How To Give Your Dog A Bath
By
Marilyn PokorneyBathing your
dog helps to keep it healthy as well as clean. Bathing
helps reduce the amount of flea repellents you need to use
as well as prevents hotspots, a potentially serious
problem for your best friend.
Bathing too frequently can dry out the
skin and coat so only one bath a month is recommended by
experts.
Brush the dog before giving it a bath.
Be sure to get all tangles and matts out because the water
will make it worse. If a comb or brush cannot remove all
the matts use a conditioner or detangler if necessary.
Gather up what items you need before
you start the bath: A brush, comb, collar and leash,
shampoo, face cloth, and several towels.
If bathing the dog in the bathtub, use
a safety mat. A hand held shower or pail for applying
water and rinsing. Use a dog shampoo which is formulated
for the pH of a dogs skin. Human shampoos can strip a
dog's coat of essential oils.
Use warm, but not hot, water.
Avoid getting water and shampoo in the
eyes and ears. Use a washcloth to wash the dogs face. Do
not get water or soap in the eyes or ears!!
Be sure to rinse all the shampoo and
conditioner off the dog. If you leave any of this on the
dog, it will get itchy skin.
If using a tub, open the drain and let
the water drain. To dry, put a towel over the head. Use
another towel to dry off its back and legs. Then gently
rub or pat with the towel. If your dog is long-haired
don't rub vigorously because you can put mats back in the
coat.
To finish use a blow dryer on the
lowest setting and hold at a distance so the dog receives
only warm air. Use a dryer only if your dog isn't afraid
of the noise. To some dogs, the dryer is much worse than
the bath.
For more information visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/petcare/dogbath.htm
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