[nagdu] Bailey's Latest--bathing, weight, etc.

[Robert Hooper]

Hello all:

I recently returned from a vet visit and was hoping to share the results of my relentless inquiries. It seems as though Bailey's weight jumped from around 31 kg to about 35 KG since the last visit two months ago. This despite my frequent checks of his body condition. The vet didn't seem to notice any overt physical changes in his appearance, but we both thought it a good idea to cut back on the food. Annova Evo is very calorie-dense and dispenses with many ingredients that might hinder or stop the processing of certain nutrients. I was told to start by removing ten percent of his food intake. So, instead of a cup and a half, I half to find a way to remove 3/20 of a cup of food from his daily meals. After doing the math, I came to the conclusion that instead of his usual 90/60 cups of food a meal, he would need 81/60 cups. If I gave him 1-1/3 cups of food per meal, this would equal 80/60 of a cup, thus closest (to within 1/60 of a cup) I can get to a perfect mathematical solution. Note that I am not that invested in the numbers-I just had a long time to wait in the lobby before being checked out.
Another topic I discussed was dog bathing-this is something to which I have never been a party. Many family members encouraged me to find a place that would do it for me. I object to this for many reasons (all of which my vet supported and understood). Firstly, many such places are prone to outbreaks of kennel cough, skin infections, improper technique, etc. Secondly, Bailey is a service animal, so I require a higher degree of control-that is, I am loathed to give up my dog to anyone else who does not know how to handle, treat, etc. him. Thirdly, I am one of those "annoying dog Nazis"-that is, I allow very limited interaction between others and my dog. I do not want Bailey to trust others or form bonds with others as he does me. Furthermore, I do not want him to see people as giant petting machines worthy of his attention and thus potential distraction. So, that desire in itself rules out taking him anywhere for bathing purposes.
Fourthly, I heartily dislike paying for a service that I could just as easily perform myself. Bathing him at home would lessen my inconvenience of having to find transportation to and from a facility, would save me money, etc.
Now comes my questions regarding bathing. I have done some research about properly bathing dogs at home. I am most worried about the complete rinsing of shampoo-is dog bathing a very daunting task? Bailey hasn't been bathed since I received him in July and he continues not to smell. I regularly groom him, so that should cut down on his odor and dirtiness. I guess my main concern (as it is with most things) is that I'm afraid of not doing it right. If anybody has any assurances, techniques, detailed instructions with schematics and diagrams, etc. to share, I would welcome such.
I also discussed heart and flea preventatives with my veterinarian, dog anatomy and behavior, and various other such topics. I welcome feedback on all aspects of this message-from its grammatical style to critiques about my personal objections toward taking Bailey to a Dogwash. I look forward to everyone's thoughts and I hope I have provided some brain food on which we can all munch.
Sincerely,
Robert Hooper
Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu<mailto:Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu>
The Ohio State University
0653 Buckeye-Cuyahoga CT
653 Cuyahoga Court
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(740) 856-8195