Bathing

[Ashley]

Those with hairier dogs will no doubt be able to help more, although my experience of JRTs says others may be helpful too....

Every time I have Holly out for long walks, she gets absolutely filthy, and as her hair is getting longer its becoming useless trying to use a wet facecloth to clean her, then a towel to dry her.
She has had a few baths already (likes to run and jump in the muddiest areas), and is fine in the bath, but I dont want to have to bath her all the time, I know this isnt good for dogs.

Today, for instance, Jaydee and I went to the Glen (before you guys, as I thought it may be too busy) and when we came back she was filthy - into the bath she went.

It would be easier if we had a garden, but since we live in a flat, she is straight into the hall
What on earth will I do when her hair gets really long lol HELP!
_________________
Ashley with Holly & Murphy.
I hope to one day be as great as my dog thinks I am right now!!

[marcella]

how about just popping her into a basin of water to rinse the mud off? Rather than a full bath which isn't good for your dogs coat on a regular basis as it strips the natural oils out.
Our two get a hose at the back door if they are really muddy............. which is most of the time!!

[Enid]

I wrap mine in a towel and take them straight from the car to the bath when they are really muddy. They know to stand there while I rinse their legs with the spray and dry them off. No shampoo needed!

They love the hairdryer afterwards too!
_________________
"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet" - Edith Wharton

[Ashley]

Thats what I done today - into the bath for a rinse, but no shampoo!
Cheers guys!
_________________
Ashley with Holly & Murphy.
I hope to one day be as great as my dog thinks I am right now!!

[Robert Baskerville]

Hi,

Another idea instead of bathing is to pop Holly onto some vet bed until her coat is dry, then use a slicker brush and the dirt should brush out relatively easily. This will avoid matting her coat if you towel dry when dirty. Hope this helps!

[marcella]

Robert, what's a slicker brush?

[kendal]

they come in different shapes and sises, i have large, medium and small but mine are all flat. im planing on getting a curved one.
_________________
microchiping and grooming www.chipnclip.co.uk

[Robert Baskerville]

Hi Marcella,

A slicker brush has numerous pins in it for removing tangles, mats, dead hair and dirt and should be used before combing through. They come in various sizes. Puppy slickers are also available - the pins are more flexible and therefore softer to use.

When using a slicker brush try to use a rolling action from the wrist to avoid slicker burn which can cause irritation and is not very pleasant.

They are available at good pet stores.

[Ashley]

Thanks folks, I'll look out for one of these!
_________________
Ashley with Holly & Murphy.
I hope to one day be as great as my dog thinks I am right now!!

[Gaelle]

That's what I do with my 2. They are supposed to be white but often are mud coloured. I towel dry them to get most of the really wet stuff off, then they go on to their vet beds until they are dry, then I brush them and the remaining mud just flakes off. If there is any remaining mud on their skin I'll just take a damp cloth to that particular area and hey presto clean dogs again!

[kirsty]

Im interested in the idea of toweling causing clumping of the fur, I am constantly at bob with scissors. He knots constantly. Must try one of these.

I tend to pop both of mine on to a bit of vet bed- i end up with the floor covered in black powder, but the option, which is also regular, is my carpets, which thankfully are few, getting completely black.

[Suzanne H]

I'm so glad I have a short haired brown dog. We smell the dirt before we see it

Quick skoosh with the hose and a towel down and that's him. Well apart from the muddy footprints, just glad I have a tiled kitchen.

[marcella]

I can relate to that Suzanne .................... Murphy comes in lies down under my desk, looks clean ......... and then the smell of fox pee hits you

[Suzanne H]

Otto's dirt is underneath - he just runs and even tho the top looks clean he is manky underneath and the smell of peat bog is not nice. Doesn't like getting his bits skooshed that's for sure.

[marcella]