Dog Community

How often should i bathe for my chihuahua/dachshund mix?

Posted : 6/30/2006 8:21:49 PM

I have a chihuahua/dachshund mix puppy. She's an indoor dog, and never goes outside. I don't let her outside because she still needs one more shot. Even though she doesn't go outside, i still shower for her roughly twice a week. Since she's only 4 months old, is that bad for her skin?? Also, i cut her nails myself. Is that a bad idea, even though an employee at a pet store taught me how??

Xebby

Posted : 6/30/2006 8:39:53 PM

Dogs if bathed should not be bathed more than once every 2 weeks. I would not bath a dog at all if it does not need it. It can be really bad for the dogs skin, it removed the oils in the skin leading to excess sheading and skin problems. Smaller dog are more prone to skin issues so I would sugesset not bathing more than once a month, they really don't need it anyway if they stay indoors.

Now for triming nails, if you know how then it's not a bad idea. Just make shure your don't trim to short to where you cut the quick. If it stars to bleed you can use flower to stop it. If your unshure if your doing it right a vet can show you better than I can explain how to do it correctly.

OMGITSMONA

Posted : 6/30/2006 9:36:14 PM

Is there a difference between shower and bathe? Because i shower her and it takes no more then 3-5 minutes. Even though she's indoor, she still smells, especially her ear. Another thing i forgot to mention is, is it true that you're suppose to brush their teeth 2-3 times a week. I bought a teethbrush and toothpaste at Target, and after i shower her, i brush her teeth. Is that bad for her gums or anything??

Xebby

Posted : 6/30/2006 9:42:20 PM

If her ears smell then she may have something going on in there. Less common in dogs would be mites but it could also me ticks hidden deep in the ear, some sort on infection or even just gunk buit up in there. If her ears smell you need to get medicin desigened just for cleaning ears. Water getting in the ears could be making the problem worse causing more build up. Showers and baths are much the same thing just differnt methouds of washing.

Brushing teeth is good for dogs. Some even do it every day. I say once a week is fine but just depends on the dog. Some owner just use plain baking soda but other buy dog toothpast. If she lets you brush that often then there really should not be any harm in it.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 7/1/2006 12:50:42 AM

The smell in her ear is likely an ear infection. You might want to have that checked by a vet.

I bathe one of my dogs almost every day, due to skin issues. Normally, frequent bathing isn't necessary. As long as you're using a super gentle shampoo, and her skin is not dry or flaky, it should be fine

smilee1079

Posted : 7/2/2006 11:58:01 AM

I wash Zoe once a monthish. She is mainly indoors but overall is clean.

By shower, do you mean just wet or use shampoo too? Zoe's bath only takes about 5 min. so the timing isn't the issue, but if she is getting a water rinse vs. a wash I could see being diff't.

Zoe's ears haven't ever smelled, so get that checked. Dogs with their ears tend to get ear infections from what the SPCA people told me. I wash hers with witch hazel every week or so.