Bathing Your Dog

Your pet gets into something dirty, he smells, time to be bathing your dog.

Water should be warm, not too hot or cold. Put a cotton ball in each of his ears so water won't get into them and cause problems.

Put him in the tub, kiddie pool, or yard and wet him down thoroughly. If he has an undercoat, saturate that first because it will repel water.

Always use a shampoo and conditioner made for dogs. Work the shampoo in and get a nice lather going. Then rinse completely. Apply conditioner, if needed, and rinse that all out as well.

At this time you may want to express his anal glands. These glands are located on either side of your dog's anus. Take them between your thumb and forefinger, stand to the side and give them a squeeze. Any built up fluid should come out.

A dog expresses his own anal glands when he has a bowel movement. So most of the time you don't have to do this procedure when bathing your dog.

Take the cotton out of his ears. Towel dry your dog. He will still shake the water off of himself. Grab a blow dryer and dry him completely while you fluff him with the brush.

Don't let him run off before he's dry, or you will see all your work go to waste. The first thing your dog will do is get down and roll, whether in the grass or dirt.

In winter or if you live in a cold climate, bathing your dog indoors is a good idea and always make sure he is completely dry before letting him outside. Dogs can catch colds just like we can.

A word about shampoos and conditioners. There are different kinds on the market for coat color, skin problems, fleas, puppies, pregnant lady dogs and those dogs who are nursing.

And then there is the regular, every dog shampoo and conditioner. Just make sure you are buying the right one for your dog's situation.

Here's something a little different. You live in a rural area and your pet has come in contact with a skunk. No, don't leave him outside until he stops stinking. It will take days.

Some recommend tomato juice, others anything with vinegar. You probably have to give your dog a bath quite a few times to even begin to get rid of the odor.

Pet stores have commercial products to bathe away the smell. Follow the directions carefully and it should take care of the problem in one bath.

If your dog has been hit in the eyes by Mr. Le Pew, flush his eyes out very gently with plain water.

Dogs only need to be bathed on an as needed basis. Weekly grooming will help keep his skin and coat healthy, get rid of dirt and keep him odor free.

Brushing stimulates the natural oils in the skin, so your pet will always look his best.