Tag: dogs

Dogs at Work: Portuguese Water Dogs

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Most people in the United States know of the Portuguese water dog (PWD) breed thanks to Bo and Sunny, the happy-go-lucky residents of the White House during the Obama administration. But long before that, they had a reputation as valuable crew members aboard Portuguese fishing vessels.

History of the PWD

No one is sure how Portie ancestors were first brought to Portugal. Some believe the Berbers, people from a Roman province in North Africa, sailed into port with the dogs on board. Others conjecture that the Goths, Germanic people of the Balkan area, first brought the dogs to shore.

Once in Portugal, fishermen recognized the value of the dogs and were quick to employ them on their ships. Since Porties have waterproof coats, webbed paws and are excellent swimmers, they were used to recover nets and tackle that fell overboard, drive fish into nets, swim messages from ship to shore or ship to ship and even guard the day’s catch once the ship was docked for the night. Retired fishermen were known to rent their dogs to pocket a little extra income.

As the fishing industry made use of new technologies, there was a less of a need for PWDs, and by the 1930s, their numbers had dwindled. Thankfully, a wealthy shipping magnate by the name of Vasco Bensaude started a breeding program to preserve the dogs.

Portuguese water dogs were first brought to the United States in 1958, and the American Kennel Club recognized them as part of the working dog group in 1984.  Today, Porties can be found diving into pools and running through sprinklers as family pets.  They have a reputation for being good with children, easy to train and eager to please.  It’s no surprise that the breed excels at water trials, but they can also be good at obedience and agility or as service or therapy dogs. A PWD named Dutch worked rescue and recovery at the World Trade Center site after 9/11.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about Portuguese water dogs.

Dog Ear Cleaning 101

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A dog with long ears sitting on the beach at sunset.

If you bathe your dog at home, trim their nails and groom their coat, you may have thought about cleaning your dog’s ears at home, too. It is possible, but you should always ask your veterinarian first because it’s not always necessary. If your vet does recommend cleaning your dog’s ears at home, we’ve got some tips on how to do it safely.

Your Dog’s Ear Canal Is Self-Cleaning

Believe it or not, healthy dog ears come with a self-cleaning feature. In this process, known as epithelial migration, the skin in the ear canal gradually migrates outwards from the eardrum (the tympanic membrane), carrying with it excess debris.

So, if the ears aren’t bothering your dog and your furry friend gets regular checkups, it’s usually best to leave their ears alone.

Ear Infections Can Make Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears Necessary

Sometimes, however, underlying allergies, a secondary bacterial or fungal ear infection and other problems can disrupt the natural ear-cleaning process and make it necessary for you to clean your dog’s ears.

However, you should never put anything in your dog’s ears without first consulting with your vet. Some cleansers or medications may include ingredients that can be problematic if your dog’s eardrum is ruptured. Alcohol may sting and further inflame the skin.

My Dog Has Itchy Ears — Are They Infected?

If your dog is scratching at one or both ears and shaking their head, that’s usually a sign there’s a problem. Other symptoms of ear infections, ear mites or other problems include an unusual odor and a brownish, waxy buildup. The ear may also be painful to the touch.

If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to take them for a checkup. Your vet can examine your dog’s ear canal, including the eardrum, and take samples of ear discharge to help diagnose what’s causing the problem.

In more complicated cases, your vet may need to perform an ear flush to enable proper examination and treatment. Sedation is usually recommended for your dog’s safety and comfort. Severe cases may require surgery, so it is important to control an ear infection if you want to avoid getting to this stage.

If your vet has recommended that you clean your dog’s ears due to an ear infection or another problem, we’ve got some tips to make it easier on both of you.

How to Clean Dog Ears

First, help your dog become accustomed to having their ears handled — ideally, before your dog ever has an ear problem. The next time your dog is sprawled on the couch relaxing with you, gently touch their ears and praise them for calm behavior. Over time, gradually advance to lifting your dog’s ear flap and looking inside the ear. Again, offer praise or a treat when your dog remains calm.

Notice how your dog’s ears look when they’re healthy. Depending on your dog’s skin pigmentation, the skin on the inside of the ear flap should typically be soft and pink, but not red, inflamed or thickened.

Before You Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Set up in an area that’s easy to clean up, such as a bathroom or outdoors. During ear cleaning, your dog may want to shake their head, releasing the ear cleaning solution and ear contents, so you may want to lay a towel down and also dress accordingly.

Use only the ear cleanser that has been prescribed by your vet. Again, you want to avoid any ingredients that could make your dog’s ear condition worse.

Add the Dog Ear Cleaning Solution

Use the ear cleaning solution that your vet recommends — do not use homemade dog ear cleaner unless told to do so by your vet. Homemade remedies may damage your dog’s ears.

Since dogs have L-shaped ear canals, you’ll want to gently pull up on the ear flap to slightly straighten the canal, then fill the ear canal with cleanser. Gently massage the base of your dog’s ear to help loosen any debris deep in the canal. Your dog may lean into this because it feels sooooo good. After a few minutes, allow your dog to shake their head, releasing the cleanser and any debris from the ear canal.

If this process seems messy and you’re wondering how to clean dog ears without solution, talk to your vet first. They can advise you on the best way to clean your dog’s ears, especially if they have frequent ear infections and routine ear cleaning is recommended.

Mop Up the Dog Ear Cleanser

Gently remove the remaining cleanser with soft gauze squares or cotton balls. Never put anything, including cotton swabs, into the ear canal, because this can pack debris deeper into the canal or damage the ear itself. Simply mop up what came out of the ear canal using gauze wrapped around your finger or a cotton ball.

Give Your Dog Lots of Hugs

The last step is to reward your dog for a job well done. Give them plenty of praise and perhaps a tasty treat so they always associate ear cleanings with a positive experience.

For more at-home grooming tips, read our Taste of the Wild guide to pet grooming.

Behind the Breed: Newfoundlands

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Fun Facts About Newfoundland Dogs Blog Graphic

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

The Newfoundland dog size may be intimidating, but “Newfies” or “nanny dogs” are patient and gentle giants, especially with their tiny human family members. Their sweet disposition and their natural lifesaving abilities make the Newfoundland a true multipurpose dog!

Newfoundland Dogs Love Working in the Water

Named after the island off the east coast of Canada, the Newfoundland’s water-resistant double coat, rudder-like tail and webbed feet made them ideal shipmates. Powerful Newfies thought nothing of leaping into the icy Atlantic waters to haul fishing nets or rescue a sailor who fell overboard. They were also hard workers on shore, whether it meant pulling the day’s catch to town in a cart or hauling sleds through the snow.

With a reputation for being fierce in the water but docile companions on land, Newfies were brought to England and France, where they quickly gained popularity. The first official showing of the breed occurred in 1860, when six Newfoundlands were entered into the national dog show in Birmingham, England. Thanks to their prowess at water rescue, Newfoundland dogs soon became standard requirements for lifeguard stations along the British coast.

Newfoundland Dog History

How, exactly, the breed started is a mystery. Archeological digs in northern Newfoundland have uncovered evidence of a Viking settlement, including skeletons of large dogs, hinting that they may have arrived on board a Viking ship. Others theorize the breed developed from the Great Pyrenees that accompanied Spanish fishermen to the island.

The Newfoundland Dog Personality

Newfies are mostly gentle companions, lounging around the house and playing with kids, which makes sense, given that the Newfoundland personality is calm, devoted and protective. The sweet temperament of Newfies makes them excellent therapy dogs, and their gentleness with children is why they’re often referred to as “nanny dogs.” As a natural-born working dog, the Newfoundland excels at water trials, obedience, tracking, drafting, pulling carts and sledding.

Newfoundland Dog FAQs

What Are the Newfoundland Dog Colors?

According to the Newfoundland Club of America, coat color variations include solid black, brown and gray, and a mix of black and white called a Landseer Newfoundland.

Do Newfoundlands Drool?

Newfies are abundant droolers. So Newfoundland pet parents just starting their Newfie journey will need to invest in a drool rag and a bandana to help catch some of the endless drool before it spreads all over their home. The American Kennel Club even has them in their “Top 10 Droolers” list.

Do Newfoundlands Shed?

With their thick, double coat, Newfies can be moderate shedders, especially during the shedding season. Weekly grooming of their outer coat, and more frequent grooming sessions with a slicker brush (when needed), will help keep on top of a Newfoundland’s shedding.

How Big Do Newfoundlands Get?

With a height of up to 28 inches and a weight of up to 150 pounds, the Newfoundland dog size definitely meets the definition of a giant dog breed!

How Long Do Newfoundlands Live?

The Newfoundland lifespan is around 10 years.

Training Newfoundland Puppies

Like all puppies, a Newfoundland puppy should undergo early socialization so they are comfortable and confident as an adult. They are fairly easy to train because they love to please their people. Their size makes training even more important in some ways — you probably don’t want a 150-pound adult Newfoundland jumping up on you!

Large Size Dog Breeds Need Adequate Nutrition as Puppies

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) considers dogs to be large sized if they will weigh 70 pounds or more as mature lean adults. This is important to know when choosing food for Newfoundland puppies, as they need food that meets the growth requirements of large-sized dogs.

You can find the AAFCO statement on all commercial dog food labels. Here is example of an AAFCO statement for a formula that meets the requirements for growth of large size dogs, so it is a complete and balanced food for a growing Newfoundland pup:

“Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).”

Newfoundland Fun Facts

  • A Newfoundland named Seaman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their travels may be the reason Lewis named a tributary of the Blackroot River in Montana “Seaman’s Creek.”
  • Lara, President James Buchanan’s Newfoundland, was famous for sprawling on the White House floor for hours, with one eye open and the other closed.
  • A Newfoundland named Rigel is credited with saving a number of Titanic passengers. Rigel barked to alert the passenger ship Carpathia, which stopped and rescued survivors — including Rigel.

Fear of Fireworks: Help Your Pet Make It Through the Night

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The whistle, boom, crackle and whizz of fireworks, not to mention the pop-pop-pop-pop of firecrackers, are enough to send many pets into a frenzy. Up to half of pet dogs react with fear to fireworks, according to a recent article in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. One study reported that more than 15 percent of those dogs take several days or longer to recover from the experience.

Fear of loud noises, also known as noise phobia or noise aversion, is more common in dogs than cats, but some cats might display their fear by burrowing into the laundry basket in the basement. Pets that are afraid of fireworks are also likely to dislike other noises such as thunder and gunshots. If you have a pet that would rather forego the fireworks, we have some tips to help soothe your pet’s fear.

Signs of noise phobia

Many dogs (and cats as well) may choose to hide during fireworks. But others may display anxiety in other ways: They pant, pace, tremble, drool, or seek attention by pawing, whining and climbing onto people. Some may have accidents in the house.

Since dogs aren’t sure where the noise is coming from, those that are indoors may try to escape by leaping through a window or bolting out a door. In fact, one in five pets goes missing after experiencing loud noises, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). That’s why it’s important for your pet to have an ID tag and/or microchip that includes your current contact information before the fireworks begin.

Easing your pet’s anxieties

Whatever you do, try not to leave your pet alone on these stressful nights. Also, don’t give them any sedatives from your medicine cabinet without first consulting your veterinarian. Dogs and cats often don’t metabolize human medications the same way people do.

Finally, avoid punishing your pet if they’re acting out, this could exacerbate their fear. Here are some positive ways to help your pet:

An interior graphic detailing seven different methods to help soothe your pet's fear of fireworks.

Long-term management

To help lower your pet’s stress level long-term, your veterinarian may also recommend a form of desensitization and counterconditioning. An example of desensitization is to expose the dog to an audio recording of fireworks at a very low volume so it doesn’t provoke fear. Over time, the dog should begin to ignore it. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, increase the volume.

At the same time, you can add counterconditioning, which involves pairing a positive stimulus, such as a treat or play, with a negative stimulus, like the sound of fireworks. Ideally, the dog will eventually replace its fearful response to loud noises with a more comfortable association.

Lymphoma in Dogs

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A brown dog sitting down next to text that reads, ‘Understanding Lymphoma’.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and good daily care from owners like you, dogs are living longer than ever before. But unfortunately, pets can be diagnosed with cancer, especially as grey creeps into the fur around their faces.

One of the most common pet cancers is lymphoma in dogs. As you might know, cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled division (and proliferation) of abnormal cells. In the case of dog lymphoma, a group of cells in the immune system called lymphocytes go haywire and continue to multiply.

Lymphoma can affect dogs of any breed and any age, but it’s more frequently diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs.

RISK FACTORS

No one is sure what, exactly, causes lymphoma in dogs.

Since certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, tend to be more affected than others, it’s possible there’s a genetic component to lymphoma in dogs.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

Because lymphocytes can travel anywhere in the body, dog lymphoma may be widespread, or it can be localized to particular organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, spleen, liver, bone marrow, skin, central nervous system or other organs. As a result, the signs can vary, depending on what part of the body is affected. Some pets may just show general signs that they don’t feel well, such as lethargy and loss of appetite.

For lymphoma in dogs, it’s common to have one or more firm, swollen lymph nodes that can be seen or felt in locations such as the neck and behind the knee. The lymph nodes can enlarge quickly and potentially press against other body parts, compromising function. Lymph nodes in the neck, for example, can compress the trachea, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

LYMPHOMA DIAGNOSIS IN DOGS

The diagnosis is usually made by taking a sample of the malignant cells, either through a fine-needle aspirate or a biopsy of an affected organ. By analyzing a biopsy sample, a specialist can determine whether the cancer is low, intermediate or high grade, depending on how rapidly the cells appear to be dividing. High-grade lymphoma in dogs is typically considered more malignant, but in some cases may be more responsive to treatment.

Other tests may be recommended such as blood tests (including feline leukemia testing in cats) and a urinalysis, to assess the pet’s overall health.

Once a diagnosis is made, dog lymphoma is typically classified by the anatomic area affected, type of lymphocyte (T-cell or B-cell) and by stages, to determine the extent of the disease, potential treatments and prognosis and to monitor response to therapy. Other tests may be needed, including a bone marrow biopsy, X-rays and an ultrasound.

The stages range from I to V, with a single lymph node involvement in stage I to bone marrow or other organ involvement in stage V. Each stage also has a substage, depending on whether the animal is showing signs of illness. Dogs may progress from one stage to the next over time.

PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The prognosis for pets with lymphoma depends on a number of factors including overall health, stage of the disease and type of tumor.

Your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist (a cancer specialist) can outline treatments that can help your pet feel more comfortable and potentially put the cancer in remission, although this is usually temporary.

Because dog lymphoma is generally considered a systemic disease, some type of chemotherapy is usually recommended. Dogs typically tolerate chemotherapy fairly well, without as many side effects as humans. If the cancer is localized to a specific area, surgery or radiation therapy may be options. Your veterinarian can help you decide the right approach for you and your pet.

Behind the Breed: German Shepherd

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Fun Facts About German Shepherds List

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

German shepherd dogs have many fans. The breed has consistently been in the top five of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) annual rankings for the most popular dog breed, and it’s easy to see why. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds, known for their strength and loyalty and they’re very protective of their families.

History of German Shepherds

Just like Rottweilers, German shepherds were originally used as herding dogs in Germany. At the end of the 19th century, a German cavalry officer admired German herding dogs but noted they varied in appearance by region of the country. He made it his mission to create the ideal herding dog. In 1908, three German shepherds were imported to the United States and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was founded in 1913.

When the United States entered World War I, Germany was considered the enemy, so the AKC renamed the breed “Shepherd Dog,” and the British followed suit, calling the dogs “Alsatian Wolf Dogs.” In 1930, the Shepherd Club of America had a change of heart, inserting the word “German” before “Shepherd” in their name. They are still commonly referred to as Alsatians in the United Kingdom.

Are German Shepherds Smart?

As one of the smartest dog breeds, these multi-talented dogs are eager to work, and they’ve held a wide array of jobs over the decades. Originally bred as herders, their intelligence has also led them to be trained as service dogs, guide dogs and guard dogs, as well as police dogs that apprehend criminals and detect illegal substances. They’ve also joined the military and worked as search-and-rescue dogs. Whew!

When they’re not on the job, German shepherd dogs are known to be outstanding athletes, snagging the blue ribbon in sports such as agility, rally, tracking, obedience and herding.

Are German Shepherds Good with Kids?

German shepherds are loyal and protective dogs that love to work and defend their families. The German shepherd’s temperament is not naturally aggressive, but they do need to be socialized and trained as puppies to ensure they’re well-behaved adults. German shepherds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, so they are perfect for active families that have the time to give them the attention they need.

German Shepherd Size

German shepherd dogs can vary in size from 50 to 90 pounds and max out at around 26 inches tall. They are considered a medium to large dog that belongs to the herding group. Due to their large size, care should be taken around small children that might get accidentally bumped by their German shepherd friend.

Types Of German Shepherds

German shepherd dogs come in a variety of colors. The most common colors in the breed standards are black and tan as well as sable. They can also have rarer coat colors, including all black, all white, and Isabella blue (liver-sable). Isabella, black and white German shepherds are produced when the parents pass on two recessive genes for that color.

Do German Shepherds Shed?

German shepherds have a double coat — a soft undercoat and a coarse outercoat. They are considered heavy shedders, so you’ll need to have that comb handy. They tend to shed year round with even heavier seasonal shedding twice a year. Daily grooming will help limit a fuzzy layer of hair all over your couch (and the people in your home).

German Shepherd Lifespan

According to the AKC, the lifespan of German shepherd dogs is between 12 to 14 years. German shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (causes paralysis of the back legs) and eye and ear problems. A reputable breeder will screen for these conditions. Just like Saint Bernards, German shepherd dogs are susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach becomes gas-filled, distended and twisted on itself, resulting in an obstruction.

An intelligent dog that is loyal and protective of their family is what you’ll get with a German shepherd. They’re an athletic breed that excel as working dogs. Just make sure you’re prepared for their high energy and grooming needs.

Adventures in the Wild: Camping with Your Dog

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What could be better than stretching out in the moonlight, lulled to sleep by the rustling of leaves, a chorus of crickets and the gentle snoring of your canine companion? Camping with your dog can be truly memorable. Here are a few tips to get you started safely.

Talk to your veterinarian. With any luck, your dog will make friends on your camping trip, so you want to make sure he or she is current on vaccines. Now’s a good time to stock up on flea, tick and heartworm preventives, too.

Be easy to find if your dog gets lost.  Even the best-behaved dogs can get distracted (squirrel!) and take off running. Before you go, make sure your dog’s ID tags contain all your current contact information. Consider a temporary tag with your campground and campsite number, or the number for the nearest ranger station. If your dog has a microchip, call the manufacturer to make sure the chip is registered with the current contact information. You might also want a dog collar with a GPS feature.

Pack all your pooch supplies.  Think of everything your dog needs during a 24-hour period, including food (pack enough for a few extra days), bowls, medications, bedding, a leash, toys, a crate, a yard stake with a short cable, poop bags, towel, brushes and a first aid kit that includes fine-tipped tweezers for removing ticks.

Find dog-friendly campsites: Most national and state park websites will tell you if dogs are welcome, but you can also try searching the web for pet-friendly campsites. Helpful websites include Bring Fido and GoPetFriendly.

Know trail regulations. Just because the campsite is dog friendly doesn’t mean the hiking trails are. Most U.S. national parks don’t allow dogs on trails, even if they’re leashed. If you plan on hiking with your dog, make sure to check the rules before you go.

Drill your dog on obedience skills. To be respectful of your camping neighbors, refresh your dog’s memory on commands such as “come,” “stay,” “drop it” and “quiet.”

Plan for your dog’s drinking water. If the campsite doesn’t offer drinking water, don’t rely on lakes, rivers or streams for your dog to lap from. Some natural bodies of water may contain toxins such as blue algae or harmful germs like Giardia. If using water from natural sources, bring a water purifying kit.

Make your dog comfortable. While you’re setting up the campsite, stake your dog on a short cable or let them relax in the comfort of their crate, so your hands are free. Place a tarp under your tent to protect your dog from the cold, damp ground and bring foam padding and a comforter for bedding. If your dog has a short, thin, coat, consider bringing a doggy sweater for when the temperatures drop at night.

Keep food locked away. You shouldn’t tempt bears and other wildlife with your food, so remember to protect your dog’s food as you would your own. Keep it in a sealed, waterproof container and hoist it high off the ground, if necessary.

Be a good campsite neighbor. Most campsites require your dog to be leashed at all times, so keep your dog from wandering to meet the neighbors. Don’t go on hikes and leave your dog behind on a cable, in a crate or in the car. You don’t want your dog to become a barking nuisance, run after wildlife or be caught in sudden weather changes.

Know the location of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If your dog has a close encounter of the wildlife kind, such as a tangle with a rattlesnake or porcupine, you will need to seek veterinary help fast.

With a little planning, you can create great memories camping with your dog.

What’s the Right Way to Remove a Tick?

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Only you know that special hollow, at the base of your dog’s neck, where you can scritch and send a hind paw banging on the floor, scratching at a phantom itch. But wait… what’s this? You part the hair. Eeewww, it’s a bloated tick.

If it’s an adult deer tick, it can latch on with a tenacity unmatched by most other ticks. First, the tick inserts its long mouthparts, which are barbed to firmly anchor it to the host. Then, the tick secretes a cement-like substance that bonds it to the skin until it’s satiated and ready to drop off.

Still, a deer tick must feed for 24 to 48 hours before it can transmit the organisms responsible for Lyme disease. Removing the tick as soon as you find it reduces your dog’s risk for Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. As part of Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, we’re sharing the right — and not-so-right — ways to remove a tick.

Avoid these tick removal methods

There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, including the following tick removal suggestions, which should be filed under “Bad ideas”:

  • Pinch the tick between your thumb and forefinger and pull it out — Many (but not all) ticks are infected with pathogens, or disease-causing agents. Pressing on the tick body may actually force pathogens in the tick gut into your pet.
  • Burn the tick with a lit match or lighter — Some claim applying heat to the tick body will make it back out of the skin. In reality, heat may cause the tick to regurgitate gut contents into the bite. And chances are good that you could burn your pet’s skin or hair.
  • Suffocate the tick with petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, alcohol or essential oils. Ticks generally only breathe between 1 and 15 times an hour out of spiracles, or openings on the sides of their bodies. While the tick may back out to escape the irritating solution, it will probably disgorge gut contents into the pet first.

So how to you get the darn thing off?

Tick removal the right way

If your dog is covered with hundreds of ticks, call your veterinarian. He or she can recommend a fast-acting tick-killing product for the majority of ticks, and the remaining ticks can be removed manually.

If you’ve only found a few ticks on your dog, removing them is relatively easy:

An interior graphic detailing eight tips for safely removing a tick from your pet.

Not all ticks carry disease-causing agents, but it’s a good idea to watch your dog for signs of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease for a few weeks after tick removal. Signs of Lyme disease may include lethargy, loss of appetite and shifting-leg lameness. Remember, flea and tick prevention is always important. Your veterinarian can also recommend tick preventives to help kill ticks that come in contact with your dog.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

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A brown dog with bubbles on its head getting bathed by two hands.

Obviously, there are times when your dog definitely needs a bath — like after a morning of mud-puddle mayhem or after rolling in something that’s now unidentifiable and stiiiiinky. But if your dog isn’t covered in a smelly mess, how often should you bathe them?

Can long time intervals between baths cause health problems? If you don’t bathe your dog every month, is it unsanitary? If you bathe your canine companion too often, will they develop dry skin? Well, like many things, the answer is “it depends.”

When to Give Your Dog a Bath

Your dog’s bathing needs depend on their lifestyle, breed, type of coat and the health of their skin. Most dogs with normal skin don’t need to bathe that often, especially if they have short hair. Given that many of them groom themselves to some degree, less-frequent baths — like a bath every few months — should suffice. Obviously, if your dog loves to roll in dirt with carefree abandon or has a certain stank about them, you probably want to start bathing your dog more often.

Longer-haired dogs, as well as those with continuously growing coats such as poodles, typically need regular brushing and more frequent bathing. Professional groomers may recommend a visit every 6 to 8 weeks.

How Often Can You Bathe a Dog?

It was once believed that weekly baths or bathing dogs frequently could strip the coat of important oils and result in dry skin. But as long as you’re using the right pet shampoo, that doesn’t have to be the case (more on that later).

Dogs with skin conditions require more frequent bathing, perhaps even twice a week. The type of therapeutic shampoo will depend on the dog’s skin condition. Some medicated shampoos contain antimicrobials to help with bacterial or fungal skin infections, anti-inflammatories and anti-itch ingredients for dogs with allergies or itchy skin, and degreasing agents for other skin conditions. Medicated veterinary shampoos often contain moisturizers to help replenish natural oils for dogs that are bathed frequently.

Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?

No matter how often you bathe your dog, make sure to use a dog shampoo that’s specifically designed for dogs. Since the pH of dog skin tends to be more alkaline than human skin, human shampoo, even baby shampoo, can be irritating to dogs. Some dog shampoos are specially formulated for different types of coats — thick coats, oily coats, even hairless breeds. If you have any specific questions about what’s right for your dog, ask your veterinarian.

If you have a cat in the house, be careful when using flea shampoo on your dog. Some dog flea shampoos contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Be sure to read the label before bathing your dog.

Can You Blow Dry a Dog?

It’s important to dry your dog thoroughly after a bath to prevent tangles, skin infections and mats forming. Dogs with short hair can probably do with just being toweled dry by patting (not rubbing) them with a towel designed for dogs. But for dogs with longer fur or double coats, you may want to use a dog dryer as well to make sure they’re really dry.

Dog owners should never use a human hair dryer on a dog — they can be too hot on a dog’s skin. A specifically designed dog dryer (a forced-air dryer) uses airflow to dry the hair, not heat. You’ll need to slowly introduce the dryer to your dog, starting with it turned off, then turned on but not blowing on them and then slowly blowing air on small parts of their body at a time, but avoiding their face and ears. Make sure it’s always a positive experience for them, giving them plenty of praise, high-value treats or other rewards.

Benefits of Dog Bathing

Giving your dog a periodic bath is a good way to help keep your pup clean and freshen the scent of their coat. Plus, it’s an opportunity for you to run your fingers over their skin to check for any lumps or bumps. It may also be a good time to clean their ears — if your veterinarian approves, as cleaning dog ears isn’t always necessary.

When Can You Give a Puppy a Bath?

As a general rule, you can start bathing your puppy after they are 8 weeks old, which is when their body has the ability to regulate temperature and they won’t get too hot or cold. While getting your pup clean, make bath time fun and relaxing. That way, future you won’t be dealing with a scared, anxious adult dog that needs a bath.

Is your dog’s coat due for a spring cleaning? If so, check out more grooming tips and tricks in our guide to pet grooming.

Dogs at Work: K9 Cops

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Taste of the Wild

One of the most famous police dogs in Canadian history, Cloud II helped his handler capture 123 fugitives as well as numerous lost children and hunters. After a career of just four years, the German Shepherd lost his life in the line of duty after tracking a fugitive to a remote cabin in Ontario.

As part of the NYPD, Appollo was a first responder at the World Trade Center. The German Shepherd tirelessly searched the smoking wreckage for survivors and victims, eventually earning the Dickin Medal, the highest honor bestowed on animals for gallantry or devotion to duty.

As a member of the Connecticut State Police, Mattie was the first working accelerant-detection dog in the United States. Trained to detect evidence of arson, the Labrador Retriever could identify 17 different accelerants and even sniff out suspects observing the aftermath of a fire.

These are just a few of the police dogs who are specially trained to patrol the streets, help with search and rescue or use their powerful noses to track down drugs, explosives or other vital evidence.

To protect and serve

Day after day, police dogs risk their lives to work in dangerous situations and help protect their handlers from harm. As you can imagine, this takes an inordinate amount of training. Teaching a dog the intricacies of patrol work, urban tracking and detection can cost between $12,000 and $15,000, according to the National Police Dog Foundation. Most police departments simply don’t have the budget for this kind of expense and rely on donations from private citizens and corporations.

Trainers generally start with puppies that are specially bred for the job. The most common dogs used are herding breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds because they are intelligent, physically strong, and have a strong prey drive. (It doesn’t hurt that they can have a menacing demeanor.)

Training starts early with basic obedience, and dogs learn to focus in public and ignore distractions. General training can take about 8 months or longer, when they’re teamed with a handler for as long as six months or more of additional training. Most handlers keep training dogs on a regular basis and complete annual certification.

Single or dual purpose

Single-purpose police dogs are generally used for patrol duties, which can include officer protection, suspect apprehension, area or building clearance and security. In some cases, dogs may be used only for tracking purposes, such as locating missing people.

Dual-purpose canines are trained to perform patrol duties plus certain kinds of detection, whiffing out scents such as narcotics, explosives or other evidence that may be easy to miss with the human eye.

When off duty, police dogs generally live with their handlers as part of the family. Depending on their health, K9 cops can serve anywhere from 6 to 10 years before retiring to a life of heroic leisure.