How do you bathe an Old English Sheepdog?

Bathing an Old English Sheepdog requires a systematic and thorough approach due to their incredibly dense, long coat. It's a multi-step process that ensures cleanliness, prevents matting, and maintains skin health.

How Do You Bathe an Old English Sheepdog?

Bathing an Old English Sheepdog involves a thorough, multi-step process, often requiring two distinct rounds of shampooing to ensure their dense coat is truly clean and well-maintained.

Essential Pre-Bath Preparation

Before you even think about wetting your Old English Sheepdog, meticulous preparation is key. Skipping this step can lead to significant matting problems that are much harder to resolve once the coat is wet.

1. Thorough Brushing and Dematting: This is perhaps the most crucial step. Use a high-quality slicker brush and a metal comb (preferably a wide-toothed and a fine-toothed one). Work through the entire coat, section by section, from skin to tip, removing all tangles and mats. Never wet a matted coat, as water will only tighten the mats, making them nearly impossible to remove without cutting.
2. Gather Supplies: Have everything ready before you start:
   • Shampoo: A good quality dog shampoo suitable for thick, double coats.
   • Conditioner: Essential for moisturizing the coat and skin, making brushing easier.
   • Towels: Several large, absorbent towels.
   • Grooming Tools: Your brushes and combs for post-bath drying.
   • High-Velocity Dryer: Highly recommended for efficient and thorough drying.
   • Non-slip Mat: For the tub or bathing area.

The Two-Round Bathing Process

Effective bathing for an Old English Sheepdog typically involves two separate shampooing sessions to ensure the dense undercoat and outer coat are truly clean.

First Round: General Cleansing

This initial wash focuses on removing surface dirt, debris, and loose hair.

• Wet Thoroughly: Use lukewarm water and ensure the entire coat, down to the skin, is completely saturated. This can take several minutes for an Old English Sheepdog.
• Apply Shampoo: Dilute your chosen dog shampoo according to the product instructions, then apply it evenly. Work the shampoo deep into the coat, ensuring it reaches the skin. Focus on areas that tend to get dirtier, like paws, legs, and the belly.
• Lather and Massage: Gently massage the shampoo into the coat. If your pup spends a lot of time outdoors, an extra-long bath with a good shampoo is recommended to penetrate and cleanse thoroughly.
• Rinse Completely: Rinse the coat meticulously until all traces of shampoo are gone. This is vital to prevent skin irritation or residue buildup, which can lead to dull fur or even skin problems. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Second Round: Targeted Treatment

After the first general cleanse, the second round of bathing allows you to address specific needs of your dog's coat and skin.

• Apply Specific Shampoo/Conditioner: Based on your dog's needs, apply a specialized product. This could be:
  • A conditioning shampoo to hydrate dry skin and coat.
  • A de-shedding shampoo to help release loose undercoat.
  • A brightening shampoo to enhance coat color.
  • A medicated shampoo if your dog has specific skin conditions (consult your vet).
• Work In and Allow to Sit: Work the product thoroughly into the coat, ensuring even distribution. Allow it to sit for the recommended time as per the product's instructions to maximize its benefits.
• Thorough Final Rinse: Again, rinse extremely thoroughly. Any residue left behind can cause skin irritation, matting, or attract more dirt. Squeeze excess water from the coat.

Post-Bath Drying and Finishing

Proper drying is as important as washing to prevent matting, skin infections, and discomfort.

1. Towel Dry: Gently squeeze and blot excess water from the coat with large, absorbent towels. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can cause tangles.
2. High-Velocity Drying (Recommended): For Old English Sheepdogs, a high-velocity dog dryer is invaluable. It forces water out of the dense undercoat efficiently, significantly reducing drying time and preventing mildew or hot spots.
   • Use the dryer on a cool or low-heat setting.
   • Work in sections, line drying the coat with a brush (a pin brush or slicker brush) as you go. This method helps to straighten the hair and ensure all mats are removed.
   • Ensure the coat is completely dry, down to the skin, before allowing your dog to roam freely or lie down.
3. Air Drying (If No High-Velocity Dryer): If a high-velocity dryer isn't available, towel dry as much as possible, then allow your dog to air dry in a warm, draft-free environment. You must brush the coat every 15-30 minutes during air drying to prevent matting as the hair dries. This method is very time-consuming and less effective for such a dense coat.
4. Final Brush: Once completely dry, give your Old English Sheepdog a final brush-through to ensure there are no remaining tangles and the coat is fluffy and well-distributed.

Frequency

The bathing frequency for an Old English Sheepdog typically ranges from every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their lifestyle, activity level, and the condition of their coat. Regular grooming, including brushing multiple times a week, is essential between baths to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting.