Shampooing

[Amy]

Hi! I have a 5 month old Australian Labradoodle, Urban. We live in Florida so he is outside a lot and I hate to tell some of you how nice and warm it is here in December. :) He is apricot in color and wool coat. My question is how often is it ok to shampoo him? And are there any favorite products out there? thanks! Amy

[Amy]

Great info...thanks for sharing!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I live in California and this last summer Roo was in the pool at least once a day. I rinsed him with the hose and sprayed him heavily with dilute leave in conditioner and neither skin nor coat seemed to suffer any consequences. About once every one to two months I wash both dogs in the shower, but they both love being washed and don't fight it. They sit outside the shower everyday for about a week after a bath when I first get in to see if this is the day they get to come in too. I think managing the shampoo and conditioner is much easier if you dilute them at least half and half with water or as much as one to three with water and put each in a large spray bottle (not like hairspray, but the 99 cent ones that have a big trigger on them). I just leave the bottles of dog shampoo and conditioner in the corner of our shower. ( I can always take them out if the clean house patrol comes by!) I throw old towels all over the floor and by the time I am out of the shower they are both ready to be sprayed with leave in conditioner. It isn't messy, just wet, and I leave the bathroom to dry and throw the towels in the washer.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

I usually use the Perfect Coat 8 in 1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo, available at all the pet stores, with good results. Recently, I started to do one shampoo with that, and then a second one with my Pantene shampoo. He just seemed to get whiter and cleaner. This last time, I did both soapings with the Pantene, and although Beau got nice and white and sweet smelling, he is scractching like crazy. I guess it must be from the Pantene. :o( I'll have to bathe him again ASAP I suppose. Any thoughts, anybody? Incidentally, I live in Florida too, and I consider it a great accomplishment when I can wait two weeks in between baths. We go to the dog park every day or two, and he just gets SO DIRTY by the end of a week! The water is absolutely GRAY when I bathe him.

[Mommy2Max]

I use Avoderm Oatmeal Shampoo and a little Cowboy Magic Concetrate between bathing to keep his coat wavy and mat free - not to mention lots of brushing. The Avoderm has a clean light scent. Personally, I dislike strong smells.

~Danielle

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I use Cowboy Magic Shampoo and Cowboy Magic conditioner. I also use spray in detangler before and after brushing.