Chow Chows (or Chows for short) are known for being very clean animals, but they also require regular bathing, so how often should you bathe your dog or cat?
A Chow Chow is a breed of dog that originated from China. They are known for their large size, long legs, and short tail. The coat color ranges from black to white and has a distinctive pattern of spots.
Chow Chows are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. There are many different reasons why people choose this particular type of dog. Some like the fact that they are big dogs with a lot of energy. Others enjoy the fact that they have such an adorable face.
The average lifespan of a Chow Chow is between 12-15 years. This means that it will live longer than other types of dogs. It can be trained to do just about anything.
It is recommended that you brush them at least once every day. If you don’t brush them daily, then you may notice that their skin becomes dry and flaky.
With all this in mind, just how often should you bathe a Chow Chow? Let’s take a look!
When is the Best Time to Bathe a Chow Chow?
Just like with most dogs, you will want to make sure you do not over bathe your Chow Chow. This is to avoid damaging their skin. If a dog is bathed too much, they risk having skin irritation which may cause it to become itchy, dry and flaky.
It is recommended that you bathe a Chow Chow around every four to six weeks. This is for Chows who find themselves particularly messy and like to run about in water, the countryside and are generally active.
If your Chow Chow is a little less adventurous, then you can probably get away with only washing your Chow Chow when he is dirty and smelly.
Obviously, accidents do happen! The majority of dogs love a roll around in mud, so this would mean an ’emergency’ wash.
How to Bathe a Chow Chow?
The best way to wash your Chow Chow is by using a dog shampoo and lukewarm water. You will want to make sure that the shampoo has been made specifically for a dog so it does not strip them of their natural oils or ruin their fur.
Make sure your Chow Chow is relaxed and calm, especially since you will need to wash their head. Using a shower head or bucket, pour some warm water over his head but make sure to avoid both of his eyes and nose. Add a bit of shampoo and work it towards the neck area.
Rinse the shampoo away. Do the same with the rest of his body, starting with his back. Create a lather and move your way to his underbelly and legs. You will need to make sure you reach his undercoat and his tail too.
Rinse all the soap away thoroughly, making sure not to leave any of the residue behind.
Once you are satisfied that it has all left the fur, dry your Chow Chow thoroughly, and use another towel if you need to. Some Chow Chows might be able to withstand a blow dryer too, but it will need to be introduced gradually if you would like to use that to dry him as well.
Making sure you properly clean and dry the double-coat of a Chow Chow will ensure that he has very healthy fur.
Grooming a Chow Chow
Chow Chows have many different coats, which can even be rough or smooth. It does not matter which type of coat he has, he will need regular brushing every week.
When the coat of a Chow Chow becomes dirty, the hair shaft can actually become very tough. This makes the hair shaft break down, which causes harm to the dog’s fur.
If you do not brush the hair regularly, it can also cause cobweb matting. This is when the matting of the hair forms close to the skin. This not only looks unsightly, but it can create skin issues for your Chow Chow.
To easily avoid this, all you need to do is take care of your Chow Chow by giving him a regular grooming schedule and time to bathe him.
Making sure you groom them with a brush a couple of times a week, depending on hair length (more times if it is longer) will ensure that their coat stays healthy.
Do Chow Chows Shed Their Fur A Lot?
Chow Chows are known for shedding their fur, which you will find everywhere in your home. From the couch to the furniture, to clothing and the carpet, do not be surprised to find your Chow Chow’s hair on everything!
Having a vacuum that is good at removing pet hair is a must. In fact, you will likely find that you are vacuuming every day to remove hair – but hey, that is what owning a dog is all about.
Regular brushing will help the removal of his excess hair. Brushing your Chow Chow’s fur is also recommended before he has a wash. This helps to loosen any tangles that may become worse once wet.
Some Chow Chow owners also use a blow dryer pre-bathing to loosen any dirt and to remove any cobweb matting that may have occurred.
Final Words
A Chow Chow has a thick and luscious double coat that, if not cared for, can cause many issues for your dog. A Chow Chow will only need to be bathed around every four to six weeks, making it fairly easy and simple to care for him.
If your Chow Chow is extra active or likes to roll around in the mud, then you may need to clean them a little more often.
They also need to be groomed every week too. This will avoid other skin and fur problems and will keep the hair looking wonderful and healthy.
They are a fantastic breed of dog to own and one that does require some extra attention due to their large amount of fur.
