neutering & shampoo

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Archived Message

neutering & shampoo
by Pat
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
neuteringHi, Just got a little boy "Benjee" and we are trying to decide if he should be fixed. What is the differents in if you do or not. Is there a health problem, behavior? He will be a house pet not show or stud.

Also what kind os shampoo do we use have used Johnson's baby shampo. And is it okay to give him "LINATONE" for his coat and skin.. All I have owened was a cocker and of course you have you watch for skin problems. Any help is appreciated.

DISCUSSION:

Hi! I also have a male puppy who we neutered a few months ago. Look in the archives as there is alot of info regarding to neuter or not to neuter. I definitely recommend it, not only for the health reasons, but for the temperament as well. The highest incident of dog bites are caused by young, non-neutered males. I just don't want that liability. Anyway, with regards to shampoos, I use a whitening dog shampoo. Alot of people love Petsilk. I haven't tried it yet. Apparently, the people shampoo has a different pH in it than dogs, so of course you'll have to buy precious his own shampoo! You'll soon find you spend more coiffing the babies than your own hair. Yesterday, I took my two babies to the groomers and was cutting my own bangs over the sink. Next time I'm coming back as a maltese.
Tricia

Thank You for your help. Benjee is only 11 weeks old now we are also working on potty training. sometimes he is good and sometimes he makes big mistakes. My Aunt who has had four maltese's said she uses Johnson baby shampoe and ALOT of whatever cream rinse she can get a hold of. were do I find this Petsilk we live in a very small town its a farming town the closest big city is a hour or more away. And Ideas? Thanks
Pat

Hi Pat - on the MalteseOnly home page, on the left hand side menu selection you will find catalogues listed (?I think) and, if you click on that, it will give you a list of 1-800 numbers for various catalogues and products. Tricia is right about the different pH. I've read that for a dog's skin the pH is 6.2 - 7.2 and human pH is anywhere from 4 - 6 but typically about 5.6. So human shampoos, which are usually around pH 4.5 - 5.5, may strip Benjee's skin of its protective mantle of oils but any very gentle human shampoo that is first diluted in tap water should be OK (the alkalinity of the water should bring the pH up) and the same goes for conditioner. Do make sure that you rinse the shampoo out very thoroughly as any residue can really irritate their sensitive skin. I have been using the Coathandler Groomers 15 for 1 shampoo which works very well, but have since been advised that it is a little harsh for weekly use (and that their 5 for 1 shampoo is a better option as it is mild enough to use every day). Good luck!

Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)