Bathing A Dog

Some dog owners are hesitant to bathe their own pet dogs. A convenient excuse is some breeds should never be bathed, because bathing can cause illness and poor coat. These are the dogs that veterinary surgeons can smell through the door when the dog is brought to the surgery!

Some dogs might not needs bathe, particularly the short-coated types as they can shrug off dirt; however the odor might remain. In fact, there is very few breeds of dog in which regular bathing causes any ill effects.

In most sub-tropical or tropical countries dogs needs to be bathed every week, to avoid tick problem. Anyway, show dogs that found in this countries do not have any coat problem.

You will find 3 kinds of dog shampoo, that are the medicated, anti-parasitic, and veterinary specialized shampoos (for specific skin problems). If your dog is likely to allergies, any of these shampoos might precipitate one, however seldom. Dog shampoos from the reliable supply may reduce this kind of problems.

Be careful! Never bath a dog with a matted coat as it will make the tangles worse. Groom the tangle out, or clip it off, first. Bathing too often will strip the coat and skin of natural oils and make them dry. Do not use human shampoos and conditioners as the chemicals in these can prove injurious to dogs, either through absorption through the skin or by causing skin and eve irritation.

Bath time checklist

• Bath, sink or large container outside (on a warm day)

• Shower attachment, plastic jug or hose with tepid water

• Rubber mat for secure footing

• Dog shampoo and conditioner

• Towels for drying

• Brush and comb for grooming

• Hairdryer

How To Bath Your Dog

1. Groom your dog first with a brush or comb to remove any tangles or matted fur. Soak the dog thoroughly with tepid water, getting right down to the skin.
   
   

2. Work in shampoo, massaging your dog all over, but being careful not to get soap or water in his eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and apply dog conditioner.
   
   

3. Rinse out all traces of conditioner (although you can get leave-in ones), until the water runs clear.
   
   

4. Skim off excess water from the coat with your hands, then dry your dog well. If it is a warm day, allow him to dry naturally, otherwise use a hairdryer on a low setting, being careful not to get too close and burn him with hot air.

More Dog Grooming