How often do you bathe your family pet?
I was wondering how often people give their pet dogs or cats baths? Our vet told us that cats should not be washed often because they clean themselves frequently and they are not water-friendly animals. Our cat has never taken a bath, although she keeps herself pretty clean. but once in a while i wonder if we should bathe her to avoid potential dermatological problems. but she's really afraid of water and would freak out if we bring her near the bathtub. what's everybody else's experience with bathing your pet? any opinions welcome!
Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
hmm....Does anyone ever bathe cats? I've read that washing the cat too often removes natural skin oils and may dry out the coat. But I think any cat could get used to it if they really needed a bath. Check out this site for more tips on bathing a cat: http://www.thecatsite.com/Care/38/Bathing-Your-Cat-A-Battle-Of-Wills.htm...
As for dogs, definitely bathe them. It's summer now, and they can wander around outside with semi-wet coats. During winter months, we have to blow dry my dog's coat so he doesn't turn into an icicle...or pupsicle (could not help myself).
just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
thanks for the link! very informative indeed. we're taking our cat to get her annual vaccination soon so no baths for her for another few weeks. but when the weather's really hot i think i'll try and wash her for the first time in her life!
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
I don't have a cat, but I've always had dogs, and I've never bathed them unless they've rolled in mud or something. My vet has always told me that too much soap and water is bad for them.
Currently, I have a dog who needs haircuts. So every three months or so, I take him to KKs pets in Pinnacle Plaza (Shunyi), where they bathe and clip him. This is really all he needs, and they do a nice job with him.
One thing I try to do when I can find the time is brush his teeth. I have special meat-flavored dog toothpaste that I bought in the States. But you could just use a regular toothbrush with no toothpaste. It's best to start them young, though, so they get used to it.
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
I bathe our cat about once a month with a special shampoo for dogs and cats we got at the pet store.
Doesn't seem to adversely affect her and she is noticeably whiter after she's been washed ...
Jerry Chan, Editorial Director
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
Hmm yeah you're definately not supposed to wash dogs too often, it washes the oils out of their skin. I guess the same goes for cats.
We had a dog in Beijing (who is currently on his way back to the UK) and one in Wales. Both were washed only when they were particularly disgusting (rolling in fox poo and other similar decorations). We have never washed their teeth though, however beneficial that might be, instead we buy special biscuits they can gnaw which cleans their teeth themselves. How do you put up with the bone-breath??
You're right to recommend KK's though, they've been brilliant with our Beijing dog (Teddy) over the past few years.
'You can travel the seas, poles, and deserts and see nothing. To really understand the world you need to get under the skin of the people and places. In other words, learn about geography'- Michael Palin
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
My dog: roughly 2 weeks to one month. It depends on how dirty he is. If he's stinky and his hair feels grimey, then he's getting a bath. Otherwise, he is happy when he's not getting a bath!
Kara Chin, Managing Editor
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
Here's another one: How often do you clip your cat's toenails?
Based on the condition of our couch, ours is due for a mani and pedi this weekend ...
Jerry Chan, Editorial Director
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
i never bathe my cat a) she'd hate it, b) she's inside all day and spends of the time cleaning herself anyway. I clip my cat's nails about once a month ... but our couches still look like they've lived through the WW3. I've floated the idea of having her claws removed but I think ultimately that's inhumane and too painful to be worth the effort (and cost!)
Imogen Kandel, beijingkids Managing Editor (Former)
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
family pet ... speaking of family pets, my mom's little puppy (well, she was 15 ...) died last night. I spent the morning in tears and on the phone with my mom.
My mom's constant companion (and mine, every time I visited)
Rest in peace, my fuzzy little friend
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Re: How often do you bathe your family pet?
Sorry to hear about fuzzy ...
My fish are bathed daily.
An idea is like a child, none is so wonderful as your own.
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