[WallStPup]

Hello, fellow dog lovers! I have a Yorkie/Chihuahua mix and he never stays clean. He has white blonde hair and, after two days of long walks in the city, his fur is disgustingly black at places.

I've been told that giving him too many baths can irritate his skin, but what can I do about this problem? He's really a cutie underneath all that grime :/

Thank you!

 

[momtolabs]

Hello, fellow dog lovers! I have a Yorkie/Chihuahua mix and he never stays clean. He has white blonde hair and, after two days of long walks in the city, his fur is disgustingly black at places.

I've been told that giving him too many baths can irritate his skin, but what can I do about this problem? He's really a cutie underneath all that grime :/




Thank you!

Put him in the tub with water and just using water wash it off.

 

[boxerlover876]

As long as you use a good quality shampoo and conditioner if needed it will be fine. There are some shampoos even formulated for everyday use. I use Isle of Dogs and love it, they have an everyday line.

 

[WallStPup]

As long as you use a good quality shampoo and conditioner if needed it will be fine. There are some shampoos even formulated for everyday use. I use Isle of Dogs and love it, they have an everyday line.

Thanks! I just ordered some! =]

 

[hamandeggs]

I feel your pain! We also live in the city and have a white/blonde dog. I like unscented/hypoallergenic baby wipes for this sort of thing. I also sometimes just rinse the dog off without shampooing.

 

[WallStPup]

Oooo babywipes is such a clever solution!! I'll have to invest in some, that will definitely help with his paws.

 

[odiesmom]

You are not alone! We live in the boonies and you should see how fast my poodle/bichon gets FILTHY! I am forever picking burrs or small sticks out of her fur . I use a very mild puppy shampoo for her and lots and lots of brushing between groomer visits.

 

[WallStPup]

Yeah, my parents had a Belgium Shepherd whose feet were perpetually green and brown from our backyard.

Another question: Someone said that I could use Castile Soap on his paws in between washes. Good or bad? (here's a link)
http://www.target.com/p/dr-bronner-s-pure-castile-soap-peppermint-32-oz/-/A-10770140

 

[Tankstar]

you can wash a dog as often as you want. So as long as its a gentle soap. and you know how to rinse properly. I also dilute all shampoos a ton.

 

[Graco22]

Yeah, my parents had a Belgium Shepherd whose feet were perpetually green and brown from our backyard.

Another question: Someone said that I could use Castile Soap on his paws in between washes. Good or bad? (here's a link)
http://www.target.com/p/dr-bronner-s-pure-castile-soap-peppermint-32-oz/-/A-10770140

I would not use any shampoo that is not specifically for pets. Too many variables, and with all the pet products out there, not worth risking an irritation IMO.

 

[gingerkid]

I would not use any shampoo that is not specifically for pets. Too many variables, and with all the pet products out there, not worth risking an irritation IMO.

Castile soap is supposed to be very gentle - it is an "all-purpose" soap, which is often highly recommended for washing very delicate textiles, as well as leather and suede. It is gentle but strong - you do not need very much and it doesn't lather very much . Here's a list of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Organic Olive Oil, Mentha Arvensis (wild mint), Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (which is essentially Vitamin E). There are several other varieties as well (including "baby mild") if there is concern that the mint/peppermint might cause irritation.

Dr. Bronner's has similar ingredients as this "all-natural" shampoo: http://www.royalpetclub.com/Grooming/Shampoos/13-5-oz-Organic-Almond-and-Shea-Butter-Shampoo.html. The potassium hydroxide in Dr. Bronners is an ingredient in the process of soap-making, and none remains in the final product. Chances are there are similar caustic ingredients used in the production of other dog soaps/shampoos which may or may not also be listed on the label. That is how soap is made - you take a fat and add a very strong base and chemistry happens.