One of the main procedures for caring for a Yorkshire Terrier is bathing.
After all, in order to achieve the beauty and shine of the coat, you need to wash it well with high-quality shampoo, which is intended for dogs with long hair.
There is a wide range of dog shampoos at the pet store, but the first one you come across will not work for your Yorkie. The most suitable shampoo is one based on natural ingredients and with a low pH level.
The standard is considered to be a shampoo that:
- does not cause tears;
- cleanses fur and skin cleanly and gently;
- does not cause dryness or irritation on the skin;
- has a subtle aroma.
Making the right choice
The cost of such shampoo is above average, and it is better to purchase the “Elite” or “Premium” class. Given that the dog is washed once every ten days, a bottle of shampoo will last for a long time.
If the owner decides to save money, then most likely after the first or second wash he may encounter problems of dryness, irritation of the skin, dandruff begins to appear, and tangles form on the fur itself.
This happens due to the harsh chemicals that are included in the cheap product. Professional shampoos contain various components.
Depending on the expected effect, the ingredients will differ:
Moisturizing . The composition includes substances that regulate the water balance of the skin.
Adding volume . The main component is silicone. It covers the entire length of the hair with an invisible film, thereby increasing the volume and giving a visual increase in the thickness of the coat.
Regenerating . The product contains oils whose function is to envelop the hair and thereby rehabilitate its structure.
This happens due to the penetration of components into the scales of damaged hair. Also, after using such products, the hair combs much better and becomes more shiny.
Bio-shampoo . The main ingredients are of exclusively natural origin. Decoctions and tinctures have a positive effect on the skin, additional nutrition and hydration occurs, and the hair itself begins to grow better and becomes stronger.
Super cleansing . Such shampoos are used for show Yorkshire terriers. The composition includes harsher surfactants.
Thanks to this, they more actively fight against exhibition products applied to the skin and fur (fixative sprays, oils), easily and without consequences degreasing them.
How to choose shampoo
The long, silky coat is the hallmark of the Yorkie. It requires regular and careful care, an important part of which is bathing procedures. Before choosing a specific brand of shampoo, you need to decide on the basics:
- coat type and length;
- condition of coat and skin;
- chemistry content;
- price range.
If your Yorkie has affected skin, it is recommended to purchase a product from the line of medicinal cosmetics. Veterinarians advise using hypoallergenic shampoo regardless of the presence or absence of damage. The skin of Yorkshire Terriers is very sensitive to chemicals, so only premium products with a gentle composition are suitable for them. In order for the dog to feel comfortable while washing, the shampoo should be classified as “tear-free” and not emit any strong odors.
When choosing shampoo for Yorkshire terriers, owners are often guided by price. They think that if they buy an inexpensive analogue of a well-known brand, the result will be comparable. Actually this is not true. To better understand the advisability of using premium cosmetics, you need to understand the principle of its action.
The basis of the detergent is surfactants. They react with water and break down fats. The dog's sebaceous glands produce a protective substance called sebum, which lubricates the hairs and is the same fat. Thus, shampoo washes away the protective layer, making the skin dry and prone to dandruff. Cheap brands contain nothing but sodium laureth sulfate. This substance cleanses well, but at the same time dries the skin and causes brittle hair. Expensive shampoos contain additional useful components that soften the effect of laureth.
The composition of high-quality shampoos depends on the purpose of their use:
- Hydration. Composition based on compounds that normalize water balance.
- Adding volume. The active substance is silicone. It envelops the hair, visually increasing the overall volume.
- Recovery. In the production of restorative shampoos, a variety of oils are used to strengthen the hair structure and eliminate damage along the entire length.
- Natural (bio) shampoo. Made only from plant ingredients. It has a soft effect and deep hydration of the skin.
- Super cleansing. Designed for Yorkie dogs taking part in exhibitions. Contains a high concentration of surfactants that carefully and easily remove fixative sprays and cosmetic oils.
For puppies, only puppy shampoo is suitable. It is produced keeping in mind the exceptional tenderness of the skin. If a drop of this product gets into the baby's eyes, the owner can easily rinse them with warm water. Shampoos for puppies do not sting and carefully remove all dirt.
Yorkies, like all known breeds, have a different pH factor from humans, so you cannot wash your dog with human shampoo. Therefore, if your Yorkie is washed frequently with regular shampoo, its protective fat layer will be damaged. This will lead to dandruff, dryness and skin diseases.
Some owners claim that their Yorkie is not allergic to human cosmetics. Such cases are the exception. It is better not to risk the health of the animal and use special means. Wash with baby shampoo only as a last resort. Despite their gentle composition, they are not intended for permanent use.
You can wash your dog with your shampoo only once and only in an emergency.
Full coat care is impossible without using conditioner. It has restorative properties and gives the pile a silky and healthy appearance. The use of this product should not be optional: when buying shampoo, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will also have to purchase conditioner.
Breeders' advice
Ask the breeder or kennel where the dog was purchased what product was used to bathe the puppy. After all, from birth until the moment the puppy got to its new owners, it was washed several times.
For show Yorkies, choose a shampoo that promotes coat growth
After washing it should become silkier.
A high-quality shampoo does not have a persistent odor, the fur is well washed and completely cleaned. After bathing there is no irritation or itching on the skin.
In addition, use fur masks. With their help, skin dryness is reduced and the pH level is restored.
If your Yorkie has sensitive skin, it is better to use soothing shampoos.
A high-quality shampoo should be without strong aromas and have a neutral color.
The natural product must contain aloe vera and oils (citrus fruits and tea tree).
Professional shampoos, nourishing and vitamin masks will help get rid of dandruff.
Choosing a shampoo for the Yorkshire Terrier. Which is better?
Nowadays, pet stores have a very large selection of dog shampoos, but not all of them are suitable for your pet. A good Yorkie shampoo should have a low pH level and contain mostly natural ingredients. Ideally, a Yorkshire Terrier shampoo should be tear-free and thoroughly cleanse your Yorkie's skin and coat, but not remove essential oils so as not to cause dry skin and irritation. A good shampoo has a subtle aroma.
Since we wash our dogs about once every 10 days, we don’t buy shampoo very often, so it’s better to give preference to high-quality shampoo, without focusing on price. Cheaper shampoos may contain harsh chemicals that may not clean your Yorkie's skin and coat well. terrier, and will require large restoration costs in the future.
Below are recommendations when choosing a shampoo:
- First, when buying a Yorkshire Terrier puppy, ask the breeder what shampoo your baby was washed with; at the time of sale, puppies are usually washed more than once and they will tell you which shampoo is best for the puppy. A good breeder does not skimp on cosmetics for puppies.
- When choosing a shampoo, you must decide if you have a Yorkshire Terrier for shows, then the shampoo should
make your pet's coat silky and promote hair growth. - A high-quality shampoo washes the Yorkshire Terrier's coat well, rinses off well, does not cause irritation or itching, and does not have an intrusive odor.
- There are shampoos and masks for Yorkies' coats that relieve dry skin; the best recommendations can be given to you by a professional groomer.
- A gentle soothing shampoo suitable for sensitive skin.
- When choosing shampoo, avoid unusual colors or overly strong scents.
- If you prefer shampoos with natural ingredients, choose those that contain aloe vera, tea tree or citrus oil extracts.
- Some professional shampoos help get rid of dandruff; nourishing and vitamin masks will help make the coat shiny and silky.
There are several types of shampoo that will help you avoid future problems in caring for your Yorkie. Our kennel uses the following shampoos for the Yorkshire Terrier: Iv San Bernard (Germany), ReQual (Italy), Silk Creation (Thailand).
If your Yorkshire Terrier has matted hair, it may be best to change the shampoo or give the dog a nice haircut. If you are not sure that you can choose the right hair care products for your Yorkie, because the fur of Yorkshire terriers has a different structure, and not always the right one (it can be silky, fluffy or hard to the touch), you can consult a groomer. If you live in Kyiv and you need to find a beauty salon for glamorous dogs, visit the website https://tuzik-murzik.com.ua - dog haircuts can be seen in the photo album. By visiting the salon you can get advice on caring for your pets and give your pet a beautiful haircut.
You can make an appointment for your Yorkie for a haircut and ultrasonic teeth cleaning by calling in advance by phone. Victoria
The groomer visits the home at a time convenient for the client in St. Petersburg and nearby suburbs (to be specified)
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Choosing a comb
After bathing, it is necessary to dry and comb the fur of the Yorkshire Terrier. The following tools were invented to help the owners:
- Massage comb with metal teeth. Used for daily use. Thanks to the menager effect, it stimulates hair growth and improves blood circulation.
- Pukhoderka. An excellent tool for combating tangles.
- Metal comb. Used for the final stage when creating a Yorkie hairstyle.
- Comb with a metal tail. The metal tail makes it easier to form a ponytail on your Yorkshire Terrier's head.
How to bathe a Yorkie correctly?
Bathing your Yorkie should not take more than 20 minutes. Otherwise he will feel uncomfortable. Water - only warm (35-38°C). Hands protect ears, eyes, nose. Lather the fur on the face with your fingers, away from the skin. Particularly dirty areas are treated and washed with water more thoroughly. After bathing, the pet is dried well with a hairdryer or a professional compressor, while combing and stretching the strands.
How often should a Yorkshire Terrier be washed?
In the world of dog owners, there are mixed opinions about how many times you can bathe your Yorkie. Some people think that once a month or less is enough, others advocate bathing every week. The first base their claims on the fact that frequent use of shampoos washes away the protective barrier from the skin and disrupts its balance. Their opponents do not see anything wrong with this, and consider washing to be a useful and enjoyable activity. Each owner chooses a water treatment schedule based on the condition of their pet. For example, a dog with dry and very sensitive skin is really uncomfortable after frequent washing. It is advisable to train your terrier to go to the bathroom on certain days. His body and self-care habits adapt.
How often to bathe your Yorkie depending on the circumstances:
- 1-3 times a month - for pets without any special health problems and with daily walks;
- 4-5 per month - during exhibitions;
- 7-10 days is the period when you can bathe your Yorkie after vaccinations;
- 3 days - after using drops against fleas and worms;
- a special schedule is for dogs with skin diseases.
How to wash a Yorkshire Terrier?
Each dog is individual, which is reflected in the behavior and characteristics of the body. Some representatives of decorative breeds live with allergies. Products from medicinal cosmetics lines are suitable for them. Others have coats that need constant feeding during bathing due to dryness; there are Yorkies with excellent health and hair that do without additional care. To take these factors into account, you need to take a closer look at your pet.
Shampoos should foam well and not cause irritation if they come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Products from professional lines have these properties, but they are concentrated and must be diluted in a certain proportion with water. A trip to the groomer will help you find out what is the best way to wash your Yorkie. The specialist will choose a shampoo and conditioner suitable for your coat type and show you how to use them.
There should also be products not for frequent use. For example, medicated anti-dandruff shampoos with plant extracts, birch tar, etc. Used for prophylaxis 1-3 times a year or in a course as prescribed by a veterinarian. Dry shampoos remove excess sebum and some dirt from the hair.
Here is a sample list of products for bathing a Yorkie:
- shampoos for smooth and long coats;
- balm for nourishing strands;
- shading balms and masks - to enhance color, used mainly before exhibitions;
- conditioner for protection, better combing and smoothness;
- leave-in products with nourishing and smoothing effects;
- masks for periodic use, the main tasks are nutrition and hydration;
- dry shampoos;
- natural oils (shea, argan, macadamia, avocado) - used as a mask or for hair ends.
Preparing a place for Yorkie to bathe
The small size and increased activity of pets of this breed dictate their own rules for care. A puppy or a calm adult dog can be washed in a wide basin with low sides. If this happens in a bathtub, then place a rubber mat or towel on its bottom to prevent slipping. Prepare 2 towels with long pile from natural material in advance (synthetics electrify Yorkie’s wool). Your pet's fear of depth during bathing can be mitigated by placing a low stool or basin upside down in the bathtub. There should be no drafts in the room itself; it is better to turn on the floor heating or let in a little steam.
Near the sides of the bathtub, from the lower shelves, everything that an inquisitive terrier can reach is removed. Foaming products are diluted with water in a ladle or spray bottle before bathing. You should not leave your dog alone in the bathroom with the tap running.
Is it possible to wash a dog with baby shampoo?
Category: Dog care
Can I wash my dog with baby shampoo? This is not the first time I have heard this question from my friends who recently got a puppy in their house. The dog definitely needs to be washed. But what means?
Experienced veterinarians and dog lovers authoritatively state that dogs should be washed exclusively with shampoos specially created for dogs. And when asked whether it is possible to wash a dog with baby shampoo , they answer that this can only be done as a last resort. The pH of dog and human skin is different. The dog is covered with a protective layer of fat and dog shampoo preserves it. And human shampoo will cause problems with your dog's skin. This may be excessive greasiness, dandruff, or other expressions of allergies. And if the shampoo is also poorly rinsed from the animal’s fur, then licking it off can cause poisoning or an upset stomach.
Baby shampoo is most optimal in this case, but is still not suitable for constant use, according to veterinarians. Its action will cause minimal harm (and may be completely harmless). But the coat of each dog breed requires its own care, and it is better to consult with the breeder about whether it is possible to wash a dog of your breed with baby shampoo.
If you ask yourself how exactly they washed a dog 20-30 years ago, when dog shampoos were not yet on store shelves? We washed with regular human soap or shampoo. But in those days, dogs were healthier, and the composition of shampoos was slightly different. There have never been so many exotic dog breeds whose coat care requires maximum attention.
Among my friends there are those who wash their dogs with human shampoo and this does not in any way affect the pet’s health. Well, perhaps your dog can easily tolerate being washed 2-3 times a year with baby shampoo. After all, a dog with short hair and medium-length hair should be washed no more than 2-3 times a year. In slushy weather, contaminated areas of the body (paws and stomach) can simply be washed with warm water. And in winter, snow cleaning is very good for dogs. Just thoroughly rub your dog with clean snow and take him home. If desired, you can dry it at home with a towel. This procedure cleanses the dog’s fur well and generally has a beneficial effect on its skin. But dogs with long hair need much more frequent washing. And for such dogs it is advisable to use not only dog shampoos, but also other cosmetics (balms, conditioners).
If your dog gets dirty in mud that is not soluble in water - paint, fuel oil - then under no circumstances should you use solvents. It’s better to just cut off the contaminated areas. You can also lubricate the wool with vegetable oil.
Nowadays, pet stores sell a countless number of shampoos for dogs and their cost is not much higher than the cost of shampoos for humans. It is better to choose a high-quality and expensive shampoo for dogs. As a rule, it must be dissolved in a large amount of water, so one bottle of shampoo will last for a long time. In this case, there will be no need to restore damaged fur and treat allergies in the dog.
The first time we washed our puppy with baby shampoo. Fortunately, nothing bad happened to her fur. But the next time we used a specialized shampoo suitable for our breed. You might think that in this age of pervasive consumption, dog shampoo is just a fad, another way for dog owners to make money, and really not a necessary item in your home. But still, dog shampoo makes our life and the life of your dog easier and a little safer.
But if the dog is not washed as often as its nature requires, then the dog will begin to emit an odor that will not be very pleasant to the owner’s nose. Find out why your dog may smell bad in this article.
Share with us what shampoo does your dog use ?
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Rules of procedure
Before bathing your Yorkie, the shampoo should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3. Then apply to damp dog hair, following the terrier's eyes. Gently massage the fur all over your pet's body and rinse off the shampoo with water. If necessary, this action can be repeated.
Note! You cannot bathe your dog 14 days before and after grooming.
To avoid harming your dog while bathing, remember the following rules:
- The water prepared for bathing should have a temperature of about 38-39 degrees (dogs like this temperature most of all).
- For safety reasons, it is worth placing a large anti-slip mat or an old towel in the bath, which will help the animal maintain stability (it is unlikely that the dog will sit still in the bath; most animals, unfortunately, behave very restlessly).
- Dog shampoo should not be left on the skin for more than 10 minutes, so you should wash your dog twice. The first wash is preliminary. The next one needs to be more thorough. Movements when distributing shampoo should be gentle so as not to tangle the hair.
- You need to bathe your terrier from tail to head. The pet's head should be washed very carefully, observing the basic condition - water and shampoo should not get into the eyes, ears or mouth of the animal.
- After the initial drying, the dog will most likely remove the water on its own. In theory, you can dry your wool using a dryer, but if you don't need to, it's best to avoid it. However, you should absolutely not use a dryer for dogs suffering from various skin diseases.
- To reduce your pet’s suffering and speed up the bathing process, you should thoroughly comb the fur before the water procedure.
- Throughout the bath, you should talk to your pet in a calm and confident voice. You should not yell at him; this may make the dog feel insecure.
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