Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

You can complete the drying process with a good air blower. Commercial
dog-drying units are very effective when used as directed. Do not use your
own hair dryer on high heat. This damages the coat and may burn the dog’s
skin. Use handheld dryers only on low heat and slant them to keep the column
of air from blowing directly on the dog’s skin. Some dogs may be frightened
by the noise and blowing air. If this is the case, do not force the dog to
submit, as this can lead to trauma and problems later on.
After the bath, keep the dog indoors until her coat is completely dry. This
can take several hours.
DRY SHAMPOOS
Maintaining a clean coat between baths is highly desirable, especially for dogs
with oily coats that are prone to collecting dirt. A number of household products
have been used successfully as dry shampoos. Calcium carbonate,
unscented talcum or baby powder, and cornstarch are all effective. They can
be used frequently without damaging the coat or skin.
Work the substance into the coat and leave it in for 20 minutes to absorb
oils. Then remove the powder with a soft bristle brush. If you’re showing your
dog, remember that all traces of powder must be removed from the coat before
entering the conformation ring for judging.
Commercial waterless shampoos (they require no rinsing) are sprays for
quick cleaning problem spots. When used as an all-over spray, they are an
excellent bath substitute. Apply and towel off.
SPECIAL BATH PROBLEMS
THE SKIN AND COAT • 111
See Removing Mats, page 106, for advice on removing burdocks and chewing
gum.
De-Skunking
The old remedy for removing skunk oil involved soaking the affected parts in
tomato juice and then giving the dog a bath. What you usually ended up with
was a pink dog who stilled smelled faintly of skunk. A new recipe appeared in
Chemical & Engineering magazine and has been widely quoted on the Internet.
It is far more effective and does not require repeated use. It can be used on cats
as well as dogs. The recipe is as follows:
1 quart (1 l) 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (from the drug store)
1
⁄4 cup (55 g) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) liquid dish soap