How to properly wash a dog
How to Properly Wash a Dog Harness
Your dog's harness is constantly exposed to dirt, oil, and other microbes that can build up over time and lead to many problems. Additionally, if your dog spends any time outside, their harness will likely be covered in mud and dirt, plus all the saliva and germs from their daily adventures.
A dog's hygiene is just as important as a human's. Not only do you need to bathe your dog regularly, but you also need to clean all of his gear - including his harness. Harnesses can get surprisingly dirty, even after just a few walks.
In this guide, well introduce the basic rules on the best way to wash a dog harness properly to ensure their durable and safe use and wont affect your dogs health.
How to Take Care of Your Dog Harness
A dirty dog harness can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous for your pets health if left unwashed. Here are some of the best methods on how to clean a dog harness properly.
Keep it Clean & Dry
Can you put a dog harness in the washing machine? Most dog harnesses can be machine washed depending on the label for washing instructions. Thats why youll have no excuse for leaving your dogs harness dirty.
It's essential to clean and dry your dog's harness regularly. Every time you take it off your dog, make sure to do dry cleaning. This is especially important if your dog sweats a lot or has long hair. You should also try to air it out or keep it in well-ventilated areas. However, avoid sun-drying. It can cause the color to fade.
Also, ensure youve removed the dogs hair from a harness, which is a must during the dogs shedding, and check whether it doesnt have any stains. If dirt is detected from a bright-colored dog harness, it is better to wash them immediately.
Steps for Washing a Dog Harness
- Secure all buckles: The first step is to secure all of the buckles on the harness. This will prevent them from getting caught on anything and becoming damaged.
- Shake off dirt and debris: Shake off any dirt and debris on the harness. If your dog has been playing in the mud, you'll want to remove as much dirt as possible before washing it. Otherwise, the dirt will just get ground into the fabric and be more difficult to clean later on.
- Determine the harness material:
Nylon Dog Harness - Most nylon harnesses are machine washable, so you can easily clean them in your washing machine. However, you need to pay attention to the cleaners you use on your nylon harness. Some dogs can be sensitive to certain ingredients in detergents, which causes skin irritation. If you use a machine to wash your dog's harness, choose a gentle cleanser and do not use any harsh chemicals.
Leather Dog Harness - Leather is a fragile material that should not be submerged in water or become excessively damp. If the leather is heavily stained, a solution of soapy water (dog shampoo is gentle) or baking soda and vinegar can be used. Finished leather is often cleaned with a commercial leather cleaner. There are many commercial leather cleaners that may be a good investment, but if you use any of those, make sure your dog is not sensitive to any of the ingredients.
- When washing a dog harness, start with hand-washing in warm water, mild soap, or specific dog accessory cleaning solutions, and scrub it gently to remove the dirt. You can use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a rag with soapy water if needed.
- Let the harness sit and soak in the soap and water for 30 minutes to an hour. After which, you can use your washing machine to clean the harness. This is how to clean stinky dog harnesses and those that are extremely dirty.
- Rinse the harness thoroughly to ensure no soap and other residues that can irritate the dogs skin for the hand-washing option.
- Squeeze the excess water out. Hang or lay your gear out to air dry. Avoid putting it in the dryer, as the heat can damage some materials.
Additional tips:
Tip #1:If you have a dog harness with metal fixtures, it's good to wash it in a mesh bag. That way, you can avoid any damage to your washing machine and keep the harness looking new. Plus, it'll help keep the other items in your wash load from getting tangled up with the harness.
Tip #2: If you have a machine-washable dog harness, you can wash it with the other dog items. Just be sure to use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
Always Check the Harness For Damage
Always double-check the dog harness for any damages after each wash! It's imperative for the safety of your furry friend and to prevent any future issues that could occur from a broken or damaged harness. If damaged is detected, in-time replacement is a must. Washing your dog's harness is essential, but making sure it's still in good condition afterward is the key to keeping your pup safe and healthy.
Store the Harness in a Safe Place
It is essential to have a safe place to store your dog harness when you're not using it. This helps keep the harness in good condition and prevents your dog from chewing on it or damaging it.
When choosing a storage spot, make sure it's out of your dog's reach and away from any sharp objects that could damage the harness. A good option is to keep it in a closed cabinet or closet. With proper care, your dog harness should last for many years.
Whys Its So Important to Take Care of Your Dogs Harness?
One way to take care of your dog is by making sure their harness is always in perfect condition because they help keep your pup safe while out and about. In addition, a well-maintained harness will last longer, so you wont have to replace it as often.
Here are a few reasons why its essential to care for your dogs harness.
Why Should You Get a Dog Harness from Pet&Cuddle?
When choosing a harness for your dog, you want something comfortable and safe made of high-quality materials that will last for long-term use. That's why a harness from Pet&Cuddle is a perfect choice!
Our harnesses are made from durable nylon webbing and feature a comfortable padded chest plate, so you can be sure your dog is comfortable while out on walks. Plus, they come in various colors and designs to suit any style. Whether you're looking for a classic black harness or something a little funkier, we got you covered! So why wait? Get your pup fitted for their very own Pet&Cuddle harness today! Check out our website for our impressive list of dog harnesses.
Common Questions About Cleaning a Dog Harness
If you've never had to clean a dog harness before, you may still have some questions on how to wash a dog harness properly. We will answer some of the frequently asked questions about cleaning a dog harness.
Can you wash a dog harness in the washer?
Yes, you can wash a dog harness in the washer! Just be sure to use a gentle cycle and cold water. You may also want to put the harness in a mesh laundry bag to prevent it from tangling or snagging on other items in the washer.
How often should you change your dog's harness?
There is no specified frequency, but simply checking the state and fit of your pet's collar regularly can help you determine when it needs to be replaced. If you notice any wear and tear, it's time for a new harness.
How long do dog harnesses last?
For starters, the material of the harness will play a significant role in its longevity. If you opt for a cheap nylon harness, it will not last nearly as long as a higher-quality leather or mesh option.
How often you use your harness will also impact its lifespan. If you only take your dog out for short walks on occasion, your harness will last a lot longer than if you're using it multiple times a day for lengthy hikes.
Should you keep a harness on a dog at all times?
A harness is a functional tool for walking and training your dog, but there is no reason for them to wear it all the time. It can be irritating and uncomfortable for your dog to wear a harness all day, so only use it when you need it.
How many harnesses should a dog have?
When it comes to harnesses, having more than one is always better. This way, you can have a clean harness for your dog to wear. Different harnesses can be used for various activities. For example, you may want a sturdier harness for hiking or running versus a lighter-weight harness for walks around the block.
How to Bathe a Dog the Right Way, According to a Veterinarian
Giving your dog regular baths is an essential part of ongoing grooming and good hygiene. Of course, baths help remove visible dirt your dog earned through happy walks and romps through natural environments. But in addition to keeping your dogs coat clean, bathing also helps keep it healthy and free from parasites. While bathing is important for all dogs, not all require bathing at the same frequency with factors like their breed, fur, and environment all affecting the appropriate interval between baths. Once you determine how many scrub downs your pet needs, make those baths as pleasant and stress free as possible using these expert tips for how to bathe a dog, backed by a veterinarian.
How to prepare to bathe your dog:
Before you even turn on the water, take the time to set up an environment where your dog will be as comfortable as possible, and will associate the experience positively. One way to do that is to prepare your dogs coat so the process doesnt trigger discomfort.
Its recommended that you take the time to brush your dogs coat, especially if theyre longer-haired pups that get frequent tangles, says Jennifer Freeman, PetSmart resident veterinarian and pet care expert. Tangled hair can mat once you start bathing your dog, making it an unpleasant experience for your pet.
Where to bathe your dog:
First, youre going to need to determine the right place to bathe your dog. As a starting point, Consider the size and breed of your dog to ensure you have space and to best determine whether to bathe your dog indoors or outside, Freeman says.
For particularly small dogs, a sink might work best. More likely, its a bath tub, which can accommodate a range of breed sizes.
Bathing your dog outside instead of indoors might be a solid choice for certain breeds in some seasons.
Ideal water conditions for bathing a dog:
Especially if youre bathing your dog outside where hoses might run cold or hot be mindful of water temperature and pressure.
Whether its a hose or shower head, make sure water pressure is low and the water is lukewarm, Freeman says.
Water should be warm enough for your dog to be comfortable, and also to get the job done; colder water doesnt clean as well. (If you wouldnt love a cold bath, consider that your pet probably wouldnt either.)
Supplies youll need to bath your dog:
Get ready to bathe your dog by dressing in comfortable, casual clothes you dont mind getting dirty and soaked. Then gather all the supplies youll need and keeping them handy. (Much better to do it now than to try to find missing items when your dog is shaking water all over you!)
Youre going to need absorbent towels, including an extra one for your pet to stand on when hes still wet after the bath. Youll need shampoo meant for dogs (you can ask your vet for the best brand for your pup). Get yourself a set of combs and brushes right for your dogs breed and coat type.
Bathing your dog:
Now youre ready to go. Test the water first to make sure its lukewarm. Then, make sure to fully saturate your dogs coat; this may be challenging for especially thick or water-resistant coats.
Next, shampoo your pet, taking care to avoid sensitive areas including his eyes and face. Work the shampoo into a lather, adding water as necessary. Massage your dog as you rub in the shampoo, in just the same way youd have your own head massaged at the shampoo bowl in a salon: it should be perfectly pleasant! Let the shampoo sit on your dogs coat for several minutes before thoroughly rinsing with water.
Drying your dog after the bath:
No matter where you bathe your dog, dont forget drying an essential part of the bathing process to keep your pup comfortable and healthy.
Regardless of where you bathe your dog indoors or out its important to dry him with a towel, Freeman says. Dogs with heavier coats should be dried thoroughly to prevent damp spots in the undercoat which can lead to hot spots. This is a common dog skin disorder also known as acute moist dermatitis; it causes sores and pain.
Safety tips for bathing a dog:
Whether your dog regularly enjoys baths or is always skittish about the whole prospect, youre going to want to line up some safety measures to keep bath time safe and secure.
Unless your dog can sit still during a bath or youre able to restrain them with your hand, its important to make sure you have somewhere to tether them if need be to avoid them escaping mid-bath, Freeman notes. Never leave your dog unattended.
She also warns pet bathers to make sure to thoroughly wash off any leftover shampoo. Not doing so can lead to contact dermatitis or hot spots, moist and infected lesions that itch, Freeman says.
With these tips in mind, youll be ready for a safe, successful, and stress-free dog-bathing process.
