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

If Dogs Are a Nuisance

There are a few simple measures that you can take to deal with nuisance dogs, instead of shooting at them. If the dog ...

Discover More

Excellent Chicken Enchiladas

A dish that many people seem to love is enchiladas. This is a wonderful dish that is not difficult to create, if you just ...

Discover More

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is highly intelligent and easily trained. His physical expressions are known to closely resemble humans.

Discover More
More Pet Tips

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

Give Your Dog a Dry Bath

Even if you bathe your dog regularly, your dog will pick up dirt and get dirty in between (hence the regular bath times). ...

Discover More

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth doesn't have to be an expensive or traumatic ordeal. If you know what to do and this is how you ...

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!)