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Caring for white or light coated dogs

Grooming a dog with white or light fur requires the use of high quality products. Due to the colour of their coat, such dogs need to be washed more often. When selecting cosmetics, try to choose products that gently enhance the coat colour. Beware of colouring shampoos of any kind as they are often harsh and evoke skin irritation.

How to choose the right cosmetics for a white or light coated dog?

  • Make sure that you only use products designed for white or light coated dogs, when bathing a pet of such fur colours. A safe cosmetic should gently enhance the colour of the fur but not dye it. When used in shampoos, dyes might cause skin irritation and allergies.
  • Remember never to use cosmetics intended for people as they are not suitable for the needs of animal skin and fur.
  • Pay attention to the smell of the products. For example, lavender aroma reduces stress in dogs and will encourage the pets to have positive connotations with the bath.

How to properly bath a white or light coated dog?

  • In order to bath a wiry coated dog you should only use cosmetics, which are designed for this specific type of coat. They are composed in such a way to keep the hair appropriately rough, for example by including an addition of horsetail. Remember never to use cosmetics intended for people as they are not suitable for the needs of animal skin and fur.
  • Always choose safe products, i.e. ones that do not contain dyes, which are a common reason for skin irritation or allergies. Moreover, it is worthwhile choosing products which have an adequate smell; for example lavender, which reduces stress in dogs, will encourage positive connotations with the bath.

How to properly bath a white or light coated dog?

Preparing for the bath

  • The first step is to prepare the place of the bath. All the bathing and drying equipment needs to be arranged so that it is easy to reach. You need to have handy a shampoo, a conditioner, a towel, a hair dryer and a comb.
  • Consider putting an anti-slip mat or a towel into the bath, so that your dog does not slip.
  • Afterwards, the pet should be thoroughly combed. In order to facilitate the combing, you should use an untangling product.

Bathing

  • You are starting the bath. First dampen the dog’s fur with warm water. You should start from the back of the body and move towards the front, not omitting the arms and paws. Do not wet the dog’s head. The temperature of water should be about 37-39 degrees.
  • Afterwards, distribute some wiry coat shampoo on the fur so that foam appears. Champ-Richer (Champion) shampoo is very concentrated and needs to be dissolved in water. During the bath you should make sure that the shampoo does not enter the dog’s eyes, ears or mouth, by covering those areas.
  • Next, carefully rinse.
  • The first application of shampoo only washes out dirt; therefore, in order to enrich the skin and fur, you should repeat the process.
  • When you finish the second wash, apply a protein conditioner in order to rebuild the protective layer on the fur. Apply it carefully and while you are on it, you can gently massage your pet so that it forms pleasant connotations with the process.
  • At the end, thoroughly rinse the dog, paying attention to the less accessible areas, such as the belly and groins.

Drying

  • After the bath you should dry the dog with a towel. Instead of rubbing, try to gently squeeze out excess water.
  • Next, the dog should be brushed. During this process you can use a specialist untangling product, which will protect the dog’s fur from mechanical injuries connected to combing.
  • Finally, spray a light revitalising conditioner onto the fur. It will help you to properly style the hair, prevent it from picking up static and getting frizzy. As a result, the coat will have a more appealing look.
  • If your dog is not afraid of hair dryers, it is advisable to use one.