suffered two dog bites in the last 12 years. One was from a Chihuahua when I was passed the age of 30 and the second was from a pitbull when I was about 38.

The funny thing was the pitbull did not know me but the Chihuahua did. Both attacks were unprovoked. In fact the Chihuahua had engaged me to pet him and when I reached over to pet him as when he attacked me.

Do I consider Pitbulls aggressive vicious dogs that need to be put down in band. Absolutely not I mean if I did I guess I would have to consider Chihuahuas the same way. What’s the difference.?

I’ve read all the stories in the news about Pitbulls killing people in fact I saw a story today and one of the comments was that pitbull needs to be put down and people need to stop owning those dogs. In fact the story today did not even mention a breed someone just assumed because a dog murdered someone by mauling them it must’ve been a pitbull.

I’m so glad I grew up around people who did not breed discriminate. I grew up around German shepherd labrador retrievers, and of course Pitbulls. If they did discriminate it was against smaller dogs. They said they bark too much were a nuisance, and got underfoot too much. I grew up around people who appreciated larger dogs. Yes, I knew dogs could be aggressive and was warned against some of them but it was never because of their physical appearance it was always behavior.

There are over 4 million bites reported in America each year and 17% of them come from Chihuahuas with the highest number being Chihuahuas biting other dogs.I have to believe a lot of Chihuahua bites are not reported. A lot of people underestimate dog bites from smaller dogs and also allow inappropriate behavior from smaller dogs.

There are approximately 4.5 million pit bulls in the United States, making up approximately 5.8% of the country’s canine population. (

In addition to Pitbulls, Rottweilers have obtained an unfavorable reputation over the years. Combining the figures for both dogs computes to 76% of the total fatal dog attacks. However, most breeds that made the list also have strong bite forces compared to other dogs, with the Mastiff often reported to have the strongest pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) bite.

While these numbers may appear shocking, they could be telling a different story. Instead of arguing that Pitbulls bite more, it could be that they are more deadly once they strike.

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Any dog can bite if provoked. That’s just the way it is.Dogs generally bite as a reaction to defend their territory or themselves. So, while Pitbulls may not necessarily bite more, their bite may do more damage, whereas a smaller breed involved in an attack is less likely to be fatal.Paragraph Block. Row 16. There were about $854 million in insurance liability claims for dog bite-related injuries in 2020, with the average cost per claim just over $50,000. Both these numbers are up from the previous year.According to Canine Journal, there were an estimated 78 million dogs in the United States as of 2016. Of those, we saw 4.5 million dog bites, 19% of which resulted in an injury. Totaling $530,000,000 in insurance claims for dog bite-

While any dog can bite, dog owners need to be responsible and raise their furry friends to understand appropriate behavior. Starting young is essential, and following a few simple routines will be your best bet at preventing your dog from becoming a biter:Keep your dog active and healthy by exercising regularly.Call a professional dog trainer. Get help if you need assistance dealing with unwanted behaviors.Expose your puppy to people and let him see that most humans mean him no harm. exposure puppy/dog to other canine human feline and as many different species of friends as you feel like it will need to be exposed to. Also do not allow your dog to bite you on any situation no matter how cute or innocent it seems. It will lead to future bad habits.

Stress such as guests, weather, or fireworks can cause dogs to act out of the ordinary and bite.

Dogs can deal with mental illness just like humans. OCD, extreme fear, or separation anxiety can get a dog out of sorts.

Remember any dog can bite no matter the breed it all has to do with training socialization and behavior.

Pitbulls have often been the target when it comes to identifying dangerous dogs. In the past, efforts have been made, such as banning breeds to improve public safety, but there is no evidence that that has made anyone safer. The truth is people do not train their smaller dogs, they don’t report the bites, so that does not mean they don’t happen. It just means that no one talks about them.

Statistically speaking, two dog breeds are well known for their calm temperament. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are among the friendliest and most sociable breeds who crave human companionship and work-related partnerships.Paragraph Block. Row 17. Even though labradors have a bite of 236 PSI, similar to that of a Pitbull, they were bred to have notably soft mouths to prevent penetrating the fowl they capture. Retrievers know that their bite is not fatal, so they rarely attempt it unless prompted by danger.

I have to admit when I was younger I wasn’t the best at finding appropriate care for my dogs when I was not around. I would get whoever, whenever whether it was a friend, neighbor or a boarding facility. I really did not understand that I had choices in the matter.When I got some age and maturity on me I realize this was not a good solution.

Even boarding facilities were not very wellOnce I got an acquaintance who I had worked for in a professional setting, she did not have a dog of her own and I remember she simply left my dog outside in the yard when I was gone for the whole weekend and never came back to bring her in. Another Even boarding facilities were not very welltime a neighbor left my dog out in a thunderstorm and forgot to bring it in.

Even boarding facilities were not so great. Some of them were dirty and the workers did not seem to care much about the dogs. At that time I did not know that I had options. I did not know how to properly evaluate an establishment to ensure that it was conducive to my specific dogs needs. I didn’t know of any personal dog sitters that took care of dogs in or out of the home and I definitely did not know of dog walkers.

Through trial error and research I realized I did not want to leave my dog with just anyone and I wanted to make sure they were safe. I even had a dog walker let my dog out off leash and it ended up getting killed because it was ran over by a car. So trusting dog sitters is something I struggle with even to this day.

At a boarding/grooming facility the proprietor brought me the wrong dog out when it was time to go home. So that made me uneasy about that sort of establishment as well. She also could not tell my dogs apart and seem to not even care or try to learn their names. I understand when you take care of dogs for a living it’s hard to keep all the names straight but at least to make an attempt, and I wondered, she didn’t write down any of the specific information I gave her about the individual dogs. What if one needed medication?

All things to consider when you’re leaving your dog somewhere make sure it’s clean. Or at least clean enough to have your dogs there. When dogs are around places tend to be a little messy. That’s understandable.

Make sure the dogs are safe. At one establishment they had a boarding facility on a busy road. They would have to take the dogs all out on leash and they didn’t have a whole lot of workers. The place did not have any sort of gate or fencing. Which made me very nervous.

I feed my dogs home-cooked food so a refrigerator is needed and I like them to get the food that I make. Some places are not OK with that. One pet sitter said she had an extra refrigerator just for pets that were not hers. Which made me feel really good.

When establishment/boarding facility/dog sitter said they would rather all small dogs be on harness rather than collar with the leash for extra protection. I was OK with this because this showed me that they were taking my dog safety into consideration.

One time facility quoted me a right over the phone I came the next week to meet with are usually go to the establishment and meet with the individual before drop off just to make sure everything‘s OK,them and I highly suggest that. Always meet with the person who’s taking care of your dog before you take it for a drop off. Look at the facility if possible and ask as many questions as you need to. This place change the price and pretended like they couldn’t remember all the info about my dog once I got there. Not sure if they change their mind but I definitely changed mine.

I also have a policy if the place gets upset about me asking questions or acts like they’re annoyed. I do not leave my dogs there. One facility got upset because I wanted to know how many people work there and what kind of experience they had. They felt like that was intrusive and unnecessary so I felt like I could not trust them.

Before dropping your dog off make sure you know who all is going to be taken care of your dog. What other dogs splash kids/family members are going to be around. If you want to know the experience that’s OK as well. Also talk about your dog extensively with the dog sitter/establishment. Likes, dislikes, what they like to eat, do not like to eat of course allergies and medical problems. Favorite toys, blankets, where they like to sleep, how often they go potty, and how they react in and comfortable situations.This is all extremely important to keep everyone safe.

I really was interested in canine care. I was not really sure which area I wanted to specialize in. With my canine specialist training I learned a little bit about a lot of different areas of dog care. So the latest thing I’ve tried out is dog sitting.

I first started out with fostering dogs which is very different. A rescue or shelter is different than an owner. A lot of times with fostering. Dogs of course have came from bad environments, usually need medical care, so you’re taking care of a lot of physical needs rather than just enjoying time with the dog. Especially if it’s a short term foster which is mostly what I had.

You’re responsible in both situations but I feel like expectations are probably lower with fostering especially with the overpopulation of dogs.

Harder

Dog sitting is a huge responsibility there’s a lot of liability involved. Also dog owners expectations for the dog sitter can be extremely high sometimes even unreasonable and you’ve got to make sure you can meet the expectations of the owner.

I would highly recommend of course talking to the owner a lot it would be best if you start out with someone you know. Not to mention if you have anyone else who has met the dog. Get their ideas of what the dog is like. Of course do a meet and greet with the dog and owner before hand. I was very fortunate I was able to talk to the previous dog sitter in my first dog sitting job and that was great.

Of course make sure everyone in the home is on board with dog sitting especially your other dogs. No your dogs personalities well and make sure the dog you were sitting gets along with other dogs. You learn a lot of you go fortunately I had been a person who fostered dogs so I kind of knew what kind of dynamic was good for my household and what kind of dogs I would be able to take.

Establish boundaries know what you’re comfortable with what your dogs are comfortable with and do not stray from that because if you start taking on things you’re not comfortable with that leads to disaster. Also talk to the dog owner about your boundaries and limitations. Make sure everybody is on board. Example the person that I dog sit for does not allow her dog on the bed but she’s OK with the dog sleeping with the dog sitter. Like I said I spoke to the previous pet sitter so I knew this ahead of time. If she would’ve not been OK with her dog sleeping on the bed at my house I would’ve made other arrangements.

Talk about crate training I worked with foster organizations that required pre-training. I am more comfortable with dogs being in crates when I’m not home to supervise. I’m not a stickler for dogs sleeping in crates or being in crates any other time but I do want dogs to be able to be in crates even for short periods of time. There are people in the world that do not want their dog in a crate at all. I am able to make an accommodation if the dog is not destructive and is housebroken they can be confined to a bedroom when I’m not home but the dog Hass to be able to be housebroken and well behaved when left alone. Otherwise they have to stay in a crate.

I personally am finding that I prefer to use my own leashes my own blankets things like that. Less stuff to have around and keep up with not to mention I do have dogs and I wouldn’t want a stain or tear to get on someone else’s property. If the person really insist that their dog use their things I will work with that as well but I don’t mind providing leashes or blankets or things like that especially if their dog is not particular.

Feeding time

Feeding time should probably be separate especially when you’re feeding your foster dogs or boarding clients. You don’t want any accidents to happen and you do not want your dogs to eat their food or vice versa. Also I recommend letting them bring their own food, feeding another dog is expensive and you don’t want that responsibility if they were to get sick or have a reaction.

I would take extra precautions with any dogs that are not yours. Example I have a fenced in area but for the first few times I still take them out on a leash. You don’t know what kind of crazy antics dogs that you’re not familiar with can get into such as climbing fences or digging holes.

Adventures

I like to take my dog to the dog park but I know dog parks are controversial. When I was fostering one of the rescue said no dog parks so when I took my dogs to the dog park I left the Foster Dog‘s at home. I am picky about who I take to the dog park. It Hass to be dogs that I trust and know a lot about. If I’m not sure I do not take the dog to the dog park and I especially do not take the dog if I do not have the owners permission. Keep in constant contact with the owner and if you can’t, I would have another family member or trusted friend to step in and make decisions in their absence.

Have an information packet on the dog you’re keeping things like veterinarians phone number address and name. Age of the dog shot records allergies any information that the owner thinks is important. Have that written down and put it somewhere safe so that you will know I would also tell the owner that they are responsible for paying any veterinarian bills and make sure the veterinarian takes credit cards or payment over the phone. That way you are not stuck with any medical bills.

Payment

I would highly recommend a deposit especially on long-term boarding clients. If you’re going to have the dog more than a night or two I would definitely recommend a deposit. Also check rates in your area every town is different. I would check to see how much boarding kennels and pet sitter is charged. Make your prices accordingly I would start at a little less when you first begin and then when you build up clientele experience and references you can raise prices.

I would highly recommend taking care of a dog for someone you know first whether it’s fostering, or taking care of a friends dognot without acharge. you’re familiar with. That way you can work out all the kinks, figure out how much work is involved. Also decide whether you want it as a side job or primary job. You might find that you love it or you might find that it’s way too much work. This will help you decide what to charge as well.

If you do decide to keep dogs in your home on a regular basis I would suggest stocking up on some things extra bowls, leashes, blankets, dog shampoo brushes, toys, even treats. Yes in a perfect world the owner would bring all these things but you might find it’s easier to have some of them on hand.

You might want to have a special area for dogs that are not your own. Such as a room or just a special crate that you keep cleaned out. Of course wash everything that the other dog uses that’s yours. Blankets, it might even be nice to wash some of their things that they use at your house if you have the dog for a long-term stay.

Decide if you’re going to require vaccinations. I would at least require what the state requires. Every state is going to be different. Maybe even see if there’s some regulation on what you need to require. Also if you do require vaccinations make sure you check out paperwork and make sure everything‘s current. Another thing think about flea preventative, make sure that these dogs that are not your own are not bringing parasites to invade your home or dog. I would also have some extra parasite preventatives in your home such as flee spray for your yard, home, dogs, and of course bedding. Make sure everything is clean before and after your borders arrive and make sure your borders aren’t bringing guests of their own in the form of parasites or worms.

Decide if you’re comfortable giving out medication. Whether it’s an anabiotic or allergy med or if you’re comfortable taking care of dogs with seizures or diabetes. I am comfortable giving out minor medications but not comfortable taking care of dogs that are terminal or seriously ill with diabetes or seizures.

You also need to decide how available you need to be for the dogs that you’re caring for. Are you able to go to work or go out for a short period of time or is it a dog that needs constant care. I’m not really sure where I stand when it comes to this I would imagine I don’t want any dog that I need to be with 24 seven but I’m OK with having to be home within 2 to 3 hours.

What kind of dogs are you willing to take? I personally want small dogs under 25pounds, no puppies but loves seniors. Larger dogs do not work well with the size of my home yard and other dogs. Smaller dogs are going to work better for me. You might prefer puppies and large dogs which is fine there’s enough dogs to go around for everyone. Just know what you’re comfortable with. Also consider temperament I will not take an aggressive dog whether it’s aggressive to me or my other dogs, so I am going to state that at front.

You also need to consider how long you want to take a dog on for a boarding. I don’t mind even 2 to 3 weeks, but you might prefer short term. You might want to block off times of the year that are not going to work for you such as holidays, where I’m pretty much home all the time so it really doesn’t matter.

Do you have a lot of guest? Guess might let a dog out or be careless or something might happen. I do not have that many people coming over to my house so that’s not something I need to think about. I don’t entertain or have parties or anything like that but if you do you need to have a special area for your dogs that you’re caring for or possibly not schedule any parties or entertaining times during the time you are watching a dog.

How many hours a day are you away from the house. I’m not away very long so I don’t have to worry about that but if you work, or have other obligations such as day trips or maybe just have evenings out with friends you either need a back up which is some thing you will need to cover with the dogs owner, or postpone any of these things during the time you were watching a dog.

Yes I know this sounds like a lot to think about but dog sitting is a huge responsibility. Definitely take it seriously and be sure it’s the thing for you and your household. Before embarking on this journey.

I’ve been in the position where I’ve had to hire pet sitters, board my dogs at facilities, of course use veterinarians, and employee outside help with my dogs. I cannot fathom, after having dogs most of my life from childhood. How someone, could understand the responsibility and liabilities of caring for a dog especially if they’ve never had to do it for their own. I’m also in a position now where I care for other peoples dogs. I believe having my own experiences have better prepared me for taking care of other dogs.

There are many situations that would never happen in volunteering at a shelter/visiting with a friend or seeing a dog on a short term voluntary basis that could happen when having your dog in the home or in a home environment. Things that people just would not know about.I personally would prefer they have pets of their own to allow me to see their pets and know if they look taken care of to the level that I am requiring. Everyone has a different view when it comes to their pets and so long as it is clear as to how their pets are taken care of, it will be a good bet yours will be taken care of in the same manner.

Now on the in the case of a veterinarian, you’re not going to be able to see their pets, but just about every veterinarian I have used has gave me some antidote information or reference their pet in some way.

I just believe having a dog is the only way you truly understand the responsibility. Yes I understand being a dog professional would cause you to get burn out. You work with dogs all day and then you come home and have to care for your dog in the evening but I feel like if you truly have a passion for dogs that’s not going to bother you.

I also believe experience is the best teacher especially in a situation where you’re working with live bodies. Books, information online and things like that are not going to prepare you for the real experience of caring for a live dog, not to mention so many professionals in the Dog community are in regulated. How would anyone even know the level of training the person has had?I also believe experience is the best teacher especially in a situation where you’re working with live bodies. Books, information online and things like that are not going to prepare you for the real experience of caring for a live dog, not to mention so many professionals in the Dog community are in regulated. How would anyone even know the level of training the person has had?

I also think there’s a difference between I had a dog and it passed away or at this time in my life I don’t have a dog then I’ve never had a dog at all. I understand there’s no way to truly know that but still it is a red flag.

Really I believe if someone has never had a dog, in their whole life, and wants to be a groomer, dog trainer, or some thing where they work with dogs all day it makes me think they’re in it for money not a passion for what they’re doing, this could lead to abuse, neglect, or safety issues.

Neglect, a person who does not have a dog with them and has not saw a facets of dog life in existence can not fully comprehend all the needs that the dog has on a regular basis. Abuse, it would be easy to be frustrated with a dog‘s behavior if you are not used to it and do not know how to take certain precautions and protocols to keep your material items, your person, the dog and anyone else safe.

Safety, a person who does not have a dog might not know things that are poisonous to dogs, not know the signs of a dog being in distress either medically or physically, and may not know how to dog proof their home correctly. Not to mention they would probably underestimate the abilities of the average dog.

Why do I have these concerns, remember yourself when you got that first dog,yourself as a green dog owner your first dog maybe even your second think of how much you’ve learned over the years and how many mistakes you made from lack of knowledge. Now it was your dog but if you’re paying someone to take care of that dog and those things happen number one you expect them to know better and you expect them to be educated and experienced enough not to make those minor mistakes. You might be really forgiving and can overlook things, but if you’re paying for a service you expect it to be top notch especially if it’s taking care of your beloved family member.

I understand lack of experience can be rough. If I’m paying for a service I want Great service. Things are expensive these days. Not to mention it’s a huge responsibility. I also know the average dog owner is not going to take as good care of my dog is used to. I see how little basic dog owners know? If someone’s on their first dog or maybe even their second there’s so many things you learn by experience not to mention I’ve been in situations were veterinarians, groomers and other dog professionals have not done a good job so my standards are even higher in that situation. I understand everybody needs grace and understanding and we all make mistakes. That’s not what I’m saying but set the situation up for success not started out on failures edge from the very beginning. Everyone Hass to do what’s best for them and if you’re fully happy with a groomer, veterinarian, or other dog care worker who does not have a dog of their own that’s fine I’m just giving you my point of you.

Here are some things to think about. Think about how many dogs are dying from being left in hot cars. Veteran dog owners who have owned dogs for a long time. Dogs who do not have clean water to drink or not offered water often enough especially in warm weather. Dogs who are dying at grooming facilities, dogs that are misdiagnosed at veterinarian medical facilities how many dogs have died under the care of Rover and wag sitters who are required to have no regulation. Someone who literally has never owned a dog or took care of a dog can get on there and become a rover sitter I saw it myself. not to mention at least in my state veterinarian technicians and Assistance are required to have no regulation. Basically you can go in off the street and get a job doing these jobs. same with groomers. So if these people haven’t even had a dog how on earth are we to even have a way of some sort of peace of mind trusting our dogs in the hands of these so-called professionals.?

Dog grooming information

As I learn about grooming in dogs there’s so many different products and ingredients out there. A lot of them confuse me overwhelm me and leave me frustrated! So I thought I would do some clarification about items to look for in your shampoos conditioners and dog grooming items. Hopefully this will help to straighten out some of the confusion.

First I want to talk about keratin. So many dog shampoos contain keratin. I had to learn what exactly it was.

Keratin is the primary protein that makes up the hair, nails, and skin.

It acts as a protective layer of the skin from the external environment,. But if too much keratin is present, it could build up and cause harm to your dog. A rough, crusty patch can appear on your dog’s paws, nose, and ear when this happens.

A keratin shampoohelps those dogs that have dry or damaged hair A keratin treatment were shampoo will keep a dog‘s coat silky smooth and easy to brush. Just make sure your dog is not getting too much keratin that can be dangerous.

Keratin seems to be good for double-coated dogs or dogs with dry skin and course coats.consult with a professional groomer/veterinarian to know what kind of shampoo would work best for your dog.

Alevera is another ingredient that’s often mentioned in dog grooming circles.

Although there is some controversy on whether dogs should ingest aloe vera, the gel of this plant can safely be used to treat certain skin problems. It can be rubbed on wounds, for instance, to help promote healing. Many pet owners have also found that aloe vera is very beneficial for other skin problems, including flea bites and allergies. Dog shampoos containing aloe vera can also be very soothing.

Certain skin disorders may also benefit from aloe vera. Fleas, allergies, and eczema can all cause intense itching in dogs. When the dog scratches, open sores, infection, and hair loss may develop. Applying aloe vera to the raw areas can often help.

For many of the reasons that Aloe Vera is good for the skin, it can also help your dog’s coat. The hydrating power of aloe vera, coupled with its soothing nature and antibacterial properties, can help reduce itchiness and also acts as a great conditioner that leaves your dog’s coat all smooth and shiny.. In the human world, we tend to think of hair care and skin care as separate things with separate products. But dogs, of course, have skin and hair all mixed together all over their bodies. And that’s why Aloe Vera, with its double duty of helping skin and hair, is perfect for dog products. In the human world, we think of a “conditioner” as something that is all about the hair. But for dogs, it’s also a great skin treatment. Even dogs with very short coats can benefit from it.

As with anything every product is not good for every dog or every human so consult with veterinarians/groomers for questions or how to use ingredients safely.

Did you know that a lot of dog grooming products contain silicon?

Here are some positive reasons that silicon is put into dog grooming products.

It Improves straightening effect by smoothing hair cuticle

Silicon alsoAdditionally, helps humidity and hair re-curl. Aids detangling and brush out., Allows hair to be dried and shaped with less heat application.

One negative effective silicon is a lot of groomers feel that it builds up on dogs coat.Silicones get the blame, but any of the quaternized conditioning ingredients (quats and polyquats), such as Cetrimonium Chloride and Polyquaternium-10 will stick to the hair and have potential for build-up as well. Although some beauty bloggers make a big to-do over the fact that most silicones are not water-soluble and blame this for build-up, the truth is that substantivity (to hair) not solubility (in water) is more of a factor. The products that have the greatest potential for build-up are styling products, not shampoos or conditioners.

Shampooing with a well-formulated sulfate shampoo will generally remove any residue from previous conditioning or styling efforts.

Not sure about you but I always thought probiotics were powders or vitamins some thing you find for the digestive system I was surprised to find that some grooming products shampoos conditioners detanglers, claim that probiotics are in their products.

One product a detangler claims that probiotics,

Naturally relieves and prevents itching, odor, hot spots and shedding for a naturally balanced and healthier looking skin and coat

Some research that I have done leads me to speculate if not believe that probiotics in a shampoo can,. Feed natural bacteria to protect your growth. Keep a healthy biome on your scalp.Balance your pH level to boost shine

Probiotics are commonly thought of as an oral supplement used to help maintain a healthier digestive tract, however, current research is finding that regular topical probiotic use can prove beneficial to healthier skin as well. One of the most common skin conditions in our pets is skin allergies with secondary pyoderma (bacterial skin infection). Researchers are now seeing how the “healthy” bacteria applied topically may benefit these skin conditions.

I’m also noticing a lot of peppermint oil in dog shampoos and conditioners. Here are some reasons for this.Paragraph Block. Row 30. If you have ever smelled strong peppermint oil you know how overpowering it is. Dogs have even more sensitive noses than we do, so their reaction will be stronger. If they smell or inhale too much of it, they might sneeze a lot or their eyes might tear up.

If you have ever smelled strong peppermint oil you know how overpowering it is. Dogs have even more sensitive noses than we do, so their reaction will be stronger. If they smell or inhale too much of it, they might sneeze a lot or their eyes might tear up.

Before we go into the many benefits, it is important for you to know that undiluted peppermint oil can actually be harmful to dogs.

Paragraph Block. Row 44. Peppermint oil and dog shampoos can help repel fleas and ticks and this is great for people who do not want to use any of the chemical parasite preventatives.Peppermint oil has natural anti-microbial properties. It can reduce inflammation and bring relief to skin issues if it is combined with other … natural ingredients.

Peppermint oil can act as a mental stimulant it can help anxiety or dogs that have no energy. Again I highly suggest consulting with your veterinarian and also remember peppermint oil by itself does not seem to be very effective.

Another item that I’ve been seeing a lot and dog products especially shampoos is coconut oil. Again I thought of it is something you digest but I am finding that it is in a lot of hair and skin care products.

Coconut oils and creams can be used for dogs with itchy skin.

. It also helps freshen up a dog’s coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your hands lightly over the coat and,massage it into the skin. Coconut oil has a lot of benefits which is why a lot of people like it in their dog shampoo. It helps with flaky skin.While it won’t dispel fleas and ticks all by itself, it can act as a deterrent to keep new ones from hopping on board! coconut oil also keeps your dogs coat fluffy., while coconut oil has beneficial topical uses, it’s not the cure-all some believe it is. Before you make the decision to use it for whatever ails your dog, talk to your vet and take into account that there have been no credible studies proving that coconut oil aids in thyroid dysfunction, weight loss, gum and teeth diseases, or cancer prevention.

OK now let’s talk about oatmeal.Now when I was a kid that was a breakfast cereal and now it seems that it is good for shampoos of all kinds and lotions. But here we are talking about dogs.

Oatmeal is said to, soothes and moisturizes dry, itchy skin, relieves redness and irritation and can help with hot spots and tick and flea problems. Not to mention, it will leave your dog’s coat feeling soft and shiny.

We’ve known about the benefits of colloidal oatmeal for centuries. Renowned as a powerful skin soother, .

Colloidal oatmeal is known for attracting and holding moisture. When used in a shampoo, it can help to draw moisture into your dog’s skin, which is especially helpful for dogs who suffer from frequent dryness, flakiness, and irritation.Because the cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal act as emollients, a good oatmeal shampoo will leave your dog’s coat feeling clean and soft. Combined with vitamin E and aloe, you’re guaranteed a gentle formula that nourishes your dog’s skin and coat and leaves them feeling happier and healthier.

So here is a lot of information I’ve thrown at you. Don’t worry you can try different things talk to groomers and veterinarians and of course make the best decision that’s good for your dog and your family. Here are just some points to ponder. Hope this has helped you out.

With the shelters rescues and other dog facilities being overran, full and at maximum capacity. Euthanize ation is not a choice that any of us wants to consider in my opinion it’s really not an option if you were euthanizing for space. I am a fan of no kill shelters and rescues of course as most dog advocates are.

What’s the answer if we do not want to euthanize for space? Of course doing what we can as individuals. Fostering is a good option if you have room space time and other resources. The thing about fostering is people jump in without knowing the whole truth. You hear it’s free to Foster! Of course they’re not going to charge you to foster a dog that would be silly. I think sometimes people get caught up in the bright shiny aspect of fostering saving a life doing good and of course these rescues and shelters want us to foster. So they make it seem glamorous easy and some thing that anyone can do.

Do not get me wrong I think if you can Foster definitely do it it’s rewarding, it saves lives and it really is one of the options to get us out of this mess of too many dogs in facilities. So I do believe fostering is a great thing!Do not get me wrong I think if you can Foster definitely do it it’s rewarding, it saves lives and it really is one of the options to get us out of this mess of too many dogs in facilities. So I do believe fostering is a great thing!not to mention it helps a dog get used to a home rather than a facility and of course it’s going to set them up for success when they get their permanent forever home.

There are a lot of things to consider when you decide to foster. A lot of little things that no one mentions. Of course it is not easy anything that’s rewarding and vital to survival is not going to usually be easy. The thing is I think there could be some things that are set up ahead of time to make fostering a better decision for those who actually can and want to do it and maybe suggest that other people help out in other ways.

The biggest thing is the financial aspect. No most of the time as a foster you’re not going to pay veterinarian bills. You are not going to be expected to pay out huge expenses. The thing is some organizations expect you to pay for the food for your fosters. A lot of them do not but that is definitely something you need to check into before you agree.

A lot of time and in my experience the agencies expect you to pay small expenses that at the time probably do not seem huge but overtime especially if you foster on a constant basis or have a long-term Foster can definitely add up. Five to 10 $ here and there consume quickly calculate up to $100.

Example, leashes and collars. Now, if you already have a dog you probably have an extra leash but a collar or harness you might not have on hand. Every dog is a different size so it’s hard to have a host of different sizes at one time. Yes some organizations do provide these types of things but it might take time and you need those things immediately.

Let’s talk about dog food yes most rescues provide dog food but if there’s a case where the dog needs a special diet or wet food when all you have is dry. Usually food at rescues and shelters is donated so they really do not have the choice of what they have on hand. I mean usually they’ll get you what you need but again it might take time or they might want you to purchase it and then reimburse you which also takes time and you have to have the money on hand to do that.

Let’s talk about travel expenses. A lot of time do you have to travel to pick up the dog you have to travel to take it back to the shelter or rescue. You might have to travel to veterinarian appointments, to meet and greets, adoption events, lots of other things.with rising gas prices this might be difficult not to mention if you have a job or other other locatio obligations. I mean can you afford to take the time off work? Do you have the time to devote to all these appointments and you know how veterinary appointments can take time. Not to mention if the rescue or shelter is using spay neuter clinics or low-cost veterinarians they might be in out-of-the-way locations. Which takes more time and gas.



Another expense that I did not think about was crates, puppy pads, stain and odor remover. Things like that sometimes you might have those on hand but crates are not cheap, and a lot of times people don’t have extra ones.





Parasites

Most dogs that come from negative situation and have some sort of parasite whether it’s a skin infection, fleas, ticks or worms sometimes all of the above. Number one the dog needs to be treated hopefully the rescue or shelter is paying for that. Another thing is you run the risk of your pets or home getting infected with the parasites. I would advise the dog have parasite prevention on before coming into your home.

One other thing that was not a problem for me but might be a problem for some people is what if your foster dog is destructive. You run therisk of some of your items in your home getting destroyed. I have never had this happen because I had good management skills but it is definitely something you need to think about.

One big problem I had was although I was with rescues that normally did a lot of dog testing and making sure all dogs entered into the rescue were safe with other dogs. Thingswe’re not always as they seemed. A dog in a shelter or a short term environment does not usually show its true colors. Just like people there’s a honeymoon period. A lot of the dogs that I ended up having in my home were aggressive toward my pets. Which of course made me take a step back from fostering. I recommend making sure your foster/shelter does dog testing. If there’s any chance that you feel that somethings not right with your dogs and Foster definitely advocate for your pets. in fact I would let your own dog meet your foster before you bring it home.

Make sure that the organization that you were fostering through provides support. Mentors, people you can talk to you about any problem you’re having. If they are a hands off organization that offers very little training and support for their fosters find a new organization.

I have fostered through several organizations. I wanted to try out different ones to see what is best. I’ve worked with rescues I’ve worked with shelters. Personally they both have their plus and minuses.

Shelters in my experience and this is only my experience were more hands off not as much support. They didn’t have as many rules and they were very comfortable with letting you choose the dog that you felt was best for your home.

Unfortunately in my situation the shelter dogs did not have very much medical care at all. A lot of times they did not have all their vaccinations, they didn’t have the medical care they needed. They often had parasites. On the other hand they were very good with giving you food and supplies that you needed to take care of the dogs because they had those things on hand.there were not as many traveling expenses basically picking up the dog and taking it back. Unfortunately they didn’t provide medical care so there was no medical appointments to take the dogs to. Which was kind of sad.

The rescues were better they provided more support. The dogs had excellent medical care. They saw to every need medically that the dog had. There were a lot of travel expenses because they expected you to take the dogs to all appointments. You did not have the dogs infoster as long because they moved them out pretty quickly, no parasites. But lots of expenses on little things because they did not have as many supplies on hand so you were expected to get things and be reimbursed or white long periods of time until they can get you what you need or travel long distances to get supplies that were donated. They al you need it. They also worked on volunteer basis only so some things were not as finely tuned as in a shelter. A lot of things were changed or modified as they went. You were expected to do and be more at a rescue just because everyone’s volunteers and doing the best they could. I guess there was a lot more pressure. Also so many people that work through rescues are used to spending out money out of their own pocket for a little things and big things some of that is usually expected even of the fosters. I will add these are my experiences, some places might be different and of course every place is different these are just some concerns that I would definitely address with any place you were trying to foster through. if I would’ve known these things I think I would’ve addressed them myself. Not to mention some places have transport people that’s all they do is transport dogs from here to there so some of these things can be avoided but just make sure if you’re unwilling and able to transport that your rescue or shelter has these things available sometimes they do.

Vacation. Make sure you have your vacations planned out in a way that you can let your fostering organization know ahead of time. So many times I’ve saw people going on vacation and scrambling to figure out a place for a foster. In fact when I was fostering I had a cut off time where I would not take a Foster before my vacation so I didn’t cause any stress on the rescue/shelter.

If after careful consideration you figure fostering is not for you for whatever reason. It could be also your living situation. Not every living situation is conducive to fostering and that’s OK. You can donate. Food, time, cash. You can transport that as a vital part of rescue whether it’s transporting to rescue, from rescue to veterinary appointments. That is another huge need that doesn’t take as much time.There are so many different ways you can help out fostering is not the only way.

I grew up in the 80s and 90s in the south. In a small town. Clean dogs were hard to find. A lot ofof people thought dogs were just smelly creatures and not very clean but. People who did take the time to give their dogs a bath, like my family, used whatever we could. Human shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and sometimes dog shampoo. Dog shampoo, was usually inexpensive and smelled horribly. Most of the time you used it if your dog had fleas or maybe to prevent fleas.

Well, human shampoos can actually harm dogs’ coats. Dog shampoo manufacturers say their products are gentle enough to prevent stripping the natural oils in a dog’s coat but strong enough to get out the dirt. it is suggested to use dog shampoo of good quality or a baby human shampoo that your veterinarian recommends.

Human shampoos are similar to dog shampoos. There are a big variety in both categories and it’s hard to know which one to choose. For me I came from a background of the flea type dog shampoos that smell horrible. I don’t recall them being very expensive but I did recall that they did not smell very well and when my dog took a bath in them they smelled even worse than they did before. That wasn’t appealing to me. I like dog shampoos that smell nice. I want my dog to smell like he or she has had a bath.

Some dog shampoos are designed for certain types of coats, and some are specifically for puppies. There are lots of things to consider!

So I got myself a bichon in 2017. Before then I had never had a solid white dog. They get so dirty and messy and it’s so easy to see dirt on them. Those types of dogs benefit from whitening shampoo although it’s not a requirement you can use other shampoos but I’ve tried a lot of different types of these.These are for dogs who are supposed to be sparkling white after a bath, as opposed to the beige mess they were beforehand.

I love good smelling sense.no surprise I like good smelling dogs as well. No rinse/waterless shampoos are a good thing for a quick fix. Not to replace a full bath but in between baths they can be a lifesaver for dogs that just can’t stay out of the dirt. I like several brands especially ones with Goodcents. My favorites are since like vanilla and baby powder and things that stay on for a while.

Of course you have your deodorizing shampoos which I also like because I love a good smell. Dogs that tend to roll in the dirt/dead animals or just get really messy and smelly could benefit from a deodorizing shampoo.

Of course I’m not a fan of medicated shampoos for obvious reasons I do not enjoy the smell and of course usually if you’re using them it’s because of a unfortunate situation.Medicated shampoos can help you deal with certain problems — like helping to keep away fleas, ease itching, and heal mange. They’re much harder to use, though, for the simple fact that, in order to be at all effective, most have to remain on your dog for ten minutes before rinsing.

Hypoallergenic shampoos are good with dogs with sensitive skin or maybe for people who are sensitive to different smells. There could be a whole host of reasons why a hypoallergenic shampoo type would be best

And Anti|itch shampoos might be your bestsituation.These shampoos contain anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, such as hydrocortisone or lidocaine. You can purchase most of them over the counter

You also should consider whether you want to use natural dog shampoo or chemical dog shampoo there are some of each category no matter what you choose. Organic, expensive, cheap. Offbrand namebrand hi brand. You can also consult with your groomer if you use one and ask what they use. They usually have a lot of ideas about dog shampoo.

Some other options would be shampoo for long-haired dogs, shorthair dogs, curly dogs, straight haired dogs, also, D shedding, double coat, single coat. Volumizing, moisturizing, hydrating, so many choices. It’s OK to try a few before you find one you like.

There is also conditioning dog shampoo! So whatever you’re looking for whether your dog has a dry coat and oily coat ET see. You can find the perfect shampoo for you and your dog.

Not to mention of course there a parasite shampoos whether your dog has mange, fleas, ticks or some thing else you can probably find a shampoo to help with it.

I advise all the owners to research grooming practices and try to do as much at Home as possible. Number one you can save money but if you feel like you’re not able to do it at home do not be a shame to outsource help. The thing is like the situation with the pandemic you might be in a position where you can’t get your dog to the groomer and you need to do some basic things at home such as bathing and brushing.

I suggested all dog owners be able to at least bathe their dog somehow someway so have some sort of dog shampoo on hand and possibly no rinse/waterless shampoo as well. You never know when your dog‘s going to be sick, rolling something or just have a very bad smell.

A dog groomer told me at one time that most people who have dogs do not know how to brush them. When I told people that they said that was crazy. You get a brush and you brush your dog right! Not really. Not all dog breeds need the same brush and also all brushes are different sizes you need a size proportionate to your dog. I remember as a young child being told to brush my dog with a regular human hairbrush. I remember thinking this is not working!them. When I told people that they said that was crazy. You get a brush and you brush your dog right! Not really. Not all dog breeds need the same brush and also all brushes are different sizes you need a size proportionate to your dog. I remember as a young child being told to brush my dog with a regular human hairbrush. I remember thinking this is not working!

Did you know, brushing your dog with the wrong brush or the wrong method can cause skin irritation and add more matting to the coat.No matter your dog’s coat type, always brush in the direction that your dog’s fur grows.

A lot of people like to use the grooming gloves to brush their dogs which are useful for short haired dogs.

Dogs with smooth coats usually do not shed much but there’s always an exception to the rule.A dog disshedding tool could be useful in these situations.

Sometimes a rubber brush is useful for dogs with short double coat such as labradors and huskies.

A slicker brush is useful for dogs with medium double coats such as German shepherds and corgis. some people prefer a steel comb for these breeds or a D matting rake but I was cautioned by a groomer to not use a D matting rake if you do not know what you’re doing because you can harm your dog.

If your dog hazmat that you cannot simply brush out no matter what you do, you can use a D matting tool but be very careful they’re sharp and I would totally ask for help if you get in over your head. if you feel like you can handle it on your own, gentlypick them apart, from the top of the mat to the bottom. Keep a comb between the mat and your pup’s skin—you can cut your dog if you aren’t careful! Let a groomer shave out mats next to the skin.

Curly and wavy coats mat easily and require daily brushing unless you keep your dog’s coat clipped short. Daily brushing is recommended with a slicker brush.followed by a metal comb .

You should be able to get the comb through all your dog’s fur. For mats you can’t brush out, use a dematter .

Whether fine or thick, straight coats can be tricky to keep brushed out. If you choose to keep your dog in a short clip, you can use a slicker brush .. Work on the hair one section at a time. Starting at your dog’s feet, lift a section of hair and brush underneath. Using this technique, gradually make your way up your dog.Holding a section of hair while you brush the end helps you not to yank on your pup’s skin.

You need to brush dogs with wiry coats about once a week to remove undercoat and keep them looking nice. Use gentle pressure with a slicker brush.Did you know that water makes mats worse? You should always brush your dog and remove mats before bathing them. Plus, you’ll wash less hair down the drain.After the bath, once your dog is dry, brush them again to remove any knots, prevent mats and help them look their best.

Brushing your dog is vital to its best life.

It reduces shedding irritation and matting. Matting is very uncomfortable for the dog.

Additionally brushing,Allows you to spot lumps, bumps, parasites and skin issuesBrushing a dog is a critical part of keeping them healthy and happy, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. As long as you keep up with it, brushing your dog can be something you both enjoy. If you’re still struggling to keep your dog brushed out, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local groomer for tips. And remember—the best way to brush a dog is what works for both you and your dog.

When I was a child I had a mixed free dog. This was in the late 80s early 90s. We brushed her with a human brush and probably washed her in human shampoo or some cheap flea shampoo for dogs that smelled like medication.

I remember when we discovered doggy deodorant and sprayed it on her to smell good do not get me wrong she was bathed regularly and brushed regularly and in very good health but we did not know too much about the grooming situation.I remember when we discovered doggy deodorant and sprayed it on her to smell good do not get me wrong she was bathed regularly and brushed regularly and in very good health but we did not know too much about the grooming situation.

As an adult I actually bought my first Chihuahua mix a dog brush and of course bought her the same flea type shampoo that smelled like medication because it was cheap and I did not know what I was doing. Then with my next dog I remember learning about dog groomers I started taking her to different dog groomers because she was a sheep dog mix and trying to learn more about brushing her and Dog products. It was all overwhelming and expensive so I really did not know where to go with that.

I remember thinking that she smelled so much better when the groomer gave her a bath and I did and it really frustrated me. The groomer was helpful and gave me some ideas about doggy deodorant that I could spray on her but it was expensive!

Is that got into my 30s and had different dogs started on my Journey with Shetland sheep dogs. I got a self cleaning pin brush which was not effective with brushing my double coated dogs. then I double coated dogs. I got a D matting rake which was helpful with a shelties. I started asking more questions. Some groomers were willing to help and give you information while others just wanted you to spend your money in the salon. Also I learned different groomers had different levels of skill and so I really needed to know what was important to me.

Example some groomers were willing to cut my double coated dogs down just fine well others told me not to but never told me why. They were just pushy and said I wouldn’t cut those dogs down if I were you but they never said it could damage their health.

When I did the wrong things due to ignorance,And I struggled with the brushing process they just cut my dogs down shorter. They never gave me any ideas or helpful hints to keep my dogs free from Matt‘s and fluffy.

I continually said I don’t know what I’m doing. I understand it’s not a groomers job to educate me but I just did not know where to go or who to ask.One groomer said you need to bring your dog to be groomed more often and acted like I was a bad person well she never got my business again.

I just kept going and trying new groomers asking more questions the Internet was not as available so I didn’t have that as an option. So many people in my area we’re doing the same things. I did not even know how many brushes there were that there were different types of dog shampoo and that different dogs had different coats so they need a different products.

I bathe the dogs and Dawn dish soap because that was supposed to help with fleas and be healthy so I did. Another friend said only use human shampoo because that was better.

As an experience as I was in 2017 I got a bee Sean which demands lots of grooming and lots of care but her hair was so pretty well when I first got her she had been cut with a surgical blade so I knew that wasn’t right by her old owner and she looked terrible. I had to wait for her hair to grow back and then I took her to another groomer. Who almost gave me the wrong dog when I came to pick her up. I still wasn’t really happy with her haircut so I just kept on trying different places.

I Paid a dog walker who is excellent at brushing her out. And she always looked great. I kept trying different groomers. Most of them did not know how to cut a be Sean. Fun fact the grooming industry is totally unregulated. Anyone who wants to can be a groomer where they have education or not. I prefer the ones to have had some education but other people are just fine with one too have not. I also think it has to do with, what kind of dog you have, and what you want done with that dog. If you just want them bathe then brushed out yes lots of people can do that without education but if you want a haircut that’s suited to the breed that takes a little more skill not to say it has to be from some sort of formal education but in my experience it works out better when it has been.

Later in the game I learned about the unregulated grooming industry I also learned that groomers were supposed to be tipped. I had no clue I also learned that some groomers groomed dogs on a specific schedule not just when you call. I also learned about all sorts of groomers. There are groomers who take appointments , are groomers that are same day, their are groomers that stack dogs and have tons of dogs dropped off all at the same time. I even found a groomer who basically said every dog needs to be dropped off by 12 no appointments she grooms was there that day and you don’t have to worry about making an appointment. There are also groomers who make an appointment and groom that dog in the next dog only comes in when the first dog is finished that way that groomer does not have to deal with a bunch of dogs all at one time.

The grooming industry is full of information and it’s just a matter of finding it. I started learning about different types of shampoo at one point in time every time I found a cheap type of dog shampoo that had a good scent I bought it. I had so many different ones and just kept trying them out. I learned about shampoo with conditioner shampoo without conditioner waterless shampoo whitening shampoo. So many options.

I continue to ask groomers questions one groomer told me most owners do not know how to

groomer said most dog owners do not know how to properly brush out their dog,and are probably using the wrong brush. I asked some questions and she gave me some answers. I have found though it’s very hard to get them to tell you anything but I will say a good groomer is going to want you to brush out your dog and is at least going to tell you what kind of brush to get and maybe even what kind of shampoo. That is not going to take away from their business. So if your groomer is not willing to even help you with that maybe you should try to move on?

With everything going up in price grooming including I decided I needed to do something different first of all my groomer was charging me fees for my dogs being mad and I did not want that to continue plus then you have to have your dog cut really short. I started reading, taking online classes watching videos listening to podcast I had to be able to learn something. Finally with a last stitch effort I employed a friend to help me out who is actuallyCosmetologist which is very different but that was the best thing I had I bought a pair of dog clippers and we sat out on an adventure to learn together.

I’m not saying I will never use a dog groomer again because I’m sure I will but I’m going to try to do as much as I can. A few years ago I had a groomer that would come to the house, she Took care of the nails, brushing, and clipping/trimming. I took care of all the bathing. I got a wand to hook to my shower so that I could have a handheld device to rinse the dogs with and stop using a cup that was one of my major problems with bathing my dogs I couldn’t rinse them well with a cup. Not to say no when can I just can’t. I also got a suction cup to tether to the collar to help hold them inside the tub. Which illuminate some of the frustration and stress. I also got specially formulated bathing towels for dogs to dry them. Next I want grooming tables blow dryers and things like that but that will take time. Bathing the dogs is a lot easier with all the new things I have to help me. The dogs are getting used to the process. Not sure if I will always have a cosmetologist friend to come help but who knows. Not sure how self-sufficient this process will be but any little bit I can do at home helps.



🗣🐶 we all have bathed our dogs in Dawn dishwashing liquid right! We’ve always heard it was the right thing to do and let’s face it the product works well and it’s affordable. I’m here to tell you after taking grooming courses and learning more about dog skincare it is not a good thing to do. Here’s some reasons why although your decision your dog I get it. Dish soap could potentially irritate your dog’s skin because it’s made to eliminate grease and oils, which means your dog’s healthy skin oils could be washed away.

So, if you use a non-dog shampoo (including Dawn dish soap) on your dog, you run the risk of the product disrupting your dog’s skin acid mantel, causing irritation and inflammation.

So, if you use a non-dog shampoo (including Dawn dish soap) on your dog, you run the risk of the product disrupting your dog’s skin acid mantel, causing irritation and inflammation.

let’s remember Dawn dish soap is a cleaning product! Like any other cleaning product, Dawn dish soap could be harmful when ingested.” Dawn can also be irritating to your dog’s eyes. Dawn is often not thoroughly washed out of dog’s hair/fur and from skin. This can leave the dog itchy and with irritated skin. Essentially, for Dawn soap to be reliable in removing oils, it has to possess excellent grease-fighting capabilities. For dogs, this can be a problem—it can be too harsh for them! The natural oils on your pup’s skin play a significant role in keeping his skin hydrated and his fur smooth.Skin is a wonderful invention – it guards against dehydration; protects man’s best friend from exposure to the weather and provides follicles for hair growth; and last but not least makes pets very huggable. So what’s the difference between human and his best friend?The epidermis is the body’s environmental shield that works as a barrier against injury, disease, and damage from ultraviolet light and is constantly replaced. Canine epidermis has a turnover rate of 20 days compared to humans which occurs approximately every 28 days. The epidermis of a dog is 3-5 cells thick however in humans it is at least 10-15 cells thick.When hair grows in a canine it grows in bundles. When a human hair develops it grows as a solitary hair and continues to grow unlike dog’s hair which grows in cycles. When dog hair reaches a certain length determined by the individual dog’s genetic makeup, it stops growing, then dies. That’s when shedding begins.The dog’s dermal skin layer has two types of glands that produce fluids. The apocrine glands, which produce sweat in humans, have two other functions in dogs – they help seal the outer layer of the epidermis and they secrete pheromones that give dogs a distinctive body odour. The eccrine glands in the pads of the paws do produce a watery secretion similar human perspiration. This secretion leaves damp pawprints behind nervous or stressed canines and may also improve traction for a quick getaway.

. “Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice to bathe your dog in rare circumstances, but it is not recommended as a regular shampoo.” Your dog’s skin can be sensitive to allergies, have different coat conditions, and even different pH levels than human skin, so this strong soap can be very irritating to their skin.

Even riskier is the chance of your dog ingesting dish soap. They might cry or whine if it gets in their eyes, but will you be able to tell if they swallow it? not only that each type of dog has different needs for bathing. According to their skin, coat type, and any other pre-existing conditions.. Always read the label carefully and look for gentle ingredients that won’t strip the natural oils from the skin. You can also discuss your dog’s bath time needs with your veterinarian.