How to Safely Wash a Dog

Washing your dog too frequently can cause them to lose vital protective chemicals that exist naturally in the fur, while not bathing them enough can lead to problems such as fleas, ticks, psoriasis, matting, dandruff and other irritations. Everyone wants to keep their best friend happy and healthy; so, here's your guide to safely and effectively washing your pooch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bathtub (for small to medium sized dogs)
• Bucket and leash (for large dogs)
• Pet shampoo
• Towel
• Hair dryer (optional)

1. You'll first want to decide on a place for the bath. For small and medium sized dogs, you can safely wash them in your bathroom tub, while larger dogs should be washed in a larger tub with sides tall enough to keep them and you safe. Some dogs might be easier to wash outside sans tub. You may want to hold your dog on a leash and use a large bucket for wetting and rinsing.
2. You should wash your dog every three months. It’s not advisable to wash your dog too frequently because it can eliminate the protective waterproofing chemicals that your dog’s fur naturally emanates and may also damage the skin.
3. On the flip side, you should not avoid washing your dog because you think it hurts him. Washing your dog 4 times a year, combined with a combination of regular combing and brushing will keep your dog's coat and skin clean and healthy.
4. If odor or messy fur is a problem that warrants more frequent bathing, try using dog wipes or a wet towel to wipe them down and brush their fur more frequently, as often as twice a day.
5. Dogs, like humans, feel temperature, so you need to make sure that you're regulating the water temperature for your dog. If you don't like cold showers, neither will your dog. A dog's temperature will rise when their body gets wet, so if you're washing your dog outside on a warm day, be mindful that they do not overheat.
6. It is not advisable to use human shampoo on a dog. Dogs have chemicals in their skin and hair that need a different type of treatment, so spend a couple extra bucks on pet shampoo.
7. If your dog is fearful of the bath, be gentle and encouraging. A bath should not be a form of punishment and you should make every effort to make them comfortable. After a bath is over give your dog a treat.
8. Start at the base and work your way up. Some dogs have a hard time with water in the face, so you should do the face last. Be mindful of your dogs eyes, ears and nose. Dogs with short snouts, like pugs, have a very hard time breathing, so you should be especially careful when washing their faces and heads.
9. Make sure to fully rinse your dog as excess soap can cause irritation and lackluster fur.
10. After the bath, your dog will instinctively shake. Allow them to do so for a minute and then soak up as much water as you can with a towel. Using a hair dryer isn't necessary, but if you want to use one and your dog isn't afraid of it, feel free.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use shampoo that is canine specific.
• For dogs that are hard to handle, use a leash.
• Try to avoid getting water and soap in your dog's ears, eyes and nose.