Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you’ll be prepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.

How often should you bath your dog?

How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.

Where’s the best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.

Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you’ll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.

If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?

Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You’ll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their “Notable Products for the New Millennium”.

Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?

Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you don’t want him to jump into the water at the beach.

If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you’ll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog that’s wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog. fenbendazole 222mg capsules for humans