Care, hygiene & well-being

Daily pet care and hygiene isn't just about appearances—it's a critical aspect of their health, well-being, and longevity. A well-hygienic pet isn't just more pleasant to live with; it's also healthier, less prone to skin infections, fewer dental problems, and generally happier. In our modern world, where pets share our homes and beds, cleanliness is also a matter of family hygiene. But proper grooming and hygiene don't mean harsh cleaning or constant baths—they mean intelligent, gentle, regular care tailored to your individual pet. This article will show you exactly how to best manage your pet's daily and weekly hygiene routine.

Choosing the right shampoo - a fundamental step

The shampoo you choose has a massive impact on skin health. Human shampoo is formulated for human skin, which has a different pH balance than animal skin. Human shampoo is too harsh and strips too many natural oils. This leads to dry, itchy skin. You must use animal-specific shampoo.

But not all pet shampoos are the same. For normal, healthy skin and a normal coat, use a mild pet shampoo. These are gentle, clean well, and remove dirt without stripping away too much of the pet's natural oils. They are ideal for regular bathing.

For dry skin or a dry coat, use a moisturizing shampoo. These contain oils and conditioners that hydrate the skin. A dog with dry, flaky skin will look significantly better after using a moisturizing shampoo.

For itchy skin or allergic reactions, use a soothing shampoo with ingredients like oatmeal or chamomile. These will relieve itching and inflammation.

For very active dogs that get dirty daily, you can use a stronger cleansing shampoo, as they are bathed more frequently. But not an extreme one, as this will remove even more oils.

For older pets with sensitive skin, use a very gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that contains hardly any chemicals. Skin becomes more sensitive with age and needs gentle treatment.

Commercial shampoos from the shop Dejac SA offer various options for different needs - they are high quality and specialized for different coat types and skin conditions.

The right bathing frequency for different activity levels

A very active dog that runs outside daily, plays in the mud, and possibly swims in lakes or rivers needs more frequent baths—perhaps weekly or every two weeks. This is necessary to remove dirt and maintain healthy skin. However, use a gentle shampoo and don't bathe in water that is too hot to avoid drying out the skin.

A moderately active dog that goes outside a few times a week needs less frequent baths – possibly every four weeks. This is sufficient to remove normal dirt.

A less active pet that lives mainly indoors and rarely gets dirty may only need a bath every two to three months. Bathing too frequently is unnecessary and can dry out the skin.

The general rule of thumb is every six to eight weeks, but this varies based on activity and personal needs.

Intermediate bath hygiene - Maintain freshness without constant bathing

You don't need to give your pet a full bath all the time to keep them clean. Between baths, use dry shampoo or dry cleaning sprays.These are powders or sprays that you work into the coat to absorb dirt. They're great for maintaining freshness between baths.

A simple alternative is to use a damp cloth or washcloth to remove dirt from your dog's paws, belly, and legs when they come inside. This prevents dirt from being tracked into the house.

Regular brushing is also a form of hygiene. Brushing removes loose hair, dirt, and dead skin cells. It keeps the coat clean and healthy without bathing.

Dental hygiene - an often neglected aspect

Dental hygiene is critical for overall health, but it's often neglected. Ideally, you should brush your pet's teeth daily—yes, just like humans. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Some pets love this, while others need time to adjust. Start gently and positively.

If daily brushing isn't possible, try at least two to three times a week. This is better than nothing. Regular brushing prevents tartar buildup and leads to better dental health.

Dental treats and chew toys also help. They mechanically clean teeth while the pet chews. But they don't replace real brushing.

Professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian every one to two years is also important, especially for older pets.

Ear hygiene - especially important for droopy ears

Dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear infections due to poor air circulation. Check and clean their ears weekly. Use a specialized ear cleaner—never water, as this can lead to infection. Drip the cleaner into the ears, gently massage the base, and have your pet shake its head. Then wipe with a cloth.

Regular weekly checks prevent major ear problems. Look for redness, bad odor, or discharge – these are signs of infection.

Short-haired dogs with erect ears need less intensive ear care, but occasional checking is still good.

Paw hygiene - often forgotten, but important

Paws should be checked and cleaned weekly, especially after outdoor time. Check for injuries, splinters, or foreign objects between the toes. In winter, check for salt or snow buildup that can cause irritation. In summer, check for heat blisters.

Wipe paws with a damp cloth after outdoor time to remove dirt. This prevents tracks through the house and keeps paws clean.

For very active dogs, you may want to use paw balm to protect rough or cracked pads.

Anal glands - An unpleasant but important topic

Anal glands can become engorged and uncomfortable or painful. Signs include: the pet scooting its bottom along the ground or excessively licking its rear end. If this happens, a veterinarian can express the glands. This should not be attempted at home, as it is unpleasant.

Sometimes a high-quality diet and plenty of fiber help to naturally regulate anal glands. Some dogs need regular expression every few months.

Nail hygiene and care

Nails should be checked weekly. Nails that are too long cause discomfort when walking and can become ingrown. They should be short enough that they don't touch the ground when the pet is standing.This depends on how active the pet is – active dogs that run a lot on asphalt wear down their nails. Less active pets need regular trimming.

Use a pet-specific nail trimming tool—not human nail scissors. Be careful not to cut the quick (the bleeding part). If you're unsure, ask a groomer or veterinarian.

Summary:

Proper daily and weekly hygiene not only keeps your pet clean – it keeps it healthy. With the right shampoo, regular baths tailored to its activity level, and thorough cleaning between baths, your pet can be clean, healthy, and happy without harsh or frequent baths.