Learn the Best Way to Wash a Dog

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated February 17, 2009)

Television shows and movies always show dog washing as quite the event. Fortunately for pet owners, it doesn't have to be such a fiasco. The trick to dog washing (and for many other things in life as well), is to prepare. Don't dive right into washing your dog. A little prep work will go a long way to making it look its best.

The first rule is walk the dog before washing. Have you ever bathed your dog, only to have it immediately run outside and roll in the dirt? You can avoid this frustration by taking them for a walk before bath time. You can help your dog get rid of the wiggles, and you can collect that final layer of dirt and grime before washing it all away. This way, it won't have any reason to go out until it is are good and dry.

Next, start by brushing their coat to get rid of tangled and matted fur. By making sure the fur is nice and smooth, you succeed in simplifying the actual washing process. You can brush out any remnants of nature you canine may have picked up and when your dog has a smooth coat, you won't have to worry about getting out the tangles when your dog is all wet and armed with suds. Now you're ready to start washing. If you are going to wash your dog in the bath, place a rubber mat in the bottom of the tub for a more secure footing for them. It will feel safer and be more relaxed.

Only use official dog shampoo or baby shampoo. Anything else could cause skin irritation. Lather them up with warm water, using a handheld shower if one is available. After toweling them off, use a hair dryer. Make sure it's set on warm, never hot. If your dog fears hairdryers, simply keep them inside until they are dry.

So, there you have it—you can enjoy a nice clean dog without the hassle portrayed through our not-so-honest media. Here's to a hassle-free, clean dog!

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Lost Your Pet? Try Your Local Newspaper

If you've ever lost a pet, you know the panic it can induce. Losing pets is no fun, and you need to know the right steps ...

Discover More

Financing a Car Purchase

Financing can be one of the most stressful and difficult parts of any new car purchase. Here are some tips you can use to ...

Discover More

Removing Stumps

Once you cut down a tree you still have a small job to do, and that is removing the stump. Surprisingly, removing stumps ...

Discover More
More Pet Tips

Home Dog Grooming

While it is nice to take your dog out to the groomer's every so often, it can also be fairly expensive. Instead, why not ...

Discover More

Caring for Your Dog's Fur or Hair

Dog ownership is a major responsibility, and you need to be on top of all the facets of dog care. Looking after your ...

Discover More

Keep Shampoo Out of Your Dog's Eyes

When you wash your dog, it's not exactly easy, and your dog isn't exactly easy to deal with. Sometimes it's inevitable ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five minus 4?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)