How To Wash A Dog: A Step-By-Step Guide

When a problem how to wash a dog arises it usually causes confusion of the pet’s owner. It may really prove to be rather daunting and time-consuming. And, frankly speaking, neither you or you dog looks forward to this responsible procedure. Though, it may become much easier and less stressful when following certain rules. So, if you are still not aware of how to wash a dog, here is a step-by-step guide for you.

• Try to gather as much information on how to wash a dog as you can.  A lot can be found on the Internet on any subject you like. Check different pet forums. Read useful advice from other dog owners and professional dog breeders. You can also find out how to wash a dog from numerous books on dog grooming and pet supply catalogs. And at last your professional dog groomer will gladly advise you how to wash a dog. When you start to gather information on how to wash a dog you will find out that most popular dog breeds do not require frequent bathing. On the average it should be done once in two months. A puppy has to be at least five weeks old before you give him his first bath.
• Now that you know some basic information on how to wash a dog get down to business! Think of an appropriate place for bathing your dog. In warm weather it can be in your yard or garden. Put a washtub for big dogs there. You can simply use a garden hose or a large plastic pitcher to wash you dog. But if the weather is rather cold you’d better give your dog a bath inside the house. To wash a small puppy you can use a sink. Try to pick a place where the doors can be closed. You surely don’t want your dog to escape at his first bath and make a mess of everything around. When you learn how to wash a dog consider some general dog training as well. Sometimes it may be advisable for you to use a nylon collar and leash.
• Time to prepare yourself and everything necessary for dog bathing.While you are searching the material about how to wash a dog gather all dog grooming supplies. You will need them at hand. Pet shampoo, brushes and combs, washcloth, cotton balls, a bottle of mineral oil, detangler, coat conditioner (if you use it) can make this “how to wash a dog” process much easier.
• Now it’s time to prepare your dog before giving him his first bath. Let him sniff all the grooming tools, as well as the sound of running water and pet dryer. It may take him some time to get accustomed to these “strange” things. Meanwhile you can encourage your pet with nice words and treats.
• Brush your dog thoroughly. Before learning how to wash a dog you will first have to learn how to get rid of all that tangled and matted hair. Sometimes you may even need to clip some of the mats which are impossible to untangle. If there is some sticky substance in the fur use some mineral oil or petroleum jelly. Do not use toxic solvents and industrial detergents.
• Once all the preparations are done put you dog in a bathtub. Fill it with warm water to the level of his knees. Make sure to put a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub so that your pet won’t slip and slide.
• Use some additional protective means that can help you learn how to wash a dog faster. For example, you can put a drop of mineral water in each eye before a bath. It will not let soap and water get into them. Otherwise it may cause burning and reddening.
• If you are afraid of suds getting into your dog’s ears plug them with cotton balls. They should be the size of the ear canal or else they can get stuck inside and block it. But a good thing will be if you decide to properly clean your dog’s ears with soap and water.
• Wet the dog using a detachable shower spray nozzle or simply a pitcher.Do not aim water at your dog’s eyes and nose. Apply some pet shampoo and massage it from the head down the back and all over the body. If you never had a dog training how to wash a dog, keep in mind the following thing. Many professional groomers say that it is better to shampoo the dog’s head first. If you start with the dog’s back, for example, lice or other present parasites can move to the head. And you should avoid it. Do not forget to wash the underside, under the tail, around the paws and under the neck. When you searched the information on how to wash a dog you might have noticed that pet shampoos should be specially formulated for dogs. The pH level of the dog’s skin differs from that of a human’s. Never use human shampoo. It will help avoid irritation of the skin.
• Once you’ve done with lathering, it’s time to rinse your dog. Start with the dog’s head. Rinse the pet’s face and around the eyes with a large amount of water. Cover the dog’s eyes with your hand. Proceed down the body. Rinse the dog’s hair until the water is clear and without soap. Do not let soap residue remain on the fur. It may cause allergic reactions and skin irritation afterwards. Your dog will probably want to shake his head to get rid of excess water. So just stand aside and let him do it. Sometimes if YOU don’t know how to wash a dog your pet will help you.
• Take the cotton balls out of your dog’s ears. Make sure to dry the ears as the remaining moisture may cause ear infection.
• Squeeze the excess water. You may also apply a detangler spray or a moisturizer to smooth the coat and ease brushing. Wrap your dog in a towel and rub him dry. Though it’s preferable to use a pet dryer. Do not use “human” blow dryers. They might be dangerous for your pet. Do not let your pet outside in cold weather until he is totally dry. Avoid him lying in a draft.

If the problem how to wash a dog may seem too difficult to you at first, do not panic.

Following certain steps can greatly help you learn how to wash a dog fast and easy. Regular bathing is important in maintaining good health of your dog. And as a good owner you are responsible for your little friend. Remember that you can always ask your veterinarian to show you how to wash a dog. He will gladly help you in this challenging procedure. Hopefully, all the steps listed above will also be useful for you in learning how to wash a dog. Now that you know how to wash a dog you can make this process more pleasant, interesting and even fun for you and your dear pet!

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