How to Clean Your Dog Between Baths

BY | July 08 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY

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Taking the dog to the

groomer can be expensive and grooming your dog at home

can be a time-consuming ordeal. However,ย your dog will be happier and healthier with regular baths and brushings, and your house will smell better, too! But life happens, and sometimes you have to put off your dogโ€™s bath for a week or two. So how can you clean your dog and keep them smelling fresh between baths?

Brush, Even if You Canโ€™t Bathe

Depending on what kind of dog you have,

brushing is usually a lot less time-consuming than bathing, especially if you keep up with it regularly. Dogs with thick or curly hair (like Poodles

) may need to be brushed more often to avoid mats and tangles, but itโ€™s worth it. Brushing removes dirt and debris that can contribute to a foul stench.

RELATED STORY: What Are Some Low Maintenance Dogs?

Doggy Wipes

Doggy wipes

ย work to freshen your dog up between baths. They are gentle, non-toxic, moisturizing, and usually smell lovely (just like the ones for babies!) Use doggy wipes to clean your pupโ€™s paws and paw pads, their rear end, and even their entire body.

Dry Shampoo

If you want to clean, deodorize, and refresh your dogโ€™s coat between baths, try a

dry shampoo

. Dry shampoos are very easy to use; they are powder formulas that can either be sprinkled or sprayed onto your dog, rubbed in, then brushed through. They instantly absorb excess oil and grease, break down dirt and grime, and leave your dogโ€™s coat looking soft and shiny and smelling great.

Dog Perfume or Cologne

Dog

perfumes

are a popular choice for stylish pups or pups who arenโ€™t smelling so swell between baths. They are designed to be light, aromatic, long-lasting, and safe. Some companies even make perfumes that

mimic popular men's and women's designer scents

. If your dog seems even the slightest bit irritated by the perfumeโ€™s smell, discontinue use, and

never

use human perfumes or colognes on a dog.

RELATED STORY: My Dogโ€™s Breath Smells! What Should I Do?

Clean Your Dogโ€™s Bed!

If you do everything you can to keep your dog clean between baths, it will all go out the window if their bed

is still dirty and smelly. Wash your dogโ€™s bed and blankets regularly to remove dirt and body oils. If you have the option, choose a bed that allows you to wash both the cover and the cushioning. Your dog will thank you by curling up for a sweet-smelling slumber.

How do you keep your dog clean between baths? Leave a comment and let us know, and sign up for PetPlus, a benefit program for pet owners that provides member-only access to medications at wholesale prices, plus discounts on food, supplies, vet visits, boarding, and more.
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