In this week’s issue, here’s what we are sniffing out

Old Dogs and Baths, the Conundrum

In a younger dog’s life, regular bathing (and the grooming that comes with it!) is one of the biggest keys to good health. Groomers are often the first to notice skin or ear issues or discover new lumps that need veterinary attention.

But what happens when your dog has reached the stage where even simple grooming feels overwhelming? When the process causes anxiety, exhaustion, or actual medical setbacks, is a bath still worth it?

When Less Bathing Is More

If your dog’s grooming visits or home baths lead to any of the following, it’s time to scale back or stop entirely:

At the groomer:

• They can’t be finished because of agitation or anxiety

• They faint, seize, or seem confused during the groom

• They’re so sore afterward they can’t walk normally for days

• They experience a flare-up of a medical condition

• They’re “fired” by the groomer for safety reasons

At home:

• They can’t stand for the bath, or it takes two people to manage safely

• They resist so much you fear they’ll get hurt

• They experience any of the above reactions

In these cases, cleanliness takes a back seat to comfort.

If you do choose to bathe occasionally, allow your dog to air dry, and monitor them afterward to ensure they stay warm. Older dogs often struggle to regulate temperature, so sweaters, blankets, or gentle heating pads can help.

When Bathing Still Matters

For some dogs, skipping baths entirely can lead to more discomfort down the road. Continue regular bathing if your dog:

• Has a history of skin conditions, itching, or allergies

• Develops odor or visible dirt buildup

• Shows redness or irritation after a few weeks without cleaning

If your dog won’t tolerate a full bath but still needs one - maybe they’re stinky, irritated, or visibly dirty - try a sponge bath.

Wet a washcloth or sponge with warm water, add a drop of shampoo or a pump of non-rinse dog shampoo, and gently wipe the coat. Make sure the cloth or sponge isn’t sudsy; if you see bubbles, you’ll need to rinse. You can part the coat to reach the skin, but avoid scrubbing on long-coated dogs to prevent tangles.

If you’re no longer visiting the groomer regularly, you’ll need to become your dog’s skin and coat monitor. Set a reminder for every month, and do a quick head-to-tail check. After a few rounds, you’ll learn what “normal” looks like - and be better able to catch changes early.

What to Look For: A Monthly Wellness Check

Skin & Coat

Work methodically from nose to tail, parting the coat with your fingers or a comb. Don’t skip between the toes or under the paws.

• Redness, rashes, sores, scaly or bald areas

• Fleas, ticks, burrs, foxtails, or sticky residue

• Mats or tangles (especially in long-coated breeds)

• New lumps, or existing ones that change in size, shape, or color

Ears

• Redness, foul odor, or discharge

• Hair mats in or around the ear canal

• Tangles behind the ears (a common trouble spot!)

Eyes

• Redness or visible scratches

• Discolored discharge or crusts in the corners

• Bulging, watering, drooping lids, or the third eyelid showing

Nose

• Cracking or thick dryness

• Redness, swelling, or unusual texture (cauliflower-like)

• Discharge of any color

Mouth

• Loose, broken, or discolored teeth

• Red, inflamed gums

• Food mats or tangles around the muzzle

• Lumps inside or around the mouth

Rear End & Privates

• Swelling, bulges, or discharge from any orifice

• Mats blocking urination or defecation (especially important!)

• Lumps or irritation

• Paraphimosis (penis that won’t retract - a medical emergency)

The Bottom Line

For a very old dog, comfort comes first.

A spotless coat means little if the effort to get there causes pain, fear, or setbacks. Clean enough is truly clean enough.

But whether or not your senior still gets full baths, your eyes and hands are now their most important grooming tools.

A few minutes of gentle checking every couple of weeks can reveal early warning signs long before they become crises - and that’s the real definition of good care in the golden years.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT

I’ve been seeing this everywhere recently, so I ordered a few to try. All our senior dogs need a little help with teeth cleaning, right? I’ll report back. I’ve got one picky eater with about half her soft teeth left, and one who will eat anything that isn’t nailed down.

🐶 Sniffing Out Senior Dog News 📰

🗞️ Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary gives senior dogs a peaceful final chapter (For those of you who’ve lost a dog and aren’t ready to adopt, you can sponsor a senior! https://www.whisperingwillowsseniordogsanctuary.com)

🧬 Uncovering the Biology of Growing Old

🔢 100 top Pet Care companies and startups in the United States in October 2025

Senior Dog Meme of the Week  

How did we do with this week’s newsletter?

• High Paws

• Pooped in the House

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