Proper Routine Bathing of your Dog

You do not need to bathe your dog all that frequently.  The frequency depends on your dog's activity level as well as how long his hair is naturally.  Bathing once a month will suffice in most situations, although some breeds only need to be bathed every two or three months.

You do not need to bathe your dog all that frequently.  The frequency depends on your dog's activity level as well as how long his hair is naturally.  Bathing once a month will suffice in most situations, although some breeds only need to be bathed every two or three months.

It is best for you to get your dog used to taking baths while he is still a young puppy.  You certainly do not want to deal with a grown dog that is not used to this activity.

Before you get your dog ready to go in the water, it is best for you to have all of the tools you need to complete the job.  You will need shampoo, towels, and a comb at the very least.  If you plan to wash your dog in the bathtub you should put a rubber mat on the bottom to help provide traction for him.

Dog owners should also be aware they need to put cotton balls in both of their dog’s ears before they give them a bath.  If water is allowed to enter the ear canals it may lead to an ear infection.  Improper bathing is one of the main reasons why dogs develop ear infections.  Just be careful to not push the cotton balls too far down the ear canal though.

Before you get your dog wet it is also best for you to comb through his hair once or twice.  If the hair is tangled or matted you will have a much more difficult time getting it out when it is wet.

Make sure you do not use a shampoo designed for humans to bathe your dog.  A shampoo made for humans will dry your dog's coat of hair out.  When bathing him, make sure you avoid getting any shampoo into his eyes.  If you do mistakenly get shampoo in your dog's eyes, rinse it out with warm water or a saline solution.

After the bath is over, it is vital for you to rinse your dog thoroughly.  You can easily leave behind shampoo residue somewhere on him.  If there is any residue it will start to irritate your dog's skin and he will respond by licking, chewing, or biting at the area.

All dog owners need to bathe their dogs on a routine basis.  This will help keep them looking good and in the best of health.  Locate shampoo designed especially for dogs and avoid getting any water in his ear canals.

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