Tips for Bathing a Dog

All dog owners should regularly bathe their pets. Remember, it is not only crucial to ensuring you have a sweet-smelling pet, but is also important for the health and well-being of your animal. Bathing a dog can be a daunting task, especially if your dog does not look upon the experience favorably. However, some simple tips may make the job easier.

Preparation

Before bathing your dog, it is wise to do a little preparation. First, ensure that you have a good quality dog shampoo, which can be obtained from all good pet stores. It’s important to use the correct shampoo, because a shampoo that is not designed for dogs will have an incorrect PH balance and can cause severe skin irritation. In addition, it is advisable to have plenty of large towels handy.

If you have a small breed of dog, it is possible to bathe him, or her, in a laundry sink, which will tend to be a less messy business. However, if you own a large dog, you will not to use the tub or, in warmer weather, a small children’s pool in the yard. Wherever you choose to bathe your pet, it is advisable to have a handheld showerhead or nozzle on your faucet.

Once you have your bathing area ready, you need to prepare your dog. The first thing you need to do is brush the dog thoroughly. This is important for two reasons: first, it will reduce the amount of loose fur that is washed down your drain, and second, if knots and tangles in the fur become wet, they will be incredibly difficult to remove. Of course, if you have a longhaired dog or a dog with a double coat, it is particularly important to brush thoroughly, but even shorthaired breeds will need a good brushing before bathing.

To reduce the possibility of ear infections, you may find it helpful to place a ball of cotton wool in each of your dog’s ears.

How to Bathe Your Dog

Once brushed, your dog should be placed in the tub, sink or outside. Begin by wetting the dog all over. Start by holding your showerhead or nozzle at the dog’s neck and work your way down the back. Then come back to the neck and go along the undercarriage of the dog and down each leg. When bathing a dog, it is a good idea to keep one hand on the animal at all times, as this will prevent him, or her, from shaking.

Next, you will need to lather the dog. Be careful not to use too much soap and remember to use more water if necessary. The dog’s head and face are a little more difficult and should be done with some care. First, turn the pressure of the faucet or shower down to the lowest possible setting. Tilt the dog’s head back and direct the water down the nose and along the cheeks. Then place the nozzle under the chin and allow the water to run down the chest. When applying shampoo to the top of the head, ears, muzzle and cheeks, it is important to be keep the soap away from the dog’s eyes.

Rinsing the Dog

When rinsing, begin with the head and follow the same pattern as before. However, pay particular attention to removing the soap from the ears. In some cases, you may need to turn the ear inside out to rinse it thoroughly, but be careful not to direct the jet into the ear canal. Once the dog’s head is thoroughly rinsed, you can increase the pressure of the water and turn to the rest of the body. Again, follow the same pattern as before, rubbing with your hands to ensure that the soap is completely gone. Areas that are particularly sensitive are the front armpits and the tummy, so ensure that these areas are not overlooked.

Drying the Dog

This can be the messy bit. The shake is a reflex, so your dog cannot help it. However, if you want to suppress the shake until you have dried the worst of the water, quickly and firmly grasp the dog by the scruff of the neck. Then, place a towel over him, or her, and rub vigorously. Depending on the thickness of your dog’s fur, you may need a second towel. Once you have dealt with the worst, you can let the dog go, but you can still expect a good shake. Additionally, it is advisable to place a large towel or an old bedspread on the floor, because dog’s love to rub themselves dry. It is possible to use a hairdryer on a dog, but ensure that your pet is not scared of the hairdryer before attempting to use it.

Remember, bathing your dog is good for the overall health of your pet; it gives you an opportunity to notice any changes in the coat or body that may be cause for concern and can provide a wonderful chance to bond with your canine companion.

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. She is proud to work on behalf of Remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products. Among the many items provided for pets and their owners, Remmeer.com has an array of dog related products, such as dog photo frames and poignant pet memorial stones & markers.

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