Afghan hounds are known for the aristocratic look and they need a good amount of attention and time which will be required for their grooming. This is a high maintenance dog, and if you have bought one, you know for sure, that it needs a lot of patience as well as money.
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Which shampoos are good for afghan hounds?
Not all shampoo brands offer a product that is safe for dogs, as there will be chances of the shampoo going into the eyes of the dog while bathing it.
There should be the least number of harsh chemicals as that can make the shiny coat dull. Also, the shampoo should be easily available and at a pocket-friendly price. So here we will be suggesting to you a few shampoos that are useful for afghan hounds coat wash.
1. Tropiclean Shampoos For Pets
This shampoo is ideal for the afghan hounds as it is made from all naturally derived ingredients. This shampoo does not contain any harsh chemical that can damage the health of the dog or cause irritation in the eyes. The sweet smell of the shampoo keeps the dog calm while you will be cleaning its coat. Papaya and coconut extract has been used in this shampoo to keep the dog fur clean and luscious. The shampoo is pH balanced and paraben and dye-free.
This is not to be used on pups. You can apply this shampoo on dogs that are more than 12 weeks old. This is a 2 in 1 product that not only cleans but also conditions the hair. All the ingredients are mentioned in the pack so you can be assured about the quality of the product.
Pros:
- Natural products
- No dye
- Paraben-free
- Shampoo plus conditioner
Cons:
- There are citrus and neem version which caused irritation to some dogs
2. Burt’s Bees Natural Shampoo for dogs
This shampoo is again another option for cleaning the fur coat of Afghan hounds which is derived from natural products. Colloidal oat flour and honey are used to prepare this shampoo. This one offers a soothing effect and softens the hair of the dog. Also if your afghan hound is suffering from a dry and itchy skin problem, this shampoo can fix that. There is beeswax in this shampoo which makes it suitable for sensitive skin.
This is a mild shampoo that can be used once a week to keep the dog coat clean. There is no harmful chemical used in this shampoo and it is completely tearless. The formula is free from any synthetic perfume and sulfate, colourants or chemicals that had been used in this product. You have to wet the dog and then apply the shampoo in moderate quantity to make the foam and rinse it on the body of the Afghan hound from top to toe, avoiding the eyes and the inner ears. Not much lather will be formed as there is no foaming chemical in this shampoo.
Pros:
- Tearless shampoo
- All-natural ingredients
- No chemicals used
Cons:
- Does not affect the odour of the dog
3. Nature’s Miracle Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
This shampoo contains no synthetic perfume but there is a natural ingredient that controls the odour and neutralizes it. Also, there is a deodorizer that will keep the dog smell free. The use of cocoa surfactant makes this shampoo a good product that cleans the dog coat without damaging the quality or treating it harshly. Not only it cleans the long furs but also it conditions the hair, so you do not have to buy a conditioner separately.
This product is soap-free which makes it the perfect choice for afghan hounds. No dyes and parabens have been used so this is a soothing formula to treat the luscious long coat of the Afghans. There is a mile honey sage scent in this shampoo which makes the dog smell fresh after a wash. All the traces of dirt will be removed from the body of the dog and the shampoo leaves the coat shiny and soft.
Pros:
- Great price
- Soft coat
- Soothing formula
Cons:
- If the dog is too dirty then use it twice
4. Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo
This one is made from oatmeal and coconut and lime verbena. There are ingredients that are only natural and clean the long coat without tangling them. Also, it moisturizes the hairs and thus it leaves the hair in a soft and manageable condition. This waterless shampoo is pH balanced and free from alcohol and paraben. You do not have to rinse it on the coat of the Afghans as it is not a wet shampoo. After applying it you can use a towel to dry the coat and then brush it properly.
This shampoo is good for allergenic dogs. This is effective for treating any kind of allergies. Cleaning, conditioning and detangling are done by this shampoo perfectly. Also, any itchiness will be treated by using this shampoo.
This is a highly recommended brand by professional dog groomers. The dryness of the skin will also be cured by using this shampoo once a week. Take the shampoo in your pump and rub it within your palms. It will be lathered, and then you can apply it to the body of the hound. It will dry out soon within 3-4 minutes and then you can brush the coat.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No need for water
- Quick process
- Smells good
Cons:
- Does not come in a spray bottle
5. Everyday Isle of dogs silky coating dog shampoo
This is a good moisturizing shampoo for a dog with a long and silky coat. After using the shampoo you will see the coat turning silkier and softer. The coat will lay fluffy and flat and not matted. No tangles will be found and it will be cleaned from the root. There are two fragrances available for this shampoo, one is floral jasmine and the other is vanilla. The freshly bathed dog will be shining and you would love to cuddle the dog even more.
No residue is left on the coats after washing, and the healthy glow of the coat will make the dog look fresh and rejuvenated. No matt or tangles will be found in it. Not only the fur but also the skin condition will improve after using this shampoo.
Pros:
- Healthy shine
- Two fragrances available
- Improves skin and coat
Cons:
- Some users received used bottles.
Accessories required for grooming of Afghan Hounds
Along with a good shampoo, you also need a good brush which will be needed to untangle the long coat of the Afghan hound. Metal combs are there which is not to be used on daily basis but when you brush the hair after shampoo, you can shape the hairs of the Afghan hounds with this. Usually, there is a large and small end of the metal brushes.
A rat-tail comb is also something unique that comes with a stainless steel tail. To break the matted hair you can use it. A few strokes with this and a matt will be uncoiled with all the hairs will be flowing. No hair will be broken this way.
A pumice stone can be another super necessary tool when you need to maintain the saddle of the afghan hounds. You can get them in the shop for equestrian supplies. When the afghan hounds are growing up, this stone will make their hairs in shape and even.
Precautions for shampooing
You should never be harsh while brushing the coat of afghan hounds. As the dog is of gentle nature and manner, you also have to remember that while taking care of it. If you pull through the hair, not only it will cause damage to the hair but also the skin could get scratched.
A non-slip shower mat is necessary when you are giving a shower to the Afghan hound. The dog should be kept on it and you will use a shower to wash it off.
You can keep the hound outside in the months of warm weather. Lukewarm water is always better for the grooming and bathing of the dog as too hot or too cold water will frizz the hair.
Bathing once a week is good as they gather much dirt and the hair get tangled so often. But when the shampooing is done, take good care of washing the shampoo away from the hairs. The remaining shampoo in the hair will cause itchiness and it may cause infection as well.
How to take care of the Afghan hound?
The caretaking schedule for the Afghan hound is dedicated mostly to the brushing and washing of its mane. You can brush to coat daily if the dog is taken out of the house regularly. But do not use a brush when you see mud on the hair, as that will damage the hair and it may break. Washing is the only way by which mud could be removed from the hair.
Not only shampooing is enough, but you also need to apply a good conditioner after shampoo, so the hair stays hydrated and moisturized. The nourishment the coat will get from the conditioner will keep it shiny and glossy.
Grooming the Afghan hound is a vital part of its upbringing. They come with a classic and elegant look which is depicted by the long and glossy fur coat that they bear on the body. So taking care of the coat is not an easy task. Brushing once a week and shampooing the hair once or twice a month is necessary.
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