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Understanding your dog’s skin. The skin is your dog's largest organ. It is also an organ of elimination - the safety valve for removing toxins and wastes from the body. The skin is the interface (barrier) between the outside world and the internal organs. A dog's skin is a complex organ - hosting a world of microscopic activity on its surface. Oils, waxy substances, the fur, and countless friendly bacteria are all manufactured and are hard at work keeping the skin clean and healthy. The fur itself has tiny upward facing scales that constantly move debris and dirt away from the skin (self cleaning).
Healthy skin a balance of all this activity fueled by a good diet (health comes from within) - now here's a shocker.... our own dogs have beautiful skin, a natural 'sweet' smell and a shiny, glossy coat - and they have never had a bath. They have no 'doggy' odor.
Frequent bathing is actually harmful to the skin and may be contributing to the problems of skin rashes, hotspots and itching. Each time you shampoo (even mild shampoos) all the natural oils, waxes, and bacteria are destroyed or removed, leaving your dog's skin open to attack from 'unfriendly' bacteria from inside and out. The fur and skin after bathing is unprotected and now open to damage by sunlight, air pollution, insects and parasites. How often should you shampoo? Once a year is fine for most dogs!
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