Holidaying with Dogs suggests washing dogs with lukewarm water for comfort (around 37 degrees Celsius for medium/large animals: a little lower for older/smaller pets, who are less tolerant to heat, though cold water can cause hypothermia. If your hose spouts cold water, you may need to come outside with a bowl of lukewarm water.
Awake Organics Dog Wash Shampoo is made with anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal and organic coconut milk, free from perfumes and nasties in most dog shampoos. Brush long fur and shake bottle, then sprinkle powder onto a soaked coat to lather. Rinse and towel-dry. Avoid eyes, nose, mouth and inside ears. This unscented shampoo works in hard water (not guaranteed nut-free). Never use essential oils for allergies or cats, nor human shampoos on pets. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Never use cocoa butter (same toxin as chocolate).
Dogs often roll in mud or stinky stuff, and also need to be washed after swimming (due to river bacteria or seawater (dries as toxic salt – keep dogs away from seaweed as it expand in the stomach). Rock salt can cause burns at higher temperatures – ideally clear snow with a shovel or use EcoGrit (cereal waste – they suggest also straw or sand). Keep claws trimmed and use paving over stones or gravel to help salt getting stuck in paws. Have nails clipped at the vets ideally.
Ollie & Co Paw Balm is made with natural oils, for chapped paw pads. The same company makes Nose & Paw Balm (instant relief for cracked paws and sore noses and a version for wrinkles and folds. Discontinue for any irritation and see your vet.
