Dogs rarely enjoy the bathing process but frankly, if you can smell your dog coming before you can see him, it is time for a wash.
First of all, gather the equipment you need and put it into the bathroom. This will include your doggie shampoo, a brush or comb and plenty of old towels. You may even want to include a hairdryer if you don’t want a semi-wet dog running around your house. Then you need to find the dog in question. Bring him into the bathroom and close the door so he cannot escape!
It is a good idea to brush through the dog’s coat before a wash. Not only will he love it but you can remove any bits of debris that have got stuck like leaves, twigs or even sticky bits that are matting the fur. You can also use this time to inspect for any signs of skin or coat problems. Once this has been done thoroughly, place your dog in the tub.
The best way to wet him is to use a shower head, however if this is not possible then filling up the tub with warm water and using a jug is possible too. Make sure you avoid your dog’s eyes and inner ears when you are wetting his fur. Due to a difference in pH levels between humans and dogs, you shouldn’t use human shampoo on your dog as it could irritate the skin, so make sure you have a special dog shampoo to hand. Lather him up, and if you are using a flea treatment, leave it on for the prescribed amount of time.
When it is time for rinsing, use the shower head or jug to thoroughly remove all traces of the shampoo. This process should take twice as long as applying it. Be careful not to wash the shampoo into ears and eyes which will sting and irritate your dog. Once you are satisfied it has all gone, allow your dog one big shake whilst he is still in the tub and then remove him. Use the towels to dry him off as much as possible. You can use the hairdryer to completely dry the fur if you wish but make sure the setting is not too high.
Your dog will enjoy being toweled down, and may even forgive you for washing him! Do any of you have any specials tricks on how to wash your dog? Send in your comments below.
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