Dogs have amazing fur coats that control their body temperature and protect their skin from the sun when they spend time outdoors. As a dog owner, it’s important to look after your dog’s fur with regular brushing…
So, how often should you brush your dog?
You should brush your dog at least once a week. For the best results, you can brush a short-haired dog every three to four days and a long-haired dog every two to three days. Brushing your dog more often than two or three times a week is fine, but be sure to use the right brush and don’t push too hard or you might irritate the skin.
How often you brush your dog depends on two things:
the length of your dog’s hair, and
the type of coat your dog has
Let’s take a look at each type of dog coat and how often it needs to be brushed and what happens when you brush your dog (and when you don’t)…
How often to brush each kind of dog coat
Here’s how often you should brush your dog depending on your dog’s hair length and coat:
Examples of breeds with this hair length and coat
Examples of breeds with this hair length and coat
Traits of this coat type
How often you should brush
Hairless dog (hairless dog breed or hairless from a skin condition)
American Hairless Terrier Hairless Chihuahua
– Very little hair in certain spots or no hair at all on the body
There are many dog brushes and combs available. Brushes are good for general upkeep, such as massaging the skin, keeping the coat clean and removing loose hair. Dog combs are better for certain jobs in one area of the coat, such as getting out knots and removing fleas from a dog’s coat.
Here are the best dog brushes to use on dogs with different coat types and hair length:
Coat type
Best dog brushes to use
Hairless dog (dog breed or skin condition)
Soft brush on hairy parts Dog grooming glove on hairless areas
Curly coat
Slicker brush Wide-tooth comb
Short, smooth coat
Bristle brush Dog grooming glove
Short, wire coat
Slicker brush Medium-tooth comb
Short, double coat
Slicker brush Rake Metal comb
Long, smooth coat
Slicker brush Large-tooth comb
Long, wire coat
Slicker brush Pin brush Large-tooth comb
Long, double coat
Slicker brush Rake Wide-tooth comb
Why you should brush your dog regularly
Did you know that brushing your dog has many benefits for both of you? Brushing your dog regularly with the right brush can:
· Help your dog maintain a healthy skin and coat
Each hair on a dog has an oil gland attached to it under the skin. When you brush your dog, you massage the skin and release this oil, which is called ‘sebum’.
According to research, sebum keeps the skin moist and healthy, protects it from the environment, kills bacteria, and keeps it clean. Sebum also moisturizes the dog’s hair.
The best brushes to massage your dog’s skin and for general coat maintenance are pinhead brushes and dog grooming gloves.
· Remove knots and matted hair
Many dogs get knots in their fur, which can be painful to brush out. A dog’s hair is more likely to knot and become matted if it is long. Dogs with long hair need to be brushed every 2-3 days, to keep knots under control.
If your dog has long hair but no knots, then you can use a pinhead brush for that day’s brush to maintain a healthy skin and coat. But if your dog has knots on brushing day, use a slicker brush or wide-toothed comb to gently work through the knots.
Very bad knots and mats may need to be cut out rather than brushed or combed out, so you don’t hurt your dog and make him or her fear being brushed.
Brushing massages a dog’s skin and causes it to release sebum, a natural oil, onto the dog’s skin. The brush’s bristles then move this sebum through the coat. As this oil moves from the skin to the end of each hair, it takes dirt with it.
So brushing helps to remove dirt from a dog’s skin and coat.
· Remove loose hair and help your dog shed its seasonal coat
All hair goes through three phases: a growth phase, a rest phase, and a shed phase. During the final shed phase, the old hair leaves the hair follicle in the skin and falls off the dog.
This can happen throughout the year, but most dogs have a good shed when the seasons are changing, in Spring and Fall. This is when their new coats grow out – a cooler coat for summer and a warmer coat for winter.
But sometimes this loose hair becomes matted in a dog’s fur, especially if the dog has a thick coat or a double coat (two coat layers).
Brushing can remove most of this loose hair from the coat to prevent matting. Brushing also minimizes the number of dog hairs you might find lying around your home.
If it’s brush day and your dog is shedding, then you can use a slicker brush or a wide-tooth comb to remove loose hair from your dog.
· Help your dog regulate its body temperature
A dog’s fur coat is important in helping it control its body temperature. Whether your dog loves lying in the sun (find out why some dogs love to sunbathe by clicking here) or your dog loves playing in the snow, the thickness and condition of the dog’s fur coat goes a long in way in keeping your dog cool or warm enough.
DID YOU KNOW: A dog’s normal, healthy body temperature ranges between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 and 39.2 degrees Celsius). Some dogs keep their body temperature a little higher or lower than this, which is fine. But anything above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) is dangerous and needs medical help.
Regular brushing helps to keep the coat clean, healthy and untangled, so the coat can do its job of growing and shedding as it should.
· You may pick up health issues early
When you brush your dog, take some time to check your dog’s skin and overall coat condition. Getting to know your dog will help you pick up health issues, illnesses or growths, so you can get advice and treatment from a veterinarian if you need to.
Look for the following signs and symptoms:
Marks, sores, or scabs on the skin
Ticks, fleas or parasites in the fur
Dry or flaky areas of skin
Lumps and bumps
The color of the gums and any changes in color
Holes in or damaged teeth
Any major changes in the appearance and feel of the dog’s skin and hair
· Be a time for bonding between you and your dog
Brushing your dog and spending time with him/her is a wonderful way to bond with your pet and make you both happier and healthier.
Studies have shown that contact with animals can make you happier, release stress, and help you fight infections.
When you touch your dog, you release a hormone called ‘oxytocin’, which is a bonding hormone. This hormone helps you build an even stronger bond with your dog and a deeper love for each other.
There are two main reasons to brush a dog: general upkeep and to remove loose fur on a shedding dog. Brushing for upkeep should take about 10 minutes to give the coat a quick run through, removing new knots and dirt. When brushing a shedding dog, simply stop brushing when there is no more loose hair showing on the dog brush.
Here are some more recommendations and guidelines on how long to brush your dog:
Daily Puppy recommends brushing a puppy for 10 minutes. Start with only a few minutes and build up the time from there, giving your puppy lots of praise and treats during the brushing and after. You want your puppy to get used to brushing and look forward to it, to make grooming easier for when puppy grows into an adult.
Adult dogs can be brushed for 10 to 30 minutes when doing upkeep brushing. This should be more than enough time to remove knots and get the full benefit from the brush, such as a shiny coat and the removal of dirt.
Always brush in the direction of your dog’s coat, never against the growth, or you could pull out more hair than you should.
Remove hair from the comb or brush every two to three brush strokes. Keeping the brush clean will allow the brush to pick up more hair with each stroke.
When your dog is shedding, keep brushing until there’s no more fur showing on the brush. This might happen before or after the time recommendations above (10-30 minutes), but this is a better indicator of when to stop brushing a dog that’s shedding hair.
Dogs with thick or double coats usually need to be brushed for longer than dogs with short, single, or wire coats.
How often should you brush your dog to prevent shedding?
Brushing does not prevent or stop shedding in dogs, but brushing a dog that’s shedding two to three times a week minimizes the amount of hair the dog leaves lying around. Brushing this often removes all the loose hair before it can fall off. All dogs shed, and no amount of brushing will prevent shedding altogether.
Dogs shed because their hair goes through three stages: a growth phase, a rest phase, and a shed phase. Hair is lost during the final shed phase. Some dogs shed once or twice a year, while others shed hair all year round.
Shedding is a dog’s natural way to lose old hair and replace it with new, healthy hair. It’s also how a dog grows a warm coat for winter and a cooler coat for summer.
Dogs that spend a lot of time indoors, where the temperature stays more or less the same, tend to shed less than outdoor dogs of the same breed. This is because indoor dogs don’t rely on their coats as much to control their body temperature – they rely on heaters to warm up, and air conditioners and fans to stay cool.
It is important to stick to regular brushes every two to three days when your dog is shedding, whether your dog is indoors or outdoors, to keep the loose hair under control and manageable.
Should you brush a dog with wet or dry hair?
It’s best to brush a dog with dry hair. Soap and water soften a dog’s hair and skin, making the wet hair looser and weaker than when it’s dry. Brushing a dog with wet hair can break the hair, make knots harder to comb out, or even cause bald patches where the hair is pulled out unevenly.
Because soap and water soften the skin too, brushing a wet dog with a rough brush or with too much pressure can hurt the dog and break the skin into sores.
You don’t have to bath your dog every time you brush him/her, but it’s important to brush your dog before every bath. Doing so will remove loose hair and make washing your dog easier.
What happens if you don’t brush your dog?
If you don’t ever brush your dog, your dog won’t enjoy the many benefits that come with regular brushes (they’re all listed and explained above). In fact, some not-so-nice things might happen if you never give your dog a brush.
Here’s what might happen if you never brush your dog:
Your dog will leave more hair around your home. All dogs shed, which means all dogs lose hair. Brushing helps to remove loose hairs in one go and keep them under control. Without brushing, a dog will drop a lot more hair around.
Your dog might overheat. One of the reasons why a dog loses hair is to control its body temperature. Dogs usually grow a thinner coat in summer and a thicker coat in winter. Brushing helps to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Not brushing a dog’s coat can let the loose hair get knotted in the coat and build up thick mats, making the dog much warmer.
Dead skin and dirt may build up on the dog’s skin, causing oiliness and clogged pores. Brushing helps to distribute a dog’s natural skin oil, and remove dirt and dead skin from the skin and coat. When dead skin and oil build up on a dog’s skin, the dog may get infections, acne, and even start smelling bad.
Can you brush your dog too much?
You can brush a dog as often as you like, as long as you don’t push too hard and you use the right brush. If you see your dog’s skin becoming red, dry or patchy, then you are probably brushing too often, brushing the fur the wrong way, or your dog brush is too rough for your dog’s skin.
If your dog is scratching its back, neck or belly more than usual, then he/she might have fleas. Dogs scratch because these little parasites crawl around on the dog’s skin and tickle the dog or leave scabs or rashes where they suck the dog’s blood.
But where do dogs pick up fleas?
Dogs get fleas from other animals, grass, inside the house, or even from humans. Fleas lie in wait and jump on dogs as they walk by or stand close enough. If a dog comes within 20 inches (50 cm) of a young adult flea, there is a chance the flea will leap and land on the dog.
There are many, many places where a dog can get fleas – wherever there are young fleas or eggs, there is a chance a dog will get fleas if they haven’t been treated with a good flea treatment.
If your dog has fleas or keeps getting fleas, then you need to think carefully about all the places your dog visits to avoid the source of the fleas and take measures at home to break the flea lifecycle.
Some dogs have a very negative reaction to flea treatments, so please speak to your vet for advice on what to give your pet.
I prefer to give my dogs the Bravecto spot on treatment, not any tablets, and they have not had a bad reaction to it so far. Always follow the instructions carefully.
Here’s a list of possible places where a dog can get fleas…
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From the grass in your garden
The grass in your garden is one of the most common places for a dog to get fleas. Other animals may visit your yard and drop fleas or flea eggs in your garden. These flea eggs hatch and thrive, especially in long grass where it’s shady, warm and humid. They then jump onto any dogs in the yard.
Animals that may bring fleas to your yard are:
birds
cats
deer
ferrets
foxes
opossums
rabbits
raccoons
rodents
skunks
squirrels
There may also be fleas in your dog’s outdoor house, bedding, or under the porch.
From your cat
If your cat goes wandering and picks up fleas, there’s a good chance these fleas will jump onto your dog. Cat fleas don’t mind living on cats or dogs, but dog fleas prefer to live on dogs.
If you have a cat at home and your dog gets fleas, check your cat for fleas too.
Always use a flea treatment designed for cats on cats, and a treatment designed for dogs on dogs. Cat flea treatments are poisonous to dogs and dog treatments are poisonous to cats.
Facilities where there are other dogs
Fleas can jump from dog to dog or from the floor onto a dog. If a dog comes in with fleas or drops flea eggs in a facility, there’s a chance the fleas will spread to other dogs that visit that facility too.
Some pet facilities where fleas can be passed from dog to dog include:
Once a flea has entered your house, the house can become a source of flea infestation and reinfestation.
Fleas aren’t always brought into the house by a cat or a dog – sometimes humans or another animal, such as a wild mouse, can bring fleas into the house.
Female fleas can lay a lot of eggs – about 20 per day. These eggs lie around on the floor in the house and, within a few days, fleas hatch out of the eggs. These young fleas live in carpets, bedding, floors, plush toys and furniture, until a suitable host walks by to jump on, such as your dog.
People, including you, can bring fleas into your home and infect the dog. Fleas may jump onto a person’s shoes, socks, or clothing, and get a free ride into the house.
My dog loves chomping on fruit every now and then but there are some fruits I never give him. This is based on my own research where I found out that …
Dogs can eat small portions of most fruits, but there are some fruits a dog should never eat, such as avocados and grapes. These fruits are toxic to dogs and even a small amount can make them very sick or kill them.
The size of the dog, the dog’s state of health, and how much the dog eats will all have an impact on what happens to the dog if they eat the fruit on the list below. If two dogs eat the same amount of fruit, one a small or sickly dog and the other a large healthy dog, then the small dog will probably suffer much worse symptoms and be more likely to die than the larger healthy dog.
Dogs may enjoy the sweetness of a fresh piece of fruit, but did you know that there is no nutritional reason to give a dog fruit? In fact, dogs on a balanced diet do not need to eat any fruit.
If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s best not to give your dog fruit, even the ones in this list of fruits that dogs can eat.
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What parts of fruit can dogs not eat?
Dogs should not eat the seeds, pits or stones from any fruit, fresh or preserved. Many of these contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. These are also a choking hazard, and may get stuck in a dog’s throat or digestive tract.
Can dogs eat canned or preserved fruit?
Dogs should never eat canned or preserved fruit. These often contain a lot of sugar and preservatives, which may make the dog sick with symptoms like an upset stomach, cramps, vomiting, weight gain, or hyperactivity.
Always consult your veterinarian for advice before giving your dog any fruit. Dogs do not need to eat fruit if they are on a balanced diet. Too much fruit or fruit that is toxic to dogs can do more harm than good, especially if your dog has health issues, such as diabetes, or is overweight.
List of fruits dogs cannot eat
Here’s an alphabetical list of fruits that dogs cannot eat and why:
FRUITS DOGS CAN’T EAT
WHY DOGS CAN’T EAT THESE FRUITS
Avocados
Dogs should not eat avocado. Avocados have a high level of a toxin called ‘persin’ in the skin and pit, which can make a dog vomit or give them diarrhea. There is less persin in an avocado’s green flesh, but the persin that is there and the richness of the pulp may still have a negative effect on many dogs.
Grapefruit
Dogs should not eat grapefruit. Although the bitter flesh is not poisonous to dogs, it has a lot of citric acid that can cause diarrhea and vomiting when eaten. Grapefruit skin contains essential oils that are toxic to dogs. There is a compound in grapefruit called ‘psoralen’, which studies have shown may cause skin sensitivity. Dogs that eat a lot of grapefruit or citrus fruits can get dermatitis, especially if they spend time out in the sun. Dermatitis often gives a dog red, swollen sores, blisters, or rashes on the skin.
Grapes
Dogs should never eat any kind of grape: peeled, seedless, or dried grapes (raisins). All grapes are highly toxic to dogs. Even one grape can give a dog kidney failure and/or kill it. If you suspect that your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, immediately call your veterinarian for advice and watch for any symptoms of poisoning. Here are the most common symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs: – Loss of appetite – Weakness – Dehydration and/or drinking more than usual – Cramps or a sore stomach – More or less urination, or no urination at all – Vomiting and/or diarrhea that starts soon after eating the grape or raisin
Lemons
Dogs should not eat lemons. A dog could probably eat a little lemon flesh or juice without any side effects, but eating enough will probably cause diarrhea or vomiting. There’s no nutritional reason for a dog to eat lemons. Lemons are citrus fruits that contain psoralen, which studies have shown can cause a sensitive skin. Dogs that eat citrus fruits may get dermatitis, especially if they love lying in the sun. Dermatitis can give a dog red, swollen sores, blisters, or rashes on the skin.
Limes
Dogs should not eat limes. A dog could probably drink a few drops of lime juice or eat a little flesh without getting sick, but enough lime will most likely make the dog vomit or get an upset stomach. Also, the essential oils in a lime’s skin can make a dog quite sick. Like lemons and grapefruit, limes contain psoralen, which may make a dog’s skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Tomatoes (green)
Dogs should never eat green tomatoes or any part of a tomato plant. The green in tomatoes and tomato plants contain a substance called ‘solanine’, which is poisonous to dogs. Red tomatoes do not have much solanine in them and are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Solanine is found in a tomato plant’s leaves, stem and the green, unripe fruit. According to the ASPCA, if your dog has eaten green tomatoes or plants you should watch out for the following symptoms of tomato poisoning: – Excessive drooling – Loss of appetite – Diarrhea – Depression – Weakness – Dilated pupils – A slow heart rate
A dog would need to eat a lot of solanine to get very sick, but even a little could cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.
If your dog has eaten green tomato and has any of the symptoms above, it’s best to call your veterinarian for advice.
My dog loves begging for berries and bananas while I make myself smoothies. I’ve often wondered if the fruit would do him any good or any harm, so I did a little digging to find out if dogs can eat fruit.
It turns out…
Dogs can safely eat most fruits in small quantities as occasional treats, such as raspberries, pineapple, or mango, but treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Always remove fruit cores, pits, rinds, stones and seeds, and chop hard fruit into small pieces before feeding it to a dog.
There are some things to know before feeding a dog fruit, if you want to avoid choking or making a dog sick – if in doubt, it’s best not to give your dog any fruit.
Here are the basic rules of thumb to follow when feeding fruit to a dog…
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How to feed fruit to a dog
Introduce fruit slowly to your dog’s diet by giving your dog a small piece of fruit, then watch to see if the dog shows any side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, a sore stomach, or flatulence over the next day or two.
A dog might be fine with one type of fruit but react badly to another.
Dogs can only eat a little fruit at a time, such as a slice or two of a peeled apple – never the whole apple. Medium and large breeds will be able to eat more fruit than smaller breeds.
The healthiest fruits to feed your dog are plain pumpkin, coconut meat and cranberries.
Many fruits can be frozen to make a refreshing treat during the warmer months.
Most fruits are high in sugar, so it’s better not to make fruit a staple in your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has diabetes.
Most fruits are also high in fiber, which may cause bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting if too much fruit is eaten at one sitting.
Always wash fruit before giving it to your dog, especially if your dog is eating the skin.
Never give a dog rotting or rotten fruit as it probably contains ethanol, which is toxic to dogs.
Never give a dog seeds, pits or stones from fruit as many contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
Never give a dog canned or preserved fruits as these contain a lot of sugar and preservatives, which may cause weight gain and hyperactivity.
Large pieces of hard fruit can be a choking hazard, so be sure to watch your dog and take the fruit away when it gets too small, or cut the fruit into very small pieces that cannot choke your dog if he/she swallows the piece of fruit whole.
Always consult your veterinarian for advice before adding fruit to your dog’s diet. The list below is for information purposes only. Dogs do not need to be given fruit if they are on a balanced diet, and too much fruit can do more harm than good, particularly if your dog has health issues such as diabetes.
List of fruits dogs can eat
Here’s an alphabetical list of fruits that dogs can eat in moderation, with some notes on how to serve them:
FRUITS DOGS CAN EAT
HOW TO FEED FRUITS TO DOGS
Apples
Dogs can safely eat one or two slices of a peeled apple. Always remove the skin and seeds before cutting a slice or two for your dog. Or cut some small apple chunks to use as a training treat. Never feed an apple core or apple seeds to your dog as these can choke your dog or poison him/her.
Apricots
Dogs can eat a small piece of apricot at a time. Too much apricot may cause vomiting and diarrhea, so never give a dog a large piece to start with. Remove the stone before giving apricot to your dog, as it contains cyanide and can be toxic. Don’t feed dogs preserved apricots as these have very high sugar levels, which can cause hyperactivity and obesity in dogs.
Bananas
Dogs can safely eat some banana every day. Peel the banana and chop it into pieces before giving it to your dog. A large dog can eat up to half a banana per day, while small dogs should be given no more than two to three slices of banana a day. To make a cooling treat for your dog, cut a banana into slices and put the slices in an ice tray in the freezer. On a hot day, give your dog some frozen banana slices to chew on. This also stops the dog from making a mess when they eat bananas.
Blackberries
Dogs can safely eat blackberries in moderation. A small dog should be safe eating two or three blackberries and a larger dog can eat up to six blackberries at a time. More than this may give the dog diarrhea or cause vomiting.
Blueberries
Dogs can eat blueberries as an occasional treat. A small dog can be given two to three blueberries and a larger up to six blueberries at a time. Blueberries offer many healthy antioxidants, but can cause vomiting or diarrhea if a dog eats too many in one go.
Cantaloupe / Rock Melon / Sweet Melon / Spanspek / Musk Melon / Mush Melon / Persian Melon
Cantaloupes are safe for non-diabetic dogs in moderation. Remove the seeds and rind before feeding as they are a choking hazard. Also, the rind may get stuck in the dog’s digestive tract. Cut the fruit’s flesh into small pieces that won’t choke your dog if it swallows the piece whole. Then give your dog two or three pieces of cantaloupe to enjoy. Cantaloupes have a lot of water in them and make a refreshing snack on a hot day, especially cold from the refrigerator or frozen in ice cubes. Keep an eye on your dog to make sure there are no side effects, such as flatulence, vomiting, or diarrhea. If there are side effects, don’t feed your dog cantaloupe again. These melons are loaded with vitamins A and C, along with other nutrients. But dogs do not need nutrients from fruit if they are eating a balanced diet. Also, there are about 13 grams of sugar in 1 cup of cantaloupe, so don’t feed this fruit to your dog often and don’t give cantaloupe to your dog at all if your dog has diabetes.
Cherries
The flesh of one or two fresh cherries is generally safe for dogs to eat, but use caution when giving your dog cherries: Dogs should never eat cherry pits (the hard seeds inside the fruit), stems or leaves as these contain cyanide and may be toxic to dogs. Also, the pit may block the intestine, especially in smaller dogs. Based on these risks, it’s probably better not to give your dog any cherries to eat. Dogs can safely eat one or two dried cherries. These should be an occasional treat and not a regular part of your dog’s diet. Dogs cannot eat maraschino cherries. These are soaked in sugar and are very unhealthy for a dog to eat.
If a dog has eaten more than two cherries or cherry pits, look for the following symptoms: – Constipation – Not eating – Vomiting – Heavy breathing – Dilated pupils – Red gums It can take up to 24 hours for these symptoms to show. If your dog shows these symptoms, it’s best to take him/her to a vet to be checked for cyanide poisoning or an intestinal blockage.
Coconut
Dogs can safely eat a small block or two of raw coconut flesh/meat. Also, a teaspoon of coconut oil can be added to a dog’s meal. But coconut is very rich and too much may cause bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Always remove the hard shell before feeding coconut to a dog, as this shell is a choking hazard. Coconut is a fairly healthy snack for dogs and is a great option to choose when looking for fruits to feed your dog. Coconut meat and coconut oil both have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. A little coconut may go a long way in moisturizing a dog’s dry skin and brittle hair. Coconut may also help with healing cuts and wounds, along with fighting off infections. If your dog has brittle hair and dry skin, it may be a sign of too much washing. Click HERE to find out how often to bathe your dog for optimum health.
Cranberries
Small dogs can safely eat one or two cranberries a day as a treat. Larger dogs can eat a few more at a time. These cranberry treats may be raw, dried, or cooked. Cranberries have many health benefits for dogs. But cranberries are high in fiber and may cause diarrhea or vomiting if a dog eats too many at a time. Don’t ever give your dog a cranberry supplement or pill as these are not safe for dogs. Cranberries are not toxic to dogs and any side effects from eating too many should pass within 24 hours. Because cranberries aren’t dangerous to dogs, they make a great occasional fruit treat. Cranberries may help your dog to fight a bladder infection, remove tartar from the dog’s teeth, and fight bacteria.
Figs
Most dogs can safely eat the flesh of one or two figs per week. Other dogs may react badly to eating figs and should avoid figs altogether. Figs are high in fiber and may give any dog diarrhea or cause vomiting if too much is eaten at one time. Dogs should never eat or touch a fig plant, especially the leaves. Remove the skin before feeding the soft inner flesh to your dog as the rind is a choking hazard or may block the dog’s digestive tract. Figs are not toxic to dogs but can be an irritant for some. A dog that shows symptoms or a reaction after eating a fig’s flesh should recover within a day or two. Dogs that do react to the irritants in figs may: – Drool heavily – Vomit – Have diarrhea
Goji Berries / Wolf Berries
Dogs can safely eat a few goji berries as a treat. Small dogs should have no more than one or two berries at a time, while bigger dogs may be able to handle five or six berries. These can be fresh or dried gojis. But goji berries are high in sugar and should only be an occasional treat for healthy dogs. Diabetic dogs should never eat goji berries. As with most fruits, eating too many goji berries at once may cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. Goji berries are not toxic to dogs and any symptoms or side effects after eating goji berries should disappear within a day or so.
Honeydew Melons
Honeydew melons are safe for non-diabetic dogs in moderation. Cut the fruit’s flesh into small pieces that won’t choke your dog if he/she swallows a piece whole, then limit your dog to two or three pieces a day. Always remove the seeds and rind as they are a choking hazard. Also, the rind may get stuck in the dog’s digestive tract. Honeydew melons have a lot of water in them and make a refreshing dog treat on a hot day, especially cold straight from the refrigerator or frozen in ice cubes. These melons are high in sugar, so don’t feed this fruit to your dog often and don’t give any honeydew melon to a diabetic dog.
Kiwi Fruit
Dogs can safely eat a one or two slices of kiwi fruit per day. Leave the skin on if your dog is a bigger breed and likes to eat it, but remove the skin and seeds for smaller dogs to prevent choking or intestinal blockages. Don’t ever feed a whole kiwi fruit to a dog as the dog might choke. The easiest way to get the flesh out of a kiwi fruit for a small dog is to cut the fruit in half and scoop the flesh out of each half with a spoon. For bigger dogs, simply cut thin slices with a knife and share one or two with your dog. As with most fruits, too much kiwi fruit may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Mangoes
Dogs can safely eat a little mango flesh per week. Large dogs should get no more than one-quarter cup of mango at a time, and small dogs half of this. Remove the outer skin and pit before feeding mango to a dog, as these are a choking hazard or may block the intestine. Also, mango pits contain cyanide which may be toxic to dogs. Freeze small blocks of mango to make tasty, refreshing treats for your dog during the warmer months. Mangos are high in sugar and should only be an occasional treat for healthy dogs. Dogs with diabetes should never eat mango. Because of the high sugar and fiber content in this fruit, a dog that eats too much mango may experience bloating, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Mulberries
Dogs can safely eat one or two ripe mulberries at a time as a treat. But unripe mulberries and too many mulberries usually give a dog diarrhea and cause vomiting. These berries are non-toxic to dogs and any symptoms should go away within 24 hours.
Nectarines
Dogs can safely eat small amounts of fresh nectarines as an occasional treat. Small dogs can eat one or two slices, while larger dogs may eat four or five slices at a time without any side effects. Nectarines are high in fiber and sugar, so eating too much may cause bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or blood sugar fluctuations. Never give a dog a nectarine pit as it contains cyanide and can be toxic to dogs. It is also a choking hazard or may get stuck in the dog’s digestive tract. Dogs should never eat canned nectarines as they contain unhealthy preservatives and sugar. These ingredients may make your dog hyperactive and overweight.
Oranges
Healthy small and medium-sized dogs can safely eat one or two sections of orange flesh at a time. A large dog may eat up to three sections at a time. Remove the peel, pith and seeds from the orange before feeding orange to your dog as these can be dangerous. They are also a choking hazard or can get stuck in a dog’s digestive tract. The pith is the white film under the peel that surrounds the flesh. This should not be given to dogs to eat. Oranges contain a lot of sugar and acid, which may make a dog vomit or cause bloating and/or diarrhea if a dog eats too much at a time. Because of the high sugar content, oranges should never be given to overweight dogs or dogs with diabetes. Oranges are not toxic to dogs and any side effects from eating too much of an orange should go away within a day.
Peaches
Dogs can safely eat one or two chunks of a fresh peach as a special treat. Remove the peach pit before feeding your dog as it is a choking hazard and may be toxic. Never feed preserved or canned peaches to a dog. Peaches are high in fiber and sugar, so eating too much may cause bloating, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. A peach pit, or stone, and a peach plant contain cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs. The only part of a peach that is safe for a dog to eat is the fleshy fruit and skin. And even this needs to be eaten in moderation to avoid an upset tummy. Dogs should never be given canned or preserved peaches as they contain unhealthy preservatives and sugar. These ingredients may make your dog hyperactive and/or overweight.
Pears
Small dogs can safely eat a thin slice of pear and larger dogs can eat up to two slices at a time. Due to the high sugar and fiber content in pears, this fruit should be an occasional treat and not part of a dog’s daily diet. Eating too much at once can cause vomiting, bloating, and/or diarrhea. Because pears are a hard fruit, they can be a choking hazard or get stuck in a dog’s digestive tract if a large piece is swallowed. Cut pear into thin slices or bite-sized pieces, and keep an eye on your dog when feeding pears as a treat. Always remove the core and seeds before feeding pear to a dog. The seeds contain small traces of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs. Also, the core and seeds can choke a dog or get stuck in their digestive tract and require veterinary attention. Never feed a dog canned or preserved pears because they have a high sugar and preservative content, which could make your dog hyperactive or gain weight.
Pineapple
Small dogs can safely eat one chunk of raw pineapple. Medium-sized dogs can eat two and large dogs three chunks at a time. Always remove the hard skin and the core through the center of the pineapple first. Because of the high sugar content, it’s best to not feed a dog any pineapple. If you do, do so on rare occasions. Dogs should only ever be given raw pineapple and never canned or preserved pineapple. Pineapples have a lot of sugar and fiber, so eating too much may cause bloating, vomiting, and/or diarrhea in dogs. Pineapple is not toxic and any side effects from eating too much should go away within 24 hours, unless the dog has eaten the core or skin and this is stuck in the digestive tract. If this is the case, then the dog requires medical attention. An old wives’ tale is that feeding your dog pineapple will stop your dog from eating poop. This is not true and is not a reason to feed a dog pineapple.
Plums
Dogs can safely eat one or two slices of raw, fresh plum on occasion. Leave the skin on if your dog is a bigger breed and likes to eat it, but remove the skin for smaller dogs to prevent choking or internal blockages. Don’t ever feed a whole plum or a plum pit as the dog might choke or get a blockage in the digestive tract. Plum pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide. If a dog eats several pits or a plum plant, it could become very ill and die. If your dog has eaten any of these, look for the following signs of poisoning and take your dog to the vet immediately: – Bright red gums – Dilated pupils – Difficulty breathing – Panting Plums are high in sugar and should not be fed often as a dog treat. Dogs with diabetes should never eat plums due to the high sugar content. As with most fruits, if a dog eats too much of a plum’s flesh in one go there may be gastric side effects, such as bloating, vomiting and diarrhea.
Pumpkin
Dogs can safely eat plain cooked or canned pumpkin every day. Feed a dog about 1 teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 lbs of dog weight. So, a female Labrador that weighs 60 lbs can eat 6 teaspoons of pumpkin at a time. Never give a dog any pumpkin with salt, pepper, or any other additives. Never give a dog the hard outer pumpkin skin or seeds. These are a choking hazard and may block the dog’s digestive tract. Also, never give a dog canned pumpkin pie as it may contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Pumpkin has many health benefits for dogs. Just add 1-4 tablespoons of plain, cooked pumpkin to a dog’s meal to stop diarrhea, stop constipation, help with weight loss, and give your dog a shiny coat.
Raspberries
Dogs can safely eat washed raspberries now and then. Small dogs should be limited to about one-quarter cup, medium breeds to half a cup, and large breeds to no more than 1 cup of raspberries at a time. Although raspberries are fairly low in sugar, eating too many will upset a dog’s stomach. Eating some fresh or frozen raspberries as a treat should be safe for dogs. But eating a very large amount may spike and then drop a dog’s sugar levels and require veterinary attention. If your dog has eaten a lot of raspberries, look for the following symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): – Twitching in the muscles – Slow movements – Sleepiness – Dilated pupils – Loss of appetite
Strawberries
Dogs can eat fresh, washed strawberries in moderation. Give no more than one strawberry to a small dog, two to three strawberries to a medium-sized dog, and three to four strawberries to a large dog at a time. Chop, puree or mash strawberries before giving them to a dog, to prevent choking. Don’t ever give canned strawberries to a dog, especially strawberries in syrup. These are full of sugar and preservatives and are not healthy for any dog to eat. Like other fruit, strawberries contain sugar. Some dogs might react badly to the sugar in strawberries, especially if they eat too many of these delicious berries. If a dog does have any negative reactions, don’t feed him/her strawberries again. Too many strawberries could cause bloating, a sore stomach, vomiting, and/or diarrhea in a dog.
Tangerines / Mandarin Oranges
Dogs can safely eat two to three slices of a fresh tangerine. But tangerines are not part of a dog’s natural diet and should not really be included in it. Tangerines contain both sugar and fiber, so if your dog does eat some of this fruit, he/she might get a sore tummy, bloating, diarrhea, or start vomiting. Tangerines are not toxic to dogs and any side effects should resolve within a day or so. If your dog is on a balanced diet, then feeding him/her tangerines will not have any nutritional benefit and may just cause an upset stomach.
Watermelon
Dogs can safely eat pink watermelon flesh, but never the hard outer rind or seeds as these are choking hazards or could block the digestive tract. Limit small dogs to one-quarter cup, medium-sized dogs to half a cup, and large dogs to one cup of chopped watermelon flesh at a time. Any more than that and the dog may get diarrhea or start vomiting. Watermelons are high in sugar and should be a very occasional treat. If you do want to give watermelon to your dog, leave about 6 weeks between these sweet treats.
I recently had a chat with another dog owner about how often we should wash our dogs. We couldn’t agree on a bathing schedule so I did some research to find out how often to wash a dog without causing any harm.
So, how often should you bathe your dog?
Healthy adult dogs with no allergies or skin conditions should be bathed once every 2 to 3 months with dog shampoo when needed. Dogs with skin allergies can be bathed more often with a medicated dog shampoo, but no dog should be bathed more than once a week unless recommended by a vet.
Hygiene and cleanliness are important when humans and animals live together. But did you know that we tend to wash our dogs far too often, which often causes skin and fur problems and interferes with a dog’s natural ability to clean itself?
The first question we need to ask ourselves is how often dogs really need baths to stay clean…
Table of Contents
How often you should bathe a dog
Healthy dogs don’t need set baths or a fixed bathing schedule, and they should only be bathed when necessary. Many vets recommend washing a dog no more than once a month, but say you can go as long as 6 to 12 months between washes without any problems.
A healthy adult dog needs to be bathed only when it is:
Dirty, for example when your dog has been rolling in the mud
Smells bad from rolling in something smelly. If your dog’s skin smells strange it is usually caused by a skin condition that needs medicated shampoo or a change in diet to heal – visit your vet for advice on how to fix the cause rather than trying to hide the symptoms with dog shampoo
If you follow the vets’ guidelines and wash your dog only when it needs a bath, then you will probably end up washing your dog once every 2 to 3 months.
A healthy dog does not need to be bathed for the sake of bathing for two reasons:
1. Its skin has oils in it to keep the dog clean and
2. A dog naturally knows how to groom itself.
Here’s how dogs stay clean without taking baths…
A dog’s skin oils help keep it clean
A dog’s skin has 3 layers:
The epidermis, which is the outer layer that you can see with hair on it
The dermis sits under the epidermis. This is where the self-cleaning process begins with oil glands called sebaceous glands (see below)
The subcutaneous layer, which is where the dog’s fat and muscle tissues are found
Do you see the sebaceous gland in the dermis layer? Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles in the dermis.
These sebaceous glands in the dog’s skin release an oil called ‘sebum’. According to research, sebum keeps the skin moist and healthy, protects it from the environment, kills bacteria, and keeps it clean.
But how does oil actually help to keep a dog’s skin and fur clean?
When a dog is healthy and the skin is coated with sebum, the sebum stops dirt particles from sitting on the dog’s skin. Sebum acts as a dirt repellent.
Sebum also lubricates the dog’s hair. As the oil moves from the skin to the end of each hair, it takes dirt with it.
If you want to activate this natural, healthy way to clean your dog without a bath, simply give your dog a brush. Brushing will help to move sebum across your dog’s skin and through the coat, removing dirt and making the skin and hair soft and shiny. Click here to find out how often you should brush your dog.
But sometimes dog owners do things that can strip or remove all of this natural sebum from a dog’s skin, which may give the dog skin problems, brittle hair, and other health issues.
When the dog gets these problems, we often wash our dogs more often thinking we are sorting out the issue. But washing more often just makes the skin problem worse or the hair even more brittle because we are washing away the dog’s sebum. It gets worse so we wash even more often.
Soon we find ourselves in a vicious cycle of causing the problem with over-washing and making it worse with over-washing, when the dog has the ability to sort this out naturally without any harsh cleaners, medications, and chemicals.
To maintain healthy sebum levels in your dog, make sure you:
Use lukewarm water when you wash your dog. Hot water isn’t good for a dog’s skin
Don’t wash your dog too often. Only wash your dog when necessary, and keep it at once every 2 to 3 months, if possible
Use a mild shampoo that’s designed for dogs, such as this one from Amazon. Strong soapy shampoos and human shampoos will strip your dog’s skin of all its natural sebum and may do more harm than good
Brush your dog regularly, about once a week, to move sebum along the skin and through the fur coat
How dogs groom themselves
Dogs don’t take daily baths with soap and water in nature while they run around in packs, so they have developed their own ways to groom their skin and coat.
A dog tends to have its own cleaning routine that it follows. Some dogs love to groom themselves at certain times or after certain activities, such as eating, while other dogs only groom when they have to.
You will get to know your dog’s grooming routine over time and what’s normal for that dog. If there is a sudden change in grooming, such as excessive licking or nibbling, then check the dog for scabs, ticks, or other problems.
If your dog keeps acting out of the ordinary, chat to vet to find out what you can do about it before it gets worse.
Here are some of the ways that dogs might groom themselves:
Nibbling their skin
Dogs may ‘nibble’ their skin. They do this by gripping a small piece of skin between their front teeth and gently biting the skin and releasing it as they move their mouth in a line or around an area.
Dogs might nibble because they are itching in that spot, but this is also a way that dogs remove things stuck in their fur.
Nibbling also helps with dry skin. This nibbling action stimulates the sebaceous glands to release more sebum, the oil that moisturizes the dog’s skin.
The nibbling action is also like a brush moving through the dog’s fur – it moves sebum along the skin and through the hair to remove dirt.
Licking themselves
Dogs may spend time licking their fur, skin, legs and paws as a way to wash themselves clean.
Swimming
Some dogs love jumping into a pool, dog pool, or plastic tub of water to rinse dust and debris off their coat and skin.
A dog with a dirty face will often rub their face long the ground and scratch their face with their paws, to remove food and dirt.
Rolling around
To remove dirt, fur, and dust from their coats, dogs may roll around on the ground.
They may roll while lying on their sides and kick their legs, or they could lie on their back and swing their butts from side to side to get a good back rub.
Shaking themselves off
This dog is shaking itself to remove water and dirt from its skin and fur.
Dogs may shake themselves to loosen and remove dirt in their fur and on their skin.
They also do this when they’re wet, to dry themselves off quicker.
Spend a lot of time outdoors and love playing in the dirt
Have long hair that traps dirt and gets matted
Have curly hair that needs to be groomed and trimmed regularly
Have a soft coat that holds dust and dirt
Sleep in your bed – and you want to give them baths once a month for hygiene reason
Have skin conditions that require washes with a medicated shampoo – skin conditions are the main cause of bad smell in dogs and should be fixed through diet and medication rather than trying to wash away the smell
Are hairless – hairless dog breeds need regular sponge baths to remove dirt and dead skin cells as they don’t have sebum and fur to help them stay clean
If your dog gets dirty but they’ve recently had a wash and you don’t want to irritate their skin with another wash, try rinsing them with warm water and using a mild dog conditioner rather than shampoo.
If your dog has one or two dirty spots, just spot clean those dirty areas with a cloth, some warm water, and a mild dog shampoo or conditioner rather than giving the dog a full bath.
Rinse with plain water
Try rinsing your dog down with clean, lukewarm tap water, to avoid the use of chemicals and shampoos on the skin.
Giving a dog a brush is often enough to remove dirt, excess hair, and allow the dog’s skin oils to nourish the skin and remove dirt from your dog’s fur coat naturally, without chemicals and soaps.
Signs you’re bathing your dog too often
The following signs tell you that you may be bathing your dog too often.
I'm Monique. I love animals and everything about them. "Ayo" means happy, and this is where I share all I know about having happy, healthy pets so you can have happy pets too.
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