Message from discussion Giving big dog (Muttley) a bath

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From: shelly <she...@cat-sidh.net>
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs.behavior
Subject: Re: Giving big dog (Muttley) a bath
Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2006 08:29:16 -0400
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Paul E. Schoen wrote:
> She said it was much 
> better than the Hatz product I applied around the first of August, and 
> apparently there have been lawsuits against Hartz about their product.

I had a cat nearly killed (he suffered permanent CNS damage) from a 
cat-specific flea treatment manufactured by Hartz Mountain. 
According to my vet, this was not by any means an isolated incident. 
  I haven't used a Hartz Mountain product since then, nor would I 
recommend their products to others.

In dealing with your flea problem, remember that fleas spend only a 
small amount of time on the dog.  It is important to treat the home, 
yard, etc. as well.  Your vet should be able to provide, or at least 
give you the names of, appropriated products.

> She also suggested that I give Muttley a bath with flea soap or shampoo, 
> and then apply the Frontline about two days later. I have had Muttley since 
> mid February and have not yet given him a bath. So, I got some flea shampoo 
> and tried to get Muttley to get into the bathtub, but he would not. Even 
> when I got into the tub, he would not come in with me, so the best I could 
> do was splash some water on him and try to brush him a bit. Certainly not 
> satisfactory.

I should think not.  I don't know how big Muttley is, but did you 
try picking him up and placing him in the tub?  I wouldn't leave the 
"to bathe or not to bathe" decision up to him, if it were me.

If you cannot lift him, I would recommend bathing him outside with 
warm water (you can buy a very cheap hose adapter for your sink 
wherever waterbed accessories are sold).  If he is not cooperative, 
make sure to restrain him.

Your only other alternative is to pay someone to bathe him for you.

> I do have an outside hose, but it is cold water with very high pressure. 
> Also, where it is located there is mostly dirt and no sidewalk or patio, so 
> I can just see him rolling in the mud if I try to bathe him there. 

Who is in charge at your house, and why would you allow him to do 
that?

-- 
Shelly (Warning:  see label for details)
http://www.cat-sidh.net (the Mother Ship)
http://esther.cat-sidh.net (Letters to Esther)