Bathing

[tara]

Thanks, Erin. Good to know I'm not the only one bathing quite so often. Holly sleeps in the big bed with us, so I like her to smell good. She also lays in bed with each of my daughters for their bedtime stories. I guess since she's in all our beds I'm a bit of a clean freak.

I will watch her skin closely to make sure I'm not harming her with frequent baths.

[lorebringer]

Every 2 weeks, all of mine get a wash. I hate, hate, HATE the smell of dog (when I tell people this they think I'm insane because I have so many) and I can't stand when I walk into a house and there is a smell of dog off of the carpet, furniture etc. and the house in general smells like a dog.

Two of mine in particular get very dirty, the water is brown when they are being rinsed and because I let them all up onto our bed, on the couches (which are leather, so no smell absorbing) and generally everywhere in the house I really don't want them dragging all the dirt around with them. I can usually feel when they are dirty anyway. I wash their beds every time I wash the dogs (usually, every 3ish washes I'll do an all out bed wash - wash the whole beds, wash the plastic and all the blankets but if it's just a normal wash it's just the covers and blankets that get done) and give them - the beds - a spray over with Tea Tree spray (and leave to dry!) when they are changed. I wash our own bedding once a week, at least, because with the dogs on the bed so often they get quite smelly.

I have never had an issue with skin problems with my guys and all the dogs coats are in very good condition - one of mine gives herself dermatitis (on her bits! ) from licking every so often, I asked the vet if it could be me over washing them but he said no because she only really does it when her glands are dodgy. Another one has ear problems but I put cotton balls in his ears to prevent water getting in so the water does not affect him. Every so often, one of them can get a bit of flaky skin (consulted the vet about it, and it's only dandruff) that a bit of Tea Tree or medicated shampoo sorts out pretty quickly. They are also given fish oils.

If I had a breed that was prone to skin problems (eg. a Westie) I probably would not wash the dog as often but I have had the same washing routine for years, with my own dogs and with fosters, and so far so good! I really think it is personal preference.

[susandavis1]

Hi Tara

We do buy your Isle of Dogs products? I have tried to source them here in Ireland/UK, but can only find them in the US so the postage is quite expensive. Would love to be able to try them out.

Sue

[sins]

Basically it depends on your dog's coat and what condition you want to maintain it in.
If they don't have too much coat you'll get away with a lot less washing.I used to wash Daisy every six to eight weeks,she never had much coat as a puppy but now that she's three she has quite an amount of coat which has altered slightly after neutering,so to keep her looking well she needs an extra bit of maintenence.
Holly is a different girl,she has way more coat and very heavy long ears and to avoid tangles and matts she gets spritzed every day with "ice on ice" and brushed through thoroughly.It also protects the areas of her coat which are vulnerable to staining.
It's a live and learn situation with cavaliers...it's always great to pick up tips from others and eventually you'll find what works for you.But if you put the work into the coat,it'll remain in good condition.
Sins

[ElshaUKAU]

What are you all using for their eyes (tear staining). The vet suggested he operate on D'Artagnans eyes or at least his left eye as the staining is worse on that one. He said he has .... I forget the term.... where the hairs go the wrong way... they haven't scratched his eyeball but he does tear up a lot on one side.

The peeps on another CKCS forum I go to said I should see a specialist rather than let the vet operate. It was just a suggestion from the vet, Tagnan's eyes are not infected... although when he's been playing in the garden for a few hours and has leaked alot, then he can smell rather fishy around the eye area.

I have been using tear wipes but don't think they do much...

Suggestions would be great

[amanda L]

I usually bath my pair every 4/5 weeks, and we use PetSilk moisturizing shampoo and Silk conditioner. I find it keeps their coats in tip top condition, healthy, silky and shiny and no dry skin problems. I also use ICE on ICE for maintenence inbetween bathing, brushed through with a soft baby brush, and find it great for keeping matts to a minimum.

[Dublin]

I probably bath Cass & Sparky about every other month - unless theyve rolled in something nasty! I bathed Lucy for the first time this week as she was manky from being in season & hadnt had too much care applied to 'that area' but shes fine now so hopefully I wont be bathing her for a while again! - although she's booked in for her spay next month so I might bath her before she goes in.

I use 2 shampoos - either Dorwest herbs pennyroyal shampoo (because I generaly dont use any flea reppellants) or if Sparky needs bathing more frequently because of rolling I use johnsons baby shampoo.