How to Easily Introduce your Dog to a Bath

Are you flustered at bath time for your dog, well you're not alone. Most dog's like a bath but there are a few who don't. If your dog is in the few who don't like being bathed then this article will explain how to make bath time a happy time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towel
• Wash cloth
• Shampoo for dog's
• Hair dryer
• Cotton balls
• Treats

1. 
   This is the life!

   If the dog is hesitant to take a bath slowly introduce the dog to the feel of water; you might want to slowly turn on the water while your dog stands patiently to be put into the tub. Use a shampoo that corresponds to your dogs skin type. Oatmeal shampoo is good for dry skin, medicated shampoo for skin that has abrasions or cuts, aloe shampoo is good for the dogs skin to make it soft and supple. There are dry type of shampoo' s that can be sprayed on the coat and brushed out after it dries. But nothing gets a dog cleaner than a regular bath with warm water. Be sure to use a bath mat in the tub or washtub so the dog can keep its footing and not slip.

2. 
   I like my bath.

   After filling the tub immerse the dog in slowly and plug its ears with cotton so to keep the water out of them. Start with washing the head and face area be careful to not get shampoo in the dogs eyes. Lather from the head down to the tail and be sure to get underneath the dogs belly too. Check the anal area for feces and wash if needed nothings worst than having a dog with a dirty rear end. Make sure to thoroughly rinse all of the shampoo out of the dogs coat.

3. 
   Dog with severe mats.

   After the bath dry the dog off with a towel and dry its hair with a dryer. Make sure that the dryer isn't too hot as it can burn the dogs skin. Clean the ears with a prepared ear wash for dogs and then cut its nails only if you know how. Be careful to not cut the quick as it can bleed profusely if not stopped. Brush the dog after its hair is dry and cut any stray hairs if there are mats these should of been cut before washing the dog. If mats were in the hair and you didn't notice them and you already gave the dog a bath don't panic just cut them out and re-brush your dog. Give a bath at least once a month because too much bathing can dry the dogs skin and cause itching. Use shampoo for dogs only as human shampoo can dry the dogs skin out. Always reward your dog with a treat so it associates bathing as a pleasant task.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a rubber bath mat
• Slowly introduce the bath
• Block the ears with cotton
• Bathe once a month
• Make sure that the water isn't to hot
• Use only shampoo made for dogs
• Only cut nails if you know how