In addition to knowing when you will wash your dog, it helps to be able to have some sort of routine way of doing it each time. This will make it less time consuming and more enjoyable for you and your pet.
Before starting the water, make sure you have everything you will need close at hand. This includes dog shampoo, brush, towels, and in some case dog conditioner. The specifications of what type of shampoo and conditioner to use depend on the breed, age, and any illnesses the dog might have, among other things. This is something you should talk to your vet about, if your dog seems to be reacting badly to regular shampoo.
It relaxes your dog to brush his or her coat for a few minute before getting wet. This also makes it easier for you wash your petÂ’s full fur and skin, because it helps prevent it from matting. At this time, you can also check for ticks or any irregularities on the dogÂ’s skin that might be of concern.
Make sure your dog is thoroughly soaked before applying shampoos or other concoctions. Be careful not to get shampoo near its eyes. The easiest and most effective approach is to start at the top and work down and backwards, so start with the top of his or her head and then make your way down the back to the tail, and also down the legs. Some areas have thicker fur, so you will need to spend more time working the shampoo all the way through these parts.
Follow the directions on the bottle, of course, but pay attention to your dogÂ’s reactions as well. It is unwise to get the inside of a dogÂ’s ears wet, because it can lead to ear infections. Your best tactic here is to wipe them out with a warm, damp cloth.
Rinsing is important because if any shampoo dries onto the dogÂ’s fur or skin, it will cause itchiness that will be irritating as well as potentially harmful. Run water through your petÂ’s fur until it comes out complete clear, and donÂ’t be afraid to use some thumb and finger massage to work out any stubborn bits.
You should lay a towel out on the floor and also over your dog. First, you can get as much of the moisture off of your dog by rubbing, but then you should consider using a hair dryer. Adjust the temperature so that you wonÂ’t be making your dog too uncomfortable. Small dogs should almost always be dried this way, but big dogs usually only need help from a hair dryer in the winter.
No matter how dry the dog might be, the chances are good that it will shake itself off regardless, so be prepared. If done right, bath time can feel like a luxury for your dog, complete with massage and brushing.
