How to Wash a Dog

Your pooch is dirty, and he stinks. Instead of making him suffer under a cold hose, give him a bath indoors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bath Mats
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Conditioner
• Dog Grooming Sprays
• Dog Shampoo
• Flea And Tick Dog Shampoo
• Towels
• Dog Shampoo
• Towels
• Blow Dryers
• Pet Combs
• Buckets
• Towels

1. Place a medium-sized bucket, three large towels and a hair dryer in a warm bathroom.

2. Make certain a shower mat is securely in place to keep the dog from slipping in the tub.

3. Isolate the dog in the bathroom before running the water.

4. Make certain the water is comfortably warm, and fill the tub with about 3 inches of water. Put the dog in the tub.

5. Protect your dog's eyes from the shampoo by using a lubricating eye ointment, which your veterinarian can provide. A drop of olive or baby oil will also do.

6. Use the bucket to wet the dog from the head down toward the tail, including the undersides, being careful not to get water in his eyes.

7. Apply a small amount of dog shampoo'available at pet stores'to the top of the head. (Do not use dish soap, as it can dry and irritate a dog's skin.) Be extremely careful to keep it away from the eyes. Lather down to the tail, including the neck and underside fur. If using a flea shampoo, leave the lather on for the recommended time.

8. Keep a hand on your dog, because he will want to shake the lather off. Be ready to turn your head away.

9. Pull the tub drain and run the water again; adjust the temperature.

10. Use the bucket to carefully and completely rinse the head first, avoiding the eyes and inner ears. Work the water toward the dog's back and undersides. Use your hands to work the water through the suds.

11. Turn off the water. While your dog is still in the tub, let him shake excess water off his fur.

12. Drain the water from the tub and dry the dog with towels from head to toe. Concentrate on the areas of thickest fur and between his toes.

13. Remove your dog from the tub. Turn on the hair dryer to a medium setting, testing the heat with your fingers. Aim first for the thickest hair, running your fingers or a comb through it until it is just slightly damp. Keep the hair dryer approximately 6 inches from the skin to prevent burning and overdrying.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the lather on for the recommended time if you are using a flea shampoo.
• Assign this job only to adults or responsible older children.
• Trembling is not uncommon during a bath'for the dog, that is.
• Your dog may snap at the hair dryer if you hold it too close to his face.

[charlotteh]

on 3/11/2009 Great info, I will keep this in mine when washing my dog Thanks

[dizzy313]

on 2/27/2008 I found this great product. It is a shower curtian with gloves. You can wash your dog right in your bath tub and not get wet. They can shake all they want. Works great. http://www.helpemwash.com.

[dizzy313]

on 2/27/2008 I found this great product. It is a shower curtian with gloves. You can wash your dog right in your bath tub and not get wet. They can shake all they want. Works great. http://www.helpemwash.com.

[dizzy313]

on 2/27/2008 I found this great product. It is a shower curtian with gloves. You can wash your dog right in your bath tub and not get wet. They can shake all they want. Works great. http://www.helpemwash.com.

[dizzy313]

on 2/27/2008 I found this great product. It is a shower curtian with gloves. You can wash your dog right in your bath tub and not get wet. They can shake all they want. Works great. http://www.helpemwash.com.