Dirty Dog Blues?

I asked this question to Dani Weng, co-owner of Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash in Ashburn, VA. Bark 'N Bubbles makes it easy for dog owners to either bathe their own dogs in the giant, luxury dog tubs or drop them off for grooming by the expert staff. Hopefully her answers will help all of us better manage the doggie dirt this summer.

During the summer my dogs get really smelly. What can I do to help decrease the smell in between baths? 

Brushing your dog daily will assist with removing loose hair which is often the cause of odor. You may want to try putting a little bit of baby powder on the brush which will help pick up the loose hair and leave a clean scent.  There are also great products on the market to help freshen them up in between baths:

1. All Natural Pet Bath Wipes
2. All Natural Waterless Shampoos (similar to human mousse consistency)
3. All Natural Fragrant Spritz or Spray

If none of these things help you should consult your vet. There may be a health issue causing him to be so smelly.

How often should I bathe my dogs?

In the past, the generally accepted advice was that frequently bathing your dog would damage the coat or dry the skin however with the proper shampoo you can bathe without any negative results. As a general rule, it is recommended that dogs be bathed twice a month on an average, however frequency is largely dependent on the breed, coat type, size, age and activities of the dog. If your dog is itchy and scratching, that is a good sign that he needs a bath; and again, if this does not help you should consult your vet. Frequent itching and scratching could be due to allergies or diet.

Is it difficult for me to trim my dog's nails and clean his ears myself?

The ease of trimming nails and cleaning ears is completely dependent on the temperament of your dog. Some dogs do not mind having their ears and paws handled, however many do. Starting the process at a young age is a very good idea. Failure by owners to get the nails clipped can lead to pain in their paws, permanent damage and malformation. If the ears are not regularly cleaned painful ear infections can occur which could lead to greater issues. It is important for the owners to learn how to perform these functions or go to a professional if they are not sure how to do it themselves. Vets and/or groomers can give you lessons on how to improve your dogs health by having clean ears and nails of the proper length. If your dog is difficult to manage the professionals can do it for you.

There are so many shampoos, conditioners and spa products on the market. How do I know what to buy?

As a general rule, you'll want a mild cleansing shampoo designed for dogs, without harsh chemicals, perfumes or parasite control agents. Dog shampoos are formulated specifically to protect your dog's skin and fur. If you use human shampoos or soap, which are not properly pH balanced for dogs' skin and hair, or shampoos that use high levels of chemicals, you could dry the dogs skin and coat. There is also a chance your dog will be allergic to the scents that are added to human products. The shampoo that you choose should be free of soap, chemicals, perfumes or parasite control agents. It sounds strange, but shampoos that have detergents can further irritate your dog's skin. When choosing a shampoo, try to find one that conditions the skin. If you choose to have a shampoo and/or conditioner with a fragrance  we suggest using an all natural or organic product.

If you are using a flea and tick shampoo or another type of medicated shampoo, then follow the directions on the bottle or the instructions given to you by your veterinarian. Sometimes, medicated shampoos have different directions for use. It's important that you follow these instructions to get your dog clean, itch free and parasite free.  There are a lot of all natural and organic flea and tick shampoos on the market which may be best for dogs with sensitive skin.

Use products that are specifically designed for dogs, and are completely safe to use as often as you like; as a matter of fact, the more you use them, the better maintained your dogs coat will be.

Do you have any tips on managing excessive shedding?

Dog shedding is normal - and for some dogs they "blow" their coat seasonally. In the spring some dogs shed their winter coat.  "Blowing" their coat is the natural process of a dog getting rid of the old hair and replaced by a new coat of hair. Shedding is all year round and there are some steps you can take to minimize how excessive it can get.

Regular grooming is one of the best ways to manage excessive dog shedding. Since your dog sheds why not brush your dog daily and help remove the hair?

Most dog breeds should be brushed approximately once or twice a week. Dogs with silky coats should be brushed three to four times a week to keep their coats looking their best. Regular brushing is also beneficial for stimulating blood flow.

Feeding your dog a high quality food with Omega 3 fatty acids also have a great will help keep him healthy and support in keeping his coat shiny.

Bark 'N Bubbles Dog Wash takes great pride in not only giving you the bathing and grooming tools you need to make your dog look and smell great; but the bonding experience is a plus as well.  Our Jacuzzi size tubs avoid back discomfort and add ease to bathing. Many of our customers expressed they love this concept as they use to hurry through bathing their dog at home or out in their back yard. We have made it where bathing is a more pleasurable experience and they can leave the mess behind! For those busy dog owners who may not have the time to bathe their dog, we offer the service to bathe their dog for them. Bark 'N Bubbles is franchising in Virginia with a pending sale in Fairfax, Manassas and Leesburg.