by Sasha Riess | 12.06.26. | Coat Care
Many owners still receive advice that a dog should be bathed only three times a year. While that may have been relevant in the past, life in urban environments today requires a completely different approach. Regular bathing dogs is no longer a matter of aesthetics, but of preventing the intake of heavy metals into your dog’s body.
The Hidden Danger From Asphalt and Air
Urban dogs walk on asphalt daily and inhale polluted air saturated with heavy metals. These toxins are large molecules that cannot pass through the skin on their own, but they bind to lanolin, the natural fat on the coat.
The problem occurs when the dog:
In this way, heavy metals from the street end up directly inside the dog’s body. Apple cider vinegar and a cloth are not enough to break down the fat to which these toxins are attached. Always use conditioner after shampoo to seal the coat and prevent flaking.
Shampoo cleans, but conditioner seals and protects.
Proper Care: Shampoo Is Not Enough
If a dog lives indoors and moves through the city, bathing dogs every 7 to 15 days is ideal. However, the key lies in the correct process:
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Shampoo and conditioner: Never use shampoo alone, as it dries out both the skin and the coat. Conditioner is essential to seal the coat and maintain its elasticity.
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Nutrition against dandruff: If you notice dandruff, a useful trick is adding a quarter teaspoon of butter to the dog’s food. These healthy fats nourish the skin from within.
Forget advice from the past; a clean dog in an urban environment is a healthy dog.
At Sasha Riess, we understand that bathing dogs is a shield against the modern world. Protecting their internal organs starts with external care and pureloveandharmony. Maintain their defense: Linktree Sasha Riess
The Dog Groomer’s Letter of the Month Club with Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 06.06.26. | Coat Care
Dragana has a Bichon and wants to know what she should do to prevent matting. She has been warned that a Bichon must be brushed regularly or the coat will tangle, and she was even frightened with claims that wounds can develop beneath mats. These are common concerns among owners of this breed.
Proper Routine and the Bichon
A proper routine includes regular bathing and brushing exclusively during the drying and blow-drying process. Brushing is not dismissed as an idea, it is simply moved to another phase of the dog’s care. In this phase, you achieve a healthier, well-maintained coat, and your relationship with the dog improves significantly. What is the value of an unmatted coat if the dog is unhappy?
With an unhappy dog, it is impossible to build a good relationship if the dog approaches you out of fear or because it is being bribed with food. Only professional groomers can develop a comfortable dry-brushing technique in which both the person and the Bichon feel at ease. When the coat is dry and brushed incorrectly, the process is painful, and the hair tangles more than it is actually brushed out. Because the Bichon’s coat is very dense, with a thick undercoat and curls, maintaining it with dry brushing is extremely difficult.
The Importance of Blow-Drying and Equipment
Brushes used during blow-drying must be of precise quality, firmness, and pin shape so they can penetrate the coat correctly. That is why I repeatedly emphasize how important it is to bathe a Bichon regularly and, as part of that routine, brush only during blow-drying.
How often this should be done depends on age, nutrition, and lifestyle, but it can generally be carried out every 5, 7, or 10 days. An adult dog that is maintained regularly can be bathed every 10 to 15 days, with mandatory use of both shampoo and conditioner. Conditioner further supports proper coat growth and helps keep it clean. Remember, brushing only during blow-drying. This eliminates the fear of matting and provides the dog with a higher quality of life.
The key to success: Bichon brushing brings results only during the blow-drying process.
Why Do Wounds Develop in Bichons?
It is true that when the coat becomes matted, wounds can form beneath the mats. Because the Bichon has a dense undercoat, oxygen cannot reach the skin. Lack of oxygen, combined with moisture and a body temperature of about 38°C, creates ideal conditions for bacteria to develop, infect the skin, and cause painful sores. Proper hydration and correct drying technique are the best forms of prevention.
At Sasha Riess, we advocate for grooming methods that respect both canine anatomy and psychology. Shifting care to wet-brushing ensures your Bichon lives a life of comfort and pureloveandharmony. Protect their skin: Linktree Sasha Riess
by Sasha Riess | 15.05.26. | Coat Care
Wiping a dog with wet wipes is not forbidden, but only under certain conditions. The key question is not just can I wipe my dog with wet wipes, but what products are being used and how frequently the skin is being treated.
Which Wet Wipes Are Allowed for Dogs?
The most important thing is to check the ingredients. Wet wipes must never contain alcohol. Alcohol strongly dries out the skin and damages the natural protective barrier. This stimulates the skin to produce even more oil as a reaction, which can result in:
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A greasier coat
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Irritation and itching
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An unpleasant odor
Better Alternatives for Daily Hygiene
In most cases, a simple damp cloth is completely sufficient. If you are wondering can I wipe my dog with wet wipes every day, consider these safer options:
If a dog gets dirty often, the solution is not constant wiping, but a properly adjusted hygiene routine.
The Role of High-Quality Conditioner
Using a premium dog conditioner helps the coat retain less grease and attract less dirt from the environment. When the coat is healthy, it is often enough to gently wipe the dog with a damp cloth without aggressive cleaning agents.
Alcohol in wipes can cause dry skin.
Why Constant Wiping Can Become a Problem
Wet wipes, even those without alcohol, should not be used constantly. Over-reliance on them can remove natural oils and disrupt the skin’s microbalance. When asking can I wipe my dog with wet wipes, remember that less is more. Over-drying the skin leads to faster soiling, creating a vicious circle.
The Essence: Preserving Natural Balance
The goal is to preserve natural balance, not sterile cleanliness. For those seeking the best for their dog’s skin, Sasha Riess Pure Love & Harmony uses 100% natural active ingredients like aloe, jojoba, lavender, and mineral-rich spring water to nourish without stripping away protection.
At Sasha Riess, we believe that true beauty comes from health. Understanding can I wipe my dog with wet wipes responsibly is part of maintaining the pureloveandharmony of your dog’s skin and coat. Discover our natural solutions: Linktree Sasha Riess
