Giving your dog a bath
Written by AniMed.org
As your dog's personal hairdresser, it's your job to keep his fur clean, shiny, and free of mats and tangles. Even a “wash & wear” dog with a short coat needs attention beyond combing and brushing. Experts recommend a good shampooing every three months or so for all dogs.
Before the bath
Exercise your dog before the bath. This can mellow out even the most rambunctious pup. Take Fido on a long walk or play a game of fetch.
Begin the grooming session with a thorough brushing to remove any loose hair and mats. Cut the worst mats out to make it less stressful than yanking on his coat, being careful not to nick the skin. You can’t wash the mats; they will never come out. This is a great time to check your dog's body for fleas, ticks, and lumps or excessive dander that could indicate a medical problem.
Once your pet's coat has been inspected, put a bland ophthalmic ointment in his eyes and cotton in his ears. Place a rubber mat in the bathtub so your dog can get in without slipping. Next, fill the tub or sink with 3 to 4 inches of lukewarm water and help your pet in. Use a spray hose or pitcher to wet him thoroughly with warm, not hot, water.
Shampoo
Use a shampoo designed specifically for dogs; never substitute one that's meant for humans as it can dry out your dog's skin. You may choose to wash him with all-purpose, medicated or pesticidal shampoo that can treat or prevent flea infestation. There are specialty pet shampoos that will treat everything from dry skin to oily skin, white coats to black ones. If the choices seem overwhelming, you may want to ask your veterinarian or the staff at your pet supply store for a recommendation.
Gently massage shampoo into your dog's coat, working from head to tail. Fleas migrate towards the head during a bath, so if you start there, they can’t outrun you!
When shampooing your dog, avoid the eyes, ears and nose. Remember to gently clean the rectal area and between the toes. Dogs with loose facial skin, such as a Shar-Pei, Basset Hound or Bulldog, need special attention. Clean the folds with damp cotton to prevent dirt, moisture and bacteria from causing irritation and infection. Thoroughly dry the skin in the folds.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and dry your pet with a towel or blow dryer. Be sure not to overheat your dog with the dryer. Take care to keep your pet in a warm part of the house until his coat is completely dry. If you let him outside, he will absolutely roll in the dirt before he is dry!
If your dog gets very excited during bathtime and tries to nip you, or simply wiggles and bounces all over the place, put a floating toy in the tub. Your pooch can focus on the toy rather than on mouthing you.
A few encouraging words will go a long way. Heap on loads of praise when your dog behaves well, and offer his favorite treat at the end of the session. Doesn't your bathing beauty look – and smell – great?
