What happens if you don't give your dog a bath?

When a furry dog ​​looks at you with wet eyes, but exudes an unpleasant smell and has tangled hair, many owners may hesitate: will not bathing really have a big impact? In the days of accompanying dogs, bathing is not only a means of keeping clean, but also an important part of maintaining their health. Not bathing a dog for a long time is like burying a time bomb. It seems calm, but it will bring many hidden dangers to the dog's body unknowingly. Every neglect may make them one step further away from health. ​

The dog's skin and hair are the first line of defense against external invasion. Not bathing will first cause serious damage to this line of defense. Under normal circumstances, the dog's skin will secrete oil, which can moisturize the skin and prevent water loss. At the same time, it forms a protective film on the surface of the hair to block the invasion of bacteria, fungi and parasites. However, if you don't bathe for a long time, the grease will continue to accumulate, mixed with dust, dirt and other dirt, and become sticky and heavy. The grease that originally played a protective role has become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Imagine that in the hot and humid summer, after playing outside, the dog is covered with sweat and dust, but it is not washed in time. These dirt will adhere tightly to the hair and skin, allowing bacteria and fungi to multiply wildly. The originally healthy skin will gradually show symptoms such as itching and redness. The dog will scratch and lick frequently, causing skin damage, further causing infection, forming dandruff, eczema and even ulcers. Watching the dog suffering from itching and rubbing on the ground constantly, the owner's heart is full of heartache and self-blame. ​

Hair problems are also an obvious consequence of not bathing. The dog's hair will continue to grow with metabolism, and will also be stained with various debris during daily activities. If it is not combed and washed for a long time, the hair will become knotted and tangled, especially for long-haired dog breeds. The knotted hair will be like a mess, tightly attached to the skin. These tangled hairs not only affect the appearance, but also pull the skin and cause pain. Moreover, the knotted hair is easy to hide dirt and provide an excellent living environment for parasites. Parasites such as fleas and ticks will take the opportunity to drill into the hair, bite the dog's skin, suck blood, and spread diseases. When the owner finds traces of fleas on the dog, or sees ticks firmly attached to the skin, the anxiety and worry are beyond words. Not bathing will also have an indirect impact on the dog's oral and ear health. In daily activities, dogs will have food residues in their mouths, and their ears are prone to accumulate earwax. When bathing, the owner can clean the dog's mouth and ears to keep these parts clean. But if the bathing process is ignored, the food residues in the mouth will ferment under the action of bacteria, producing unpleasant bad breath, and will also erode the teeth, leading to problems such as tartar and periodontitis, affecting the dog's chewing and eating. Too much earwax in the ears will breed bacteria and fungi, causing ear infections. Dogs will frequently shake their heads and scratch their ears, and in severe cases, they may even suffer hearing loss. These health problems are like invisible "killers" that quietly erode the dog's body. ​

In addition to health problems, not bathing will also affect the dog's quality of life and intimacy with the owner. The unpleasant smell on the body will not only make the dog feel uncomfortable, but also make the owner resist when they are in close contact with them. The original warm hugs and intimate touches will be reduced because of the unpleasant smell. Dogs are very sensitive animals. They can detect changes in the owner's attitude, and may feel lost and uneasy, and gradually alienate the owner. Moreover, unhygienic physical conditions will also affect the dog's social life. When they play with other dogs, the odor and unhealthy skin condition on their bodies may make other dogs avoid them, making the originally lively and cheerful dogs lonely. ​

Of course, the frequency of bathing also needs to be reasonably adjusted according to the dog's breed, living environment and physical condition. Excessive bathing will also cause damage to the dog's skin and hair. But in any case, bathing your dog regularly is a necessary maintenance measure. Every bath is the owner's love and care for the dog. In the warm water, gently rub the dog's hair and carefully clean every corner, which can not only keep the dog clean and refreshed, but also enhance the relationship between each other. When the dog shakes off the water droplets on his body after taking a bath, wags his tail happily, and rubs his clean and soft body against his owner, that warm feeling is the best reward for the owner's efforts. ​

The harm caused by not bathing the dog for a long time should not be underestimated. It will affect the dog's health and life in many aspects. As the owner, we shoulder the responsibility of taking care of the dog. We must use professional knowledge and careful care to create a healthy and comfortable living environment for them. Let us use every warm bath to protect the dog's health, continue the deep emotional bond with them, and accompany them through every happy day.