How often are you bathing him? Most basenjis don't need a bath more than once every couple of months. Over bathing can definitely cause dry skin. It can also be caused by dry weather and not enough oils in the diet.
So far this month 3 times. But its only because the first time he was in the crate flying down here to San Diego. The second time was because he was in his crate while my boyfriend took a shower and he did his business and went crazy the poo was everywhere.:( I think the flight down here in the crate was a bad experience, he doesn't like going into his crate. So he had bath him. The third time was because I noticed the dandruff and changed the puppy shampoo and bathed him. So it's been once a week but not because we wanted to but because we had to. He is doing better in the crate. Wow so once every couple of months. I would think more that that.
Once a week is an awful lot so the dandruff is probably from the bathing.
yahhh but we had to. lol Thanks for letting me know. I will definitely not bath him until next next month. Thanks 
What kind of food are you feeding him? If it is a low quality food, the lack of oil can cause dandruff too. It also shows up more on tris and blacks too…but usually puppies don't have a lot of dandruff. Stress can cause a big surge in dandruff...so he might be producing the dandruff when he is stressed out in the crate.
I wouldn't worry about it too much while he adjusts to your home. I would worry more about the crate phobia. There are lots of posts here about how to avoid a bad introduction to the crate, and how to deal with it if your dog is already crate phobic.
I only bathe Tucker about 3 times a year. He does fine. I also have a shower wand and I keep the temp up and he seems to like the warmth. He gets a treat when it's all over. Merricks beef filet squares. He loves them! The only thing I DON'T do is wash his face. I do wash under his chin and the top of his head, but he freaks out when the water gets in his eyes or ears. The wand helps control the flow of the water away from his eyes and ears and I can target the areas he doesn't mind pretty well. I'll just rinse his face and ears with water on my hands and no soap because getting it off would be too much for him. I'll prolly have to bathe him a little more now that he's got a group of dogs the he plays with. The other dogs are typically larger and he always gets covered in their slobber AND the other dogs tend to dribble their stink on him. Yucky…
I am the same at Tucker… or less... unless we are showing, mine are lucky to get a bath twice a year. Usually in the spring to help with blowing coat and once in late summer.
Jayden has had to have a couple of baths since we got him in January because he pooped in his crate and got it on himself. :eek: Both times, Cory acted less tolerant of Jayden. It was as if she was upset because he didn't smell like he was supposed to. It took about 24 hours before she decided he was back to normal.
Pat
I use a leave in conditioner from DermCare sold at PetSmart. It does a good job of controlling dry skin after a bath.
After sloppy play at dog park, I just wipe them down with a damp washcloth (to get off the other dog's saliva) most of the time. One of the main joys of basenjis is the lack of odor, so unless they really are soiled, there is no need to bathe them more than 2 or 3 times a year, if that. A good high quality diet keeps the skin and coat nice and soft with just the right amount of oils, and bathing removes those protective oils,not a good thing.
I dilute my shampoo as well, so it is just enough to clean them and rinses off easily without residue.
When Topper was about 1 1/2 he got a skin infection and had to be bathed with medicated shampoo, which had to be left on for 5 minutes, every other day for 3 weeks. He learned that it wasn't going to kill him, and I got really good at it. Now he is good about the bath!
If they have poop on them, you sure have to get it off, but otherwise I would hold off on the baths.
Anne in Tampa
I agree… and when you do give them baths, the most important thing is to make sure you get ALL the soap out....
What kind of food are you feeding him? If it is a low quality food, the lack of oil can cause dandruff too. It also shows up more on tris and blacks too…but usually puppies don't have a lot of dandruff. Stress can cause a big surge in dandruff...so he might be producing the dandruff when he is stressed out in the crate.
I wouldn't worry about it too much while he adjusts to your home. I would worry more about the crate phobia. There are lots of posts here about how to avoid a bad introduction to the crate, and how to deal with it if your dog is already crate phobic.
We are feeding him Authority Puppy food. I want to change it to Eucanuba.
I use a leave in conditioner from DermCare sold at PetSmart. It does a good job of controlling dry skin after a bath.
I'll have to look for that. Are you still feeding Authortiy to Pipper or did you change it?
We are feeding him Authority Puppy food. I want to change it to Eucanuba.
IMO, Euk is not the best food… look for foods without corn and by-products.. there are many good foods out there...
We are feeding him Authority Puppy food. I want to change it to Eucanuba.
IMO, Euk is not the best food… look for foods without corn and by-products.. there are many good foods out there...
Tucker also gets doggy dandruff almost every time I bathe him. Might check into the conditioner… It only lasts a few days, though...
Remember that stress will raise dander… and baths are stress.....
We use those dog bath whipes that you can purchase from the local pet store. They work great. Baths are horrible in our house and I often am also taking a bath with our boy since he flings about in the tub. I get soaked! It just isn't a good experience. LOL
We use those dog bath whipes that you can purchase from the local pet store. They work great. Baths are horrible in our house and I often am also taking a bath with our boy since he flings about in the tub. I get soaked! It just isn't a good experience. LOL
Here is a great item that anyone can install on their shower for giving baths… and if you have an enclosed shower stall or bath, just get in with them...
