A Step-By-Step Guide To Bathing Pet Dogs Properly

If you own a dog, it is important that you have the time to give him a proper bath as well as the right grooming. While you can easily bring him to the groomers, the much cheaper option is to do it by yourself. If you're new at this, it is also ideal to talk to other pet owners to get some tips and to do research online to make sure that you're doing everything right.

Let these simple steps guide you as you bathe your dog for the first time:

Step 1 - Preparation

Before bathing your pet, be sure to remove bows, collars, clothing and other accessories he might be wearing. Lay a soft towel on the floor or on your grooming table and place your dog on it. If you opt to use a grooming table, keep an eye on your pet and make sure he doesn't jump off and get injured. Use a pin brush and work your way through your dog's coat in sections and remove any tangles.

Step 2 - Shampoo

Using a hose, wet your dog's body completely starting from the top of his head. Squirt some good quality dog shampoo into your hands and start a lather from the top of the neck all the way to the tail. Do not use human shampoo as it has a different Ph balance and could cause damage to your dog's coat. Be sure to cover all parts - the legs, belly, featherings and even the outside of the ears. When it's time to shampoo the head, work your way from the top down to the muzzle.

Step 3 - Rinse

Rinsing soap or shampoo from your dog's fur is an important part of the process. If you don't rinse thoroughly, the residue could cause irritation on your pet's skin. Use clean and warm water to rinse out the shampoo. Don't stop until all soap suds are removed and the water runs clear.

Step 4 - Conditioner

This step is optional and can be done every other bath you give your dog. When putting conditioner on your dog's coat, work it the same way like you would the shampoo (Step 2), just let it set for 5 to 10 minutes before you rinse it off.

Step 5 - Drying

Your pet will do half the job for you. Let him shake off the water first before drying him out with a clean, soft towel. Using a pin brush, gently brush your dog's coat in sections. You can use a blow dryer while brushing, but keep it at the coolest setting and should be moving constantly.

Bathing your dog regularly will ensure that he is clean and healthy. He will also have a lower chance of developing skin conditions.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Step-By-Step-Guide-To-Bathing-Pet-Dogs-Properly&id=9713727