posted 07-30-2003 09:32 AM         

If you are washing your dog in a bath, have a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub so he won’t slip and try to jump out. You can use buckets of water or better still, a gentle shower nozzle attached to the taps.

Wetting your dog
Wet your dog gently with lukewarm water, starting along the backline from the tail toward the neck then massaging the water under the belly, between and down the legs. Wet your dog’s head last and be careful not to get water in the ears – cup your hands over them or press long ears against the head. Make sure the coat is thoroughly saturated.

Shampooing
Shampoo the coat starting from the hindquarters and working your way forwards, leaving the head until last. Don’t forget under the stomach, under the tail and the neck fold area, and work in well. Be very careful shampooing the face and around the eye area, especially with medicated and flea shampoos – leave this area out if you are unsure.

Rinsing
Some shampoos require that they be left on for 5 – 10 minutes so read the label carefully before you rinse (also if the product you are using states it is a rinse then it should not be washed off). Use lukewarm water for rinsing but start from the head and work your way backward. Knead the soap out of the coat with your free hand and avoid leaving any residues that can result in dryness and itching.

Conditioning
Conditioners are recommended with some shampoos and should be massaged into the skin after rinsing. Leave on the coat for 5 minutes and rinse again. Check the label carefully as some lotions are left on the coat to condition and clean the skin between shampoos.

Drying
Dry your dog well with a towel. Some dogs can benefit from using a blow dryer on a low setting, such as longhaired dogs, poodles with wavy coats or little dogs that get cold easily.

How often should I bath my dog?
This depends on the breed and the nature of your dog. Once a month is generally enough, unless your dog more frequently rolls or wallows in smelly things. Washing too often, or using an inappropriate product, can leave the coat dull, and cause dry, flaky and itchy skin. Human shampoos are not suitable as they are formulated with a different pH than what a dog needs.

Double-coated breeds only need washing a few times a year because their coats have special insulation and waterproofing properties.

What type of shampoo should I use?
Some breeds, for example Cocker Spaniels, are prone to skin conditions and need to be bathed more often with medicated shampoos as directed by your vet.

Flea and tick shampoos need to be used weekly if they are sole source of external parasite control.