Shampoo

[corgimom]

deleted.......

[CorgiMum]

I use Pure Pearl. I bought this through my Vet and he told me that I could bath them with it every day it is so mild.

But, I tend to only bath them once, or maybe twice a year. Unless they find somethig particularlly delightful to roll in, deer poop, or a decaying salmon. My condern is their PH balance.

And living on the West Coast, we have a lot of rain as many of you might know. That is our winter, so my pair tend to get at least weekly showers form fall until spring.

And I do use a blowdryer from time to time, but not to dry all the way through. Doing that too often would really dry their skin out.

[LuvMyFluffy]

Well, when I got Gizmo, I wanted his long fluffy fur shiny and clean. So I tried stuff that places like Petco and Walmart sold. I found I didn't care for the price of a small bottle or the smell of these shampoos. Most of them are meant for fleas or really stinky dogs. Then I ran out of dog shampoo, which I would wash Giz about every other week. So I tried human shampoos and conditioners. I figured if it was good enough for me to use every day on my head, it was good enough for him. I really liked the human conditioners like Finesse, I got all sorts of comments how soft he was. Keep in mind, a good diet also helps.
Then I had a friend talk me into buying a website which I could sell anything from. I decided to focus on something I had an interest in, so I found a company that sells all sorts of dog and cat stuff, which included a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. I also talked with my breeder who shows dogs regularly. She uses many of the Bio-Groom products, which are some of the same products I now sell on my website. I also sell a brand that is very concentrated (Groomer's Edge), and you dilute, it'll last forever(very good if your washing your dog alot).

Here are some things you need to consider when deciding on shampoos:
How often will I be bathing this dog? If frequently, then use something all natural that is good for the skin, and gentle. There are several Oatmeal based natural shampoos now, or even hypo-allergenic. If you only bath the dog a few times a year, you might want something that deodorizes. My other two dogs I don't bath as much, so they get really smelly, they need something stronger smelling.
Next, what type of coat does the dog have, and what color? There's several white shampoos, those also can be used on the white part of your corgi. There are also black and red colors, they enhance the colors. Some shampoos are good for double coated dogs, some for wirey coats, so just depends on the dog.
Last, don't forget the conditioner. After the shampoo removes some of the protective oils, you need to replenish it in the coat. It also makes it soft and easy to brush. Some conditioners actually help the undercoat shed.

I just ran out of all my stuff, so I try out different stuff. Today I ordered Groomer's Edge products, I like that fact that they are so concentrated, some are 15-1. I tried out the Desert Almond shampoo which I got in the fall, a 16 oz. bottle lasted me all winter, and I washed Gizmo about every other week, and about once a month the two other dogs. I like to pour it on too, so it really goes far.
I'm going to try the Pearlight now on Gizmo (it is suppose to make the coat really shine), the Aroma stuff on the other two dogs, the white shampoo on occasion for Gizmo and Gracie, and I also ordered the Moisture Magic conditioner. I've tried some of the Bio-Groom products, which I really like, but one bottle just doesn't go as far.
I haven't had too many visitors to my site, so I may be shutting it down soon, but for now, here's the link: http://www.luvmyfluffypets.com/
Corgimum, I know you are overseas, so I'd recommend you find something similar that ships closer to home. Shipping cost are really going up. You might have a supplier that sells the same stuff that I sell in your country.

Oh yes, I prefer to treat my dogs with Flea and Tick products like Frontline Plus, they work good, and you don't need to worry about some stinky flea shampoo. Just make sure if you use it, to follow the directions on bathing your dog.
When you have a corgi like mine, who is on all my furniture and my bed, you want them clean and smelling good. I hug my corgi several times a day.
Gizmo always attracts attention when we are out in public, everyone wants to pet him. Honestly, they always say "he's soo soft".

I don't want this to come across as some way to sell my website, it's just something that I have been educating myself on, so I want to pass on the knowledge.

[Michael Romanos]

Here are the names of four really excellent quality shampoos for the long, luscious coats that Corgis have: All Systems, Lambert Kay (Grassroots etc), Rings 5, and Winners Circle.
All Systems is by far the best of these four but the other are also very good. None are cheap though I buy Lambert kay and that is reasonably priced here in NZ - depending on where you buy it from.
They are international shampoos so at least one of these should be available in the USA and Canada.

[CorgiMum]

One thing that my Vet mentioned that is very important, dogs, becuse they do not have the same PH as humans, should not be bathed with products made for us.

2 tips I learned, when bathing the dog, do not fill the tub with water, just enough to keep their paws wet, or may even none standing. I use a special hose that attaches to the bathtub in the guest bath. (the guests don't know that )

The second tip is to pour the shampoo on a 'puff' that is used for our own showers and baths. Much less shampoo needs to be used, and so is much easier to rinse out of all that thick corgi hair too.

[LuvMyFluffy]

CorgiMum, for some reason I was thinking you are in the UK, I think the "mum" in your name made me think that. Now I realize you are in Canada, duh.
You and your vet are correct about the PH balance. Several of the Bio-Groom products are PH balanced. You also need to observe after bathing and grooming your dog, to see if they scratch or flake. I know the PH balance can be important, but also the type of brush and how often you brush your dog. I've heard of brushes or combs scratching the skin and causing irratations.

[CorgiMum]

Originally Posted by LuvMyFluffy

CorgiMum, for some reason I was thinking you are in the UK, I think the "mum" in your name made me think that. Now I realize you are in Canada, duh.

That's ok, I was in the UK, but only for a visit.
(Besides, British Columbia has a vast number of people that have moved here from the UK, and our climets are very similar here on the lower mainland, and especially Vancouver Island.)

Good point about the grooming tools. Our first breeder to me to use only a long steel comb & a flat wooden handled pin brush. I do however also use a small shedding brush for Montrose. She has an extremely thick coat. Dylan's coat is much tinner, I often refer to him as my Calif. Corgi.

[darci]

plush puppy

[CorgiMum]

Originally Posted by darci

plush puppy

[corgimom]

I thinkby saying Plush Puppy she was referring to your saying that Montrose had a thick coat?????

Linda

[CorgiMum]

I was thinking that maybe it is a 'bath thingy' to use for soaping up?

[corgimom]

I don't know, maybe that is what she meant - I never heard of it - where is
Cindy to explain this one?

linda

[CorgiMum]

She is probably busy shampooing a dog.

We'll find out tomorrow.