The Dirty Dog - Keeping Him Clean

The Dirty Dog

From your very first thought of adopting a puppy, you have been locked into the idea of taking your dog everywhere with you.

Once you brought Fido into your home, you turned that idea into a reality. Whether it was hiking a 5 mile trail with your little trekker, watching black-and-white Lassie movies in drive-in movie theaters, laying on a tattered blanket atop your olds-mobile, or bringing him out to the community lake for more of a swamp romp than a swim - your dog has absorbed many memories.

Memories, unfortunately, are not the only things that he has taken with him

With every dog adventure your favorite canine companion has embarked upon, he has likely picked up all that mother nature has had to offer, specifically the bacteria-laden dirt that so easily clings to your scruffy dog's fur.

Bacteria 

When talking about animal wellness, we would be remise to not go into the effects both good and bad bacteria can have on a dog.

A study published in May of 2016 in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A." estimate that there could be over 1 trillion different types of bacteria found on Earth.

While most strains are harmless, or even beneficial, there are a number of incredibly dangerous strains that lurk within fecal matter amidst the tall grass, or are nestled in the fur of your dog's best friend at the dog park, ready to jump ship to a new body, ripe for infection.

Most dogs do not wear shoes or clothing to keep the dangers of outside at bay, because of that, it is an inevitable that they attract some of that bad bacteria.

Dogs can attract any number of bacterial strains, the most common are E. coli, salmonella, clostridia, and campylobacter. While these bacterial strains do not cause damage in healthy pets, they can be deadly if they find their way into the human gastrointestinal tract.

A study coming from the scientific journal PLoS ONE, in conjunction with research from North Carolina State University, has found that most of the dog related bacteria collected across homes were found on the television sets and pillow cases. Considering the pillow case is the last place you put your face before getting some well deserved rest, it could be that these germs are transferred from your dogs mouth our facial fur to your face.

For us, one of the day's great pleasures is coming home to a mound of wagging fur and feeling the sweet puppy kisses on your forehead, cheek, and the occasional mouth - we're dog lovers and so are you!

So, how does one get her furry cake and kiss it too? By keeping that cake as clean as possible!

 Wash Your Own Dog

If you don't mind rolling up the sleeves and getting down on all four paws, washing your own dog is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your dirty dog and will save you a few bucks as well!

Finding the right shampoo is key when thinking about washing your dog on your own, as many compounds safe for humans should not be used on the coat or skin of canines.

Coconut oil is found within many different all-natural shampoos, have you ever wondered can dogs eat coconut oil? Well, they can! Coconut oil is a great addition to any dog shampoo and a tasty after bath treat.

Make Your Own Doggy Shampoo - The Dirty Dog Buster

Using this simple, all-natural shampoo will do wonders for your wagging woofers coat, his skin health, and your wallet. 

When thinking about how easy it is to bring harmful bacteria into your home, it is a good idea to bathe him after each trip to the dog park, or any time he gets especially dirty.

While many dogs love getting their suds on with their loving owner, not all dogs are in love with the idea. For your dog's first bath, be sure to start slow by using cups of warm water, rather than a shower head or running bath faucet and shampoo his entire body.

Don't forget the paws! Often times, gravel, dirt and even ticks can wind up wedged between his webbed paws.

Have towels lining the bathroom floor, as it will get messy fairly quickly. When bathing him, be sure to get all the nooks and crannies, making special effort to avoid his eyes. You don't want a temporarily blind and afraid soaking wet dog rampaging through the house. 

Take Your Dog To A Groomer

A groomer is a wonderful thing. They can take a sharp nailed, over-heated, dirty dog, and turn him into a sparkling, summer-trimmed, thing of beauty that will leave you with less gashes and more grins. 

Finding a proper groomer is key to keeping your dog's coat and skin in prime condition, they are experts and will not lead your doggie astray. 

We recommend taking your dog to the groomer multiple times a month for optimal results.

Supplements For Healthy Skin

Let's face it, there is nothing you will ever be able to do to keep your dog away from the dirt, and you really shouldn't - it's in their nature. The next step is giving your dog's skin what it needs to persevere through whatever the pollen-infested, pond scummed, poop scattered landscape can throw at your toy-schnauzer.

When your dog's skin or coat is out of whack, likely there is a correlation with what lies below. A canine's skin is his largest and most vulnerable organ, susceptible to wind, allergens such as pollen and dander, and problems within the gastrointestinal tract. 

Human grade probiotic powder for dogs can help to reset that gut, giving your best buddy the good bacteria needed to maintain healthy digestion and a healthy immune system. 

Beyond digestion and the immune system, probiotics are great for maintaining proper skin and coat health for Fido. Look for a probiotic supplement that includes ingredients purported to keep your skin smooth, and the digestive tract running smoother.