Unless your Russell is a working terrier, you probably won’t need to bathe him more than every month or two. In hot weather, you may need to bathe him more frequently. Don’t overdo it, though. Excessive bathing can dry out his skin, make him shed more, and cause his coat to look dull. Allow a little common sense and a good nose to dictate his bath schedule.
Caution: If your Russell has a broken coat, do do not use an oil-based shampoo or conditioner, as it will change the coat’s natural harsh texture.
You can bathe your Russell in your bathtub or in a special doggy bathtub that you can purchase at any pet store or in pet catalogs. Even though your Russell has a natural affinity to water, he will probably resist his first dunk in the bathtub, so try to make it a fun experience by making it seem like playtime. Place some waterproof toys in the tub and initiate gentle play as you gradually wet him down.
It’s best to use a natural sponge or a handheld shower device. Don’t pour a pail of water over him or he will become frightened. You’ll soon see that he’ll become so involved in playing with his toys that he won’t even realize he’s being bathed.
Once he’s wet, use a sponge to soap him thoroughly with a mild hypoallergenic pet shampoo. Avoid getting soap into his eyes and ears. Many shampoos are “tearless,” meaning that they will not irritate the eyes. Rinse him thoroughly using a handheld shower head. Make sure you get all the soap out. You can use a coat conditioner after rinsing. Some are leave-in conditioners and others are the rinse-out type. It’s best to use the rinse-out type unless you are showing your dog and want a more intensive conditioning treatment.
After rinsing, towel-dry him with a plush terry cloth bath towel. Be sure to dry between his toes. Once he’s used to his bathing routine, your Russell will appreciate a vigorous towel drying. Remember to remove the cotton balls from his ears and gently pat the inside of his ear flaps dry as well. Then use a warm, wet washcloth (without shampoo) to clean his face and the area around his eyes.
Hair dryers are not recommended, as they tend to dry out the coat and most dogs are frightened by the sound and sensation of a dryer. However, if you must have him dry right away, use the lowest setting on the hair dryer; otherwise your broken or rough-coated boy will have an undesirable attack of the frizzes!
Helpful Hints: Before bathing your Russell, place a cotton ball loosely in each ear, to keep water from getting into the ear canal, and always give his coat a good brushing and plucking to loosen any dead hair.
Brushing Your Russell’s Teeth
Every grooming session, whether regular maintenance or for show, should include brushing your Russell’s teeth. In fact, you should get into the habit of brushing them daily. Use a dog toothbrush or a finger brush that fits over your index finger, and doggy toothpaste.
Remember, never use human toothpaste when brushing your Russell’s teeth. Rub the brush in a circular motion over your dog’s teeth and gums. Don’t rub too hard or he will resist. After you finish brushing, examine his mouth for any chipped or broken teeth, gum inflammation, or plaque buildup. If you see any of those things, schedule a dental checkup with the veterinarian.
