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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!

Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

Dog of the Day:

Sarah!

Meme of the day: Basically every minute of every day!

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Splish Splash! How Often Should You Bathe Your Best Friend?

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of snuggling up with a fresh, clean dog. That wonderful "dog-gone" good smell is a little slice of heaven! But if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your pup (who just rolled in something questionable) and wondering, "How often is too often for a bath?" you're not alone.

The truth is, there's no universal one-size-fits-all answer. Your dog’s perfect bathing schedule is as unique as they are! It's all about finding the sweet spot that keeps them smelling great and, more importantly, keeps their skin and coat healthy.

The Balancing Act: Cleanliness vs. Skin Health

While a bath is essential for removing dirt, debris, and that famous "dog odor," it also strips away some of the natural oils that protect your dog's skin and coat. These natural oils are vital for moisture and defense. Bathing too frequently can lead to dry, itchy, or irritated skin, and a dull coat.

So, how do you balance the need for cleanliness with the need to protect their natural defenses? By considering a few key factors:

Factors That Determine Your Dog's Bath Schedule

Coat Type and Length

Long-Haired/Curly Coats (e.g., Poodles, Collies, Golden Retrievers): These coats are magnets for dirt and are prone to tangling and matting. They often need more frequent bathing, typically every 4 to 6 weeks. Regular brushing in between baths is essential to prevent mats, which can be painful.
Short-Haired/Smooth Coats (e.g., Beagles, Boxers, Vizslas): Their coats tend to repel dirt better and don't tangle easily. They generally require baths less often, possibly only every 1 to 3 months, or simply when they get visibly dirty or stinky.
Oily Coats (e.g., Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels): Breeds with oilier skin may need more frequent washing, sometimes even once a week, to prevent oil buildup and odor.

Lifestyle and Activity Level

The Weekend Warrior: Does your dog love to swim, hike, or roll in every mud puddle they find? An adventurous, outdoor lifestyle naturally means more frequent baths are in order!
The Couch Potato: Indoor-only dogs or those with a low-activity level simply don't get as messy. They can happily stretch the time between baths.

Skin and Health Conditions

Allergies or Skin Issues: If your veterinarian has prescribed a medicated shampoo for allergies, excessive scratching, or skin infections, you must follow their bathing instructions precisely. This may mean washing your dog more or less frequently than normal, depending on the treatment plan.
Your Own Allergies: If a human family member is allergic to dog dander, a weekly bath may be recommended to help wash away dander and reduce allergens in the home.

The General Guideline

For most healthy dogs, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a bath once a month. This frequency is enough to keep them clean without stripping their coat of essential oils.

But don't forget the ultimate test: Trust your nose and your common sense!

If your dog is visibly dirty, has an overpowering odor, or has just had an unexpected roll in the grass clippings (or worse!), it's time for a bath, regardless of the calendar.

Bathtime Tips for a Happy Pup

Brush First: Always brush your dog before the bath to remove loose hair and untangle any mats. Water tightens mats, making them painful to remove later.
Use Dog-Specific Shampoo: Human shampoos have the wrong pH balance for a dog's skin, which can cause irritation and dryness. Choose a high-quality, gentle shampoo formulated for dogs.
Lukewarm Water: Make sure the water is comfortably lukewarm, not hot.
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Shampoo residue is a common cause of skin irritation. Be sure to rinse until the water runs completely clear.
Make it Positive: Use a non-slip mat, lots of cheerful praise, and high-value treats (a lick mat smeared with peanut butter is a great distraction!) to make bath time a fun, positive experience.

When in doubt about your dog’s specific needs, always consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer. They can offer personalized advice to ensure your dog is as happy and healthy as they are clean!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free-Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats, for possible bird flu exposure.

The Smile Section

Family Photo of the Day:

Maggie May!

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.

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