One of the responsibilities of being a dog owner is bathing it. During the first few times you do it, you may be clueless, or you do not have the right supplies for your dog. One of the questions you may ask is, how often should you bathe a Jack Russell?
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How Often Should You Bathe a Jack Russell?
You should bathe a Jack Russell at least once every four to six weeks. However, if your dog rolls in the mud or gets itself dirty, you are going to have to bathe it more frequently so it does not become stinky.
If it is indoors most of the time, clean it once every eight weeks.
If your Jack Russell has a skin condition, it is vital that you see a vet who will advise how often you should bathe it. You will also receive advice on the best way to bathe it and any special shampoos you should use or avoid during the process.
How to Properly Bathe Your Jack Russell
Bathing your dog is one thing; however, properly bathing it is another thing. Do not bathe your dog because it is time to do so.
Gather Supplies
You do not want to start bathing your dog, and then when you are shampooing their fur, you realize you did not bring cotton balls for its ears. Then you begin debating whether to continue cleaning it or leave it and go find cotton balls.
Gathering supplies before you start bathing your mutt ensures you do not find yourself in such a situation. Some of the supplies you need include:
- Dog shampoo: Choose a shampoo that is right for your Jack Russell’s coat size. Ensure it does not contain parabens or sulfates that can cause skin irritations.
- Towel: After you have finished bathing it, use it to wipe your dog and prevent it from spreading water all over, especially if you choose to bathe it in the house.
- Brush: Choose a brush that is appropriate for your JRT’s coat. You can go for a double-sided brush or a rubber brush.
- Cotton balls: You can take your regular cotton wool roll and round it into balls. Do not make the balls tiny that they would get deep into the ears and cause problems.
- Washcloth: This is optional. Your dog may not like it.
- Warm water: Using water to bathe your dog is better than using cold water as it does not work well when nothing your dog, and most dogs prefer warm water.
Choose a Location
When choosing the place to wash your dog, you have to choose between using your bathroom or doing it outside. If your dog is not stubborn when bathing and does not try to get away, you can wash it indoors.
You may also be looking to make washing more fun and do it with your kids so that you will need more space. It may also boil down to what your dog prefers, some like indoor baths while others like outdoor baths.
Bathe the Dog
After gathering your supplies and selecting a location to wash your dog in, it is time to get the work done. Brush your dog to remove the tangles in the hair and any other dirt that may come out with brushing. If you Terrier has tear stains, be careful as you wash around their eyes.
Insert the cotton balls in your dog’s ears to prevent water from getting into the ears. Wet your dog before applying a generous amount of shampoo on it and spreading it evenly. Ensure you get all the parts, especially the belly. Use the washcloth to clean your dog and if you need to, add more shampoo.
Rinse and Dry
When it comes to rinsing your dog, you have to ensure that all the shampoo is washed away. Some areas you may want to ensure are thoroughly rinsed include the belly, paws, armpits, and genitals.
If you do not do this, you put your dog at risk of contracting diseases that would have been avoided if you rinsed it with a lot of water.
Use the towels to dry your dog. If it is sunny outside, you can let it stay out as it dries, or you can use your hairdryer.
Related Questions
Other questions you may have are answered below.
Which Is the Best Shampoo on My JRT?
The best shampoo depends on your personal preference. However, when looking for one, select one that is hypoallergenic.
What Happens if I Wash My Dog More Frequently?
If your dog is suffering from a condition that makes it needs to be bathed often, it will do it some good. However, if it is not suffering from any illnesses, frequent baths may cause it to lose hair and irritations.
Conclusion
Bathing your pet plays a vital role in its health. Although it may seem challenging at first, with the suitable measures in place and patience, you will get it done. You will be able to get your dog to enjoy bathing and make it an excellent experience for all of you.
