Consequences of Not Drying Dogs After Bathing: What You
However, after a bath, many pet owners fail to develop the habit of immediately drying their dogs. They either let the dogs airdry or simply use a hairdryer for a brief moment.
On the surface, this might seem harmless, but over time, owners of dogs with white fur, such as Pomeranians, may notice their pets' coats turning yellow or red. This is because prolonged moisture on the dog's fur can lead to oxidation, causing the hair to change color.
Many owners are baffled by their dogs developing skin diseases, as they haven't taken them to dirty places or neglected their grooming. However, this is another negative consequence of not drying your dog properly.
In damp conditions, fungi and other pathogens can multiply more rapidly beneath the dog's fur. With each missed opportunity to dry the dog, the number of these pathogens increases, eventually leading to fungal skin diseases and other distressing conditions for both the dog and its owner.
During the winter, failing to dry a dog thoroughly after a bath can easily lead to a cold. While a simple cold may pass in a few days for adult dogs, it can be lifethreatening for puppies and senior dogs.
Especially for newly adopted dogs that haven't been vaccinated, owners often bathe them immediately upon arrival, fearing exposure to dirt and germs. But this practice can leave unvaccinated puppies vulnerable to external viruses, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Before bathing a dog, it's crucial for owners to follow proper precautions, such as preparing a petspecific shampoo, combing out the dog's fur before bathing, and expressing the anal glands beforehand. Once ready, apply shampoo from the limbs to the body and then to the head, and rinse thoroughly from head to body and then to the limbs.
Of course, for the health and wellbeing of your dog, it's essential to dry them with a hairdryer immediately after bathing, followed by other grooming tasks like cleaning ears, trimming nails, and trimming paw pads.
For newly adopted dogs, whose immune systems are still developing, it's best to wait until they've been vaccinated and are stronger before giving them a proper bath.
