To groom, or not to groom?

[Shamas mom]

Do Labs benefit from a trip to the groomer? Every time I bathe Shamas at home, I end up having to unclog my drains. I'm considering taking him to a groomer, as he's starting to smell doggy. Do labs benefit from a full grooming session, or is it better to save the money and go to a "dog wash" station at the local car wash.?

He doesn't like baths, so a shower setup would be better I think than putting him in my tub.

 

[SwampDonkey]

I don't wash my dogs I just sluice any mud off with a watering can. Washing them seems to strip the natural oils from their coats and oddly can make them smell worse. I've never taken them To a groomers I've never really needed too. I did consider it when I broke my collar bone and couldn't brush them properly. I'm lucky Rory doesn't roll in stuff or nasty things, he does like mud but that easily dealt with

 

[Atemas]

Never had Sky groomed professionally - she has had several baths during her life when she has rolled in fox . We try to brush her daily. Red has had several professional grooms when she has stayed in the boarding kennels. Her coat is different to Sky’s and sheds constantly. They got a lot of loose hair out of her coat and each time she has looked magnificent. On the whole though, I’d say it’s not necessary - a good towelling when they come in wet and muddy from walks and regular brushing is enough

Should add - neither dog has a particular dog smell so I never need to worry about that

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Having had poodles (who definitely DO need a trip a trip to the groomer unless you're very talented with shears), I don't really know what a groomer would do to a Labrador that would make it worthwhile. I do understand not wanting the mess of hair everywhere - for that using a self-serve dog wash station seems a good idea. I used to do that with my Rotties from time to time. A lot easier on the back, too.

Alternative idea: buying a little metal disk drain catch from a hardware store would help save your drains for do-it-at-home.

Considering that my Rotties got bathed at least a couple times a month, I thought the people here were nuts when I read about how they didn't bathe their dogs. Then I got Carbon and discovered they were right: he never needs a bath. He's had one since I've had him on vet's orders due to a medical issue. It didn't make him smell better since he already smells good. Just made him wet.

If Shamas is stinky, maybe have a look into his diet and/or a regular wipe down and brushing. Adding salmon oil to Carbon's diet made a difference, not in smell but in fur and skin health. Natural grooming sprays are another idea: I used to use them for in-betweens with my Rotties. I'd do a brushing, spritz on, rub down, and brush again. Also great for helping with shedding.

 

[snowbunny]

I don't bathe my dogs at all, except in extreme circumstances. Like last night, Willow.
They don't smell at all.

When they are shedding, I take my brush on walks and give them a good going over outside. It means I don't get hair everywhere, and I hope gives the critters material for lining their nests. Win-win

 

[Oberon]

When they are shedding, I take my brush on walks and give them a good going over outside. It means I don't get hair everywhere, and I hope gives the critters material for lining their nests. Win-win

Why has it never before occurred to me to brush the dog outside.

 

[Cath]

I don't wash my dogs. I do wash Annie legs in the autumn when they get itchy with her special shampoo. Annie doesn't shed much, but Fred is terrible so I give him a good brushing.

 

[snowbunny]

Why has it never before occurred to me to brush the dog outside.

 

[kateincornwall]

Sam never ever had a bath , and I doubt Reubs will either , I brush outside too , the birds love the fur to line nests . Nelly, well being so low to the ground and long haired, she is a filth magnet but she fits nicely in the sink when necessary

 

[Shamas mom]

Thanks for the input !

I think I'll just do a mild spritz of apple cider vinegar and water, and give him a soak at the dog wash without shampoo.

He only gets doggy about every 6m or so, after a lot of wet weather. Could be the rain irritating his skin

For the$50 groomer fee I can buy new brushes

 

[Boogie]

I find the best brushes are human tangle teasers. The fur really sticks to them and doesn’t fly all over the place.

We never bath ours - just a hose down outside if they are muddy.

Guide Dogs and pups are never bathed, but they are regularly brushed.

 

[Lisa]

I’ve never bathed Simba. I have had to use the hose once it twice - he doesn’t like it much. Mainly a wipe down with towels will suffice.

OH always brushes Simba outside, leaving behind a lovely pile of fur

 

[M.F.]

An itchy dog benefits enormously from a bath—it’s very soothing for the skin. Much like when washing your own hair/scalp. So many people take their dog off to the vet for cortisone or other meds when a bath could’ve been very effective and without the side effects of drugs.

But I guess if your dog isn’t itchy or smelly, there doesn’t seem to be a compelling reason to wash him.

 

[Shaz82]

I bathed Maisy once as a pup but not since. She gets a sponging with dog shampoo and water if she is muddy and occasionally I brush her.
It sounds a bit slobby but I never get much out with a brush and I have tried several.

At the puppy socialisation parties the vets had, we met someone who asked how often to bath the dog - they did it once a week, was that enough? The vet said there is no need unless they really need it as it strips their natural oils.