Dog grooming refers to both a disciplined procedure in which a dog's outward physical appearance is improved for show or other competitive events and the hygienic maintenance of a dog. A dog groomer (as just "a dog groomer" or "dog groomer") is someone who makes a living professionally grooming dogs. To become a professional dog groomer you need to be licensed in your state or region and have several years of experience grooming dogs of all types and sizes. Licensed dog groomers must also complete an approved dog grooming school and receive continuing education credits to keep their licenses current.
It's important to use the right dog shampoo for your dog. Not all shampoos are created equal. Some dog shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and cause dog shampooing itch. If you're concerned about your dog's sensitive skin, consider a dog shampoo that contains natural ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, lavender, and tea tree oil.
Make sure you read the instructions on any dog shampoo bottle before you use it to find out what type of lather it produces. The proper lather, or conditioning formula, will help to cleanse, moisturize, and condition your dog's coat, nails and skin, so choose one that is appropriate for the type of coat your dog has. Mild dog shampoo formulas should provide excellent results if used properly and regularly. Formulas with stronger or harsher ingredients are more likely to irritate the skin and promote further skin problems in your dog. Use a mild, non-alcoholic dog shampoo formula every few months to encourage the growth of new, healthy coats.
If you have any questions about the proper formulae for any dog shampoo you're thinking about buying, contact your local pet store or your veterinarian, and ask for their advice. Most vets will be happy to help you pick the best shampoo for your mutt. But keep in mind that bathing your dog once or twice a week is generally sufficient, but some dogs like to bathe more frequently. So, check with your vet to be sure that you're not bathing your dog too often.
Dog shampoos that contain natural or organic ingredients are a good choice if you're concerned about detergents or odors. Organic products eliminate the harsh chemicals often found in commercial shampoos and provide a refreshing smell and softer feel to your pup's coat. Sulfates are common additives in commercial dog shampoos, and these can cause unpleasant odors and flakiness. Many veterinarians recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain cleaner fur and fewer odors. However, the key to keeping your dog smelling and feeling it's very best is to always rinse them thoroughly after bathing.
Some dogs have sensitive skin, and they may develop skin irritations when using shampoos containing fragrances or dyes. Sensitive skin may also become inflamed if flea bites occur after shampooing. If you have a dog that suffers from flea dermatitis, you should take special care to follow all of the steps in the Shampooing Your Dog Article. In particular, make sure that you rinse your dog thoroughly (without scrubbing) after the flea baths, and never use any other harsh shampoo on sensitive skin. Be especially careful about using vitamin e or sulfates on irritated skin, as these ingredients can lead to further irritation.
For most dog owners, the biggest question is whether hypoallergenic dog shampoo is truly effective. Hypoallergenic shampoos eliminate most of the harsh chemicals and so lessen irritation and allergy-inducing effects. Hypoallergenic brands frequently use plant-based ingredients like aloe vera or capsaicin, which are gentle, non-irritating cleansers. Hypoallergenic shampoos are formulated for dogs with sensitive skin, and they usually lack fragrances and dyes. These types of shampoos can be helpful for dogs with acne, eczema, or dandruff since they tend to reduce dryness and itchiness.
Most dog owners find that their dogs tolerate hypoallergenic grooming quite well. However, there are a few users who should contact their vet to discuss the safety of using this type of shampoo, since some dogs may develop a skin rash if they are subjected to chemicals too strongly. At the very least, these shampoos help to keep the dog feeling better. Many dog owners report that their dogs do not mind the chemicals and actually enjoy having their hair brushed and washed.