Bathing Your Dog

Washing your dog can be a chore. It can also be, if not an enjoyable experience, an easy one, if you go about it the right way. It is simply a matter of preparing yourself and your canine beforehand. If you follow these 5 simple bathing tips, you should be able to do a thorough cleaning quickly and with as little muss and fuss as possible.

Tip One: Prepare Materials in Advance
Always make sure you have all your equipment ready and within reach. This includes:

* Towels – as many as you need to dry the dog, mop up any mess and dry yourself off if needed
* Hand-held blow dryer
* Shampoos and/or conditioners – pet grade, if necessary specialty shampoos for dry skin, fleas, etc.
* Rubber curry gloves – if necessary
* Brushes and combs to use prior to bathing – this loosens any shedding coat
* Scissors – if required to remove mats before washing
* Proper clothing for yourself – some dogs are more resistant than others are creating an interesting bathing scenario
* Non-slip mat in the tub or whatever you use to bathe the dog – unless you are hosing him or her down outside
* Attachment such as a harness or protective device for your dog if he or she requires restraining
* Another person to help out if it is going to be “that-kind-of-job”

Tip Two: Prepare Dog in Advance
Make sure your dog is ready for the bath. Do all you can to make the process as enjoyable and painless as possible. It helps if you start bathing a dog as a puppy and make it fun from the very beginning. This may not have been possible, so consider wearing him or her out prior to bath time. Play with him or her before the bath occurs. A tired dog is less likely to put up a fight.

Make sure your demeanor is calm and relaxed. You do not want your dog picking up any stress you have for the practice. After play, brush, comb, and remove all knots and matted hair. This can be a very relaxing task. Massage, do Reiki or simply let your dog enjoy the process. If possible, place cotton balls in the dog’s ears to protect them from water gaining entry.

Tip Three: Prepare the Water
Before you place your dog in the bath, make sure the temperature is right. The water should be warm, not hot or cold. Have a hose or bucket to help you rinse the canine off. Have all nearby and ready. This will make the entire bath time proceed smoothly and quickly. If your dog does not like baths it speeds up the time and makes it less stressful for everyone.

Tip Four: Shampoo and Rise
Wet your dog thoroughly, making sure no water gets into the ears or eyes. Apply the shampoo according to instructions. Lather well. Do not forget the underarms, paw pads, tail and rear. In the anal area, soap carefully. Be sure to wash between the toes to remove any possible dirt caught in the paws.

When washing near the eyes, you may want to use a washcloth. Gently clean the section beneath the eyes prone to tear stains. Use a washcloth or wipe when cleaning around the ears as well.

Always rinse thoroughly, taking care no soap or water enters sensitive regions.

Tip Five: Drying Your Dog
Be sure to dry your dog off completely and carefully. Be careful around the ears and eyes. Use a soft towel for these regions. Make sure you have enough towels for the job. Start with them and, if you want, finish the job off with a hand-held blow dryer. Make sure the heat of the dryer is right for the job and the dog.

Bathing your dog can be a chore, especially if your dog hates the concept. Whether he or she likes it or not, come prepared. Make the proper arrangements in advance and bathing your canine, if still bothersome, will be not so time consuming or difficult.