Just like us, dogs need proper hygiene to keep them healthy and happy. Bathing your dog on a regular basis will keep their coat shiny and free of tangles, and will also help eliminate the dandruff which causes allergies. You may already know this bath time can make your dog run for the hills if he or she becomes frightened of the process. Follow these quick tips to help your dog s bath be pleasant for you and your pet.
* Always brush your dog thoroughly before a bath. This gets rid of tangles which become matted when wet, and also eliminates most of the loose hair that could clog your drain.
* A dog bath is easiest in the bathtub. Use a bucket to splash water over their body, or use a sprayer attachment. This can be very helpful as it speeds up the washing and rinsing process.
* Make sure the bathroom is comfortably warm and gather your grooming supplies before bringing your dog into the bathroom (dog shampoo, bucket, towels, hair dryer). I prefer to use a shampoo made from all natural ingredients, but whatever you choose, make sure it s made specifically for dogs. Never use a human shampoo on your pet.
* Bring your dog into the bathroom before you turn on the water. While waiting for the water to get warm, talk to your pet and make the bath sound like it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
* To start the dog bath, get your pet into the tub, then make sure you wet down their entire body. Place a small amount of shampoo in your hands and start by washing the top of their head. To make sure you avoid getting shampoo in their eyes, cover their eyes with your hand and rinse toward their back. Continue by massaging a small amount of shampoo onto your pet’s back, then work your way around their entire body.
* It s critical to rinse thoroughly so there s no shampoo build up that can leave your dog feeling itchy.
* Quickly dry your pet with a towel – otherwise you ll get soaked when your dog shakes his entire body.
* Gently wipe the inside of their ears and paws with the towel to remove excess water. Moisture left in their ears can lead to wax and bacteria build up, leaving your pet prone to ear infections in the future.
* Next, carefully dry your dog with a hair dryer. Choose a medium setting and test it on yourself first to make sure it s not too hot. Hold the hair dryer at least six inches away and work from the dense fur on your dog’s back, to their legs and face. Continue until the fur is almost dry, but not completely. You don’t want to risk burning their sensitive skin.
* Give your dog praise and encouragement throughout the bath, to help improve their future behavior.
With just a little planning this can be a good experience for your dog and for you.
Author Resource:
Vicki Apple has raised, trained and groomed dogs and cats for over 30 years and is the co-author of "What Your Pets Want You to Know". Read more about issues all pet owners face at http://naturalpetcaretips.com
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