Let's talk about dog washing.
Every dog gets dirty at its own rate so the frequency of washing will vary; younger dogs get dirty more often but this generally reduces as the dog matures.
It's common to wash a dog too often…typically try and wash your dog only when necessary; if it gets dirty or for flea/pest control. This will be different based on each owner's situation but about once every 1-2 months in my experience has been ideal. Washing too often oversensitises the dog's skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
Before washing you can brush the dog to remove dead and excess hair as well as dirt.
Sabuni ya kipande works well for cleaning.Wet the dog thoroughly and rub in the soap until the coat lathers. Scrub with a soft to moderately hard brush.
In the event of fleas, mites or ticks…rinse out the soap with acaricide diluted in water(follow the instructions on the bottle typically its 20 ml of acaricide to 20l of water). Follow this with a thorough rinse with water to remove the acaricide.
Let the dog out to dry. Feel free to brush the dog as it dries.
We unaonaje? How do you wash your dog? Tupatane kwa comments👇🏾
LETS TALK ABOUT DEWORMING.
Why do we deworm dogs?
Gastrointestinal problems: Worms residing in the intestines can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and discomfort.
Nutritional deficiencies: Worms compete with the dog for nutrients, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and poor growth, particularly in puppies and young dogs.
Anemia: Hookworms and whipworms can cause blood loss through the intestinal tract, leading to anemia, characterized by pale gums, weakness, and fatigue.
How do dogs get worms?
Ingesting contaminated soil or feces: Dogs may accidentally ingest parasite eggs or larvae while sniffing, licking, or eating contaminated soil, feces, or surfaces.
Fleas and ticks: Some parasites, such as tapeworms, can be transmitted to dogs through the ingestion of infected fleas or ticks.
Maternal transmission: Puppies can acquire certain types of worms from their mother during gestation or through her milk during nursing.
Signs my dog may have worms?
Visible worms in feces or vomit.
Changes in appetite.
Weight loss.
Diarrhea or vomiting.
Lethargy.
Potbellied appearance.
Itching or scooting: Dogs with tapeworms may experience itching around the anus or scoot their bottoms along the ground to reduce discomfort.
How do I deworm my dog?
In my experience dogs should be dewormed every 3-4 months or 3-4 times a year.
When buying a dewormer look for one containing praziquantel as it is effective against most worms. But typically going to an agrovet nearby and asking for a dewormer for your dog will work, be sure to specify your dog's weight.
The most widely available form of dewormer comes in tablet form. To deworm your dog open its mouth gently and place the tablet as far back as possible. Do it in a cleared and well lit area such that if the tablet isn't swallowed you will know.
This typically is not a comfortable experience for the dog so expect some resistance especially if it is not used to being dewormed; as it becomes us
