Not only does bathing your dog clean his coat and keep his skin healthy, but it can be a bonding experience between you and your dog. Regular baths help keep your pet's coat nice and clean and give you the opportunity to catch skin and hair-related problems. Below is a simple 5-step guide to bathing your dog.
Choosing a location for the bath
When bathing your dog indoors it is a good idea to use the bathtub for larger animals and either a sink or basin for smaller animals. Bathing your dog outdoors should be reserved for hot summer days.
Prepare your pet
Before bathing, give your pet a thorough brushing. This will remove any mats and ease the bathing process.
Prepare bathing supplies
Whether bathing in a bathtub or sink, it is important to have a non-slip surface for your dog to stand on. This not only helps protect your dog from slipping and sliding but also your bathtub or sink from scratches. Make sure that the shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, bathing brush and towels are nearby for a smooth bathing experience.
Bathing Your Pet
Remember that the dogs ears and eyes are sensitive to water and the shampoo used can be harmful. Therefore use a wet washcloth to clean the face and head. Most dogs do like having water poured over their face. Following the shampoo scrubing, rise well. A common problem with bathing pets at home is forgetting to rinse thoroughly. A general rule of thumb is to rinse three times longer than spent shampooing. Following the bath, thoroughly dry the dog.
Between-Bath Practices
Regular brushing will help keep your pet's skin and coat healthy. With each brushing, dirt and loose hair will be removed and the skin will be stimulated to distribute the dogs natural oils. For small messes, such as muddy paws, it is good to have disposable wipes on hand. Wipe such as Simple Solutions Cleansing Cloths or M-Acetic Wet Wipes work without water and are a quick solution to keeping your dog clean.
