(05-09-2014, 04:08 PM)Miranda Boldari Wrote: I really don't think any dog- no matter what breed -can do with just a couple of baths in a year. That can possibly lead to infection. I am not sure though, never having hazarded it so far.
Yes, bathing dogs depends a lot on the type of skin they have and the oil secretion. Too much washing dries the skin, the hair.. But I've had four different breed of dogs over eleven years and I've regularly given them baths around thrice a month with sufficient intervals in between. No problems so far.
Shedding depends on the breed, too. Length doesn't have much to do with it.
I have personally spoken to my vet regarding the anesthesia. It's not too different from human beings. Anesthesia is a necessity doctors at the moment can't do without. There have been instances where an 80-year old recovers from a bypass surgery without a hitch, but a 29ish young man with no history of chronic illness is comatose upon the correct administration of anaesthasia. It is very difficult to predict. Vets generally do not advise anesthetizing very old dogs, but it really depends on the case.
My Alsatian was on pain medications for a month, so I guess I can safely call the restrictions on that a myth.
I think any dog should have a bath atleast 4 times a year. I have noticed that my little MinnPinn/Chiauha mix gets really black under her rear "Leg Pits" I think that is from not bathing her as much as she should be. It is easier for her, if I just put her in the shower with me instead of making her get in the sink or tub alone, she seems to tolerate it better. One thing you want to make sure of tho, is that your house is warm enough so they wont get a chill. Most Dogs do not care for the hair dryer.
