How to Know When to Wash Your Dog

Bathing your dog regularly is an important part of responsible pet ownership. A clean dog is a happy dog - and one who's likely to receive more love and attention. Plus, regular baths may help prevent skin disease, saving you money on veterinary bills.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Boxes For Dog Supplies
• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Shampoo
• Towels
• Blow Dryers
• Veterinarian

1. Examine your dog daily to determine if he's dirty, has signs of skin disease or has parasites such as fleas or ticks. You should not find mats, sores, tenderness or bad odors.
2. Wash your dog immediately if he's had any contact with toxic chemicals, oils, sprays or other irritating materials.
3. Note that if none of these problems are present, a frequent bath is ideal for most dogs. Talk to your veterinarian regarding the optimal frequency.
4. Explore your dog's entire body and comb him prior to starting the bath, removing mats and foreign bodies from his coat while checking for lumps, bumps and wounds.
5. Consult your veterinarian about which shampoo is best for which breed, as variations in coats and predisposition to skin disease will determine what's optimal. As a general rule, you'll want a mild cleansing shampoo designed for dogs, without harsh chemicals, perfumes or parasite control agents.
6. Rinse your dog thoroughly after allowing the shampoo to remain in contact with the skin for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Dry him with a towel or hair dryer (set to warm or cool - not hot) to complete this bonding time with your dog.
8. Take your dog to a professional groomer regularly if you're unable to bathe him yourself at home. Or use do-it-yourself doggy wash parlors, which may save you some money.

Tips & Warnings

• Bathe your dog to get him clean, not to control external parasites. If parasites are present, use products designed for parasite control, as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Quality shampoos developed for dogs can be used daily without drying the hair coat or skin.
• Bathing your dog weekly, beginning when he's a puppy, will make a bath as routine as going for a walk.
• Finding evidence of skin disease - such as rashes, open sores, hair loss, or excessive scratching and biting - indicates the need for a trip to the veterinarian right away.
• Signs of irritation or discomfort after bathing indicate that your dog is sensitive or allergic to the shampoo. Rinse him thoroughly in cool water and seek medical attention.
• Always read the label completely before using any shampoo on a puppy.