[Scout-dog]

Okay, so I know you aren't supposed to wash your pup too often (because of their natural oils) but in the summer, Scout loves to sunbathe, and she gets pretty stinky when she's out there rolling around in the grass. So, my first question is, is it okay to give her a bath around once a week? I read some old posts on baths, and it sounds like I should maybe switch to oatmeal shampoo because it is more gentle. Rigth now we are using some other Hartz shampoo.

My second question is, should I be concerned that my doggie is such a sun-worshipper? We live in Phoenix, and she can come inside whenever she pleases, and of course has plenty of water, but I swear, that dog LOVES laying in the sun, and I just worry about the heat and UV rays.

 

[luna]

sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen!

i know the sun protection question came up a while ago when the weather started to turn nice - and the consensus was that you SHOULD apply sunscreen to your dog - especially since your girl looks like she's got a partly white coat. i know that luna gets pink underneath when she's out in the sun too much so we use one of those sprays and she's fine with it.

try to find that link (from april maybe?) to see specifically what brands people recommended.

 

[Thor]

First, ditch the Hartz. That is horrible shampoo. If you use a good shampoo, like an oatmeal or other, you can bathe more frequent than that. As with most things, you mileage may very vs. someone else's dog. If you see signs of dry skin, cut back. You can also use grooming wipes and frequent brushings to make those baths last longer. You may want to PM PitBullRoyalty though, as she knows way more than me on this.

We are in Dallas, where it is a 100 every day too, and Zeus loves laying in the sun as well. We use baby sunblock if it is an all day thing (i.e. weekends), but don't bother during the week as he will get hot and come out before he burns.

 

[OrsonDogge]

but don't bother during the week as he will get hot and come out before he burns.

I dont bother either, it's too hot in arkansas to leave him out too long.
In the A.M. when i let him out to potty, he has to plop down in the
sun and soak in the rays before he will go potty. Same with when i get home. I guess he gets cold in the air conditioning and just needs to
warm up in the sun.

 

[Scout-dog]

don't bother during the week as he will get hot and come out before he burns.

That's sort of what I thought, but I wasn't sure. If we take her for a long walk in the sun or know we will be outside for a period of time, sunscreen makes sense, but I figure that she probably has instincts of when to come in... She is rolling around on her back in the grass as I type this, and has stopped, four feet in the air to appreciate the sun... she cracks me up

So, is there a good oatmeal shampoo I should look for? I plan on heading over to the pet store this evening... which means I'll come home with shampoo, treats, toys and who knows what else... heaven forbid to go more than two days without buying *something* for my spoiled pup!

 

[Patch]

I am SOOOO bad when it comes to bathing Patch. I do it religiously EVERY SINGLE WEEK!
I cannot stand even the slightest smell on him.... and that puppy perfume only goes so far.

I use puppy shampoo on Patch at the moment, but when it runs out, I want to try this outmeal stuff... where do you guys get it from? (I'm in Australia, but i might try some of the local pet stores if that's where they sell it over there in the US).

Also, Patch absolutely LOVES the sun too... he just lays there all day sometimes!

I noticed that he got a little burnt on his nose at obedience training last sunday.. so i put some 'human' sunscreen on him.

I'm going to buy him some baby sunscreen though and will apply that to him whenever we spend a fair bit of time outside (and he hasn't got the choice to hide in the shade!)

 

[Scout-dog]

I think the sun makes them extra-stinky... Scout does not get as smelly in the winter... We are also bad about giving her baths, but I might start to try and brush her more and use those puppy-wipe things...

 

[Patch]

I think the sun makes them extra-stinky... Scout does not get as smelly in the winter... We are also bad about giving her baths, but I might start to try and brush her more and use those puppy-wipe things...

I brush Patch every day or two... and sometimes I wipe him down with baby wipes.... but the smell is still there!

There's nothing like a good old fashioned bath!!!!!!!

I just can't help myself.... i gotta bathe him.....

I know it's not the best for him... but he's an outside dog during the day, and comes in at night... so he starts smelling about a day after the bath!
I have no choice!

 

[Rachel Zugg]

I too bathe Lily once a week with a gentle Oatmeal shampoo. She never smells toooo bad but if we play out alot that week she is one smelly poochy. I never noticed the sun making her smell tho....
But I'm with Patch, I can't stand even the slightest smell off my pupper.

 

[PaulaEdwina]

Amrika is my test. All my other dogs are dirt colored and never get baths. Ami on the other hand is white......sigh.

Paula

 

[Kasco]

You could also try a dry shampoo. Sprinke or spray it on then brush it out. Works great.

 

[valleygrls98]

we love Buddy Wash it has both a shampoo and a conditioner and it will give you the shinyest dog you have ever seen !! I just saw they have a spray in coditioner now too !!
http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-Dog-Salon/Categories

 

[Scout-dog]

Haha, they have doggie nail polish!! I love it!

I have a feeling Scout would not love it though... but then maybe people we see would stop calling her a boy!