After my dog's bath: drying, brushing, and full routine

Bathing is half the battle. The other half is what happens afterward. Improper drying or a botched brushing can negate all the benefits of a good shampoo—and even cause irritation and tangles.

Rinse, rinse, and rinse again

Even before drying: rinsing. Poorly rinsed shampoo leaves residues that irritate the skin and dull the coat. Rinse until the water is perfectly clear. For dogs with thick coats, this takes twice as long as you might think.

Towel drying

Blot, do not rub. Rubbing creates tangles and static in the coat. Use a large microfiber towel: it absorbs much more water than a classic towel and dries the coat without damaging it.

Hair dryer: yes, but with caution

Maximum lukewarm temperature, never hot. Hold the device at least 20 cm from the skin. Keep moving, do not focus on one area. Hair dryer burns are common in dogs with thick coats where heat does not dissipate easily.

Brushing after bathing

Wait until the coat is 70% dry before brushing. A coat that is still too wet is fragile and breaks easily. Use a brush appropriate for the coat type: a slicker brush for long hair, a rubber brush for short hair.

Frequency of the complete routine

Full bath: every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the breed. Dry brushing: 1 to 3 times a week. Ear cleaning: after each bath (humidity = risk of ear infection).

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