Grooming your dog – Part 6
January 14, 2011 
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Rubba Dub Dub a dog in a tub
Keeping my dogs clean is not my favorite chore, but as they are all three indoor dogs, regular baths for each of them is a must. Knowing this was always going to be the case, one of the first things I requested when we built our house ten years ago was a utility sink in the garage. For years I hunched, sore shoulders and back over a bath tub to wash the dogs, or when desperate, even brought them in the shower with me. Bathing the dogs in the utility sink in the garage, though still a pain in the neck, is much more bearable for all of us.
I’ve bathed hundreds of dogs over the years, be it my own, my friends and families, or shelter dogs. Though I wouldn’t classify myself as a professional dog groomer, I have learned a few tricks over the years.
First, try to make it a positive experience for your dog. Give him a good brushing first to remove any foreign objects from his fur. Use lukewarm water and be sure to keep the water from out of his eyes and talk in soothing tones to him during the bath. If he struggles, tell him No!” firmly but not in a mean tone. It’s best to have everything ready and in easy reach and of course, don’t forget a fluffy towel to dry him off! I use flea and tick shampoo year round because we live in a warmer client. I also keep a conditioner on hand which keeps their fur soft and shiny. It also helps to keep their skin from getting dry. If your dog has chronic skin infections or dry skin, you can buy medicated shampoo from your veterinarian. Only use shampoos and conditioners made for dogs as human shampoos can be too acidic. If your dog really hates a bath, try giving him a treat before and after. Then he’ll associate it with something nice.
Once the bath is over it’s play time. Our dogs love to run around the house and shaking themselves like an agitator in a washing machine. I like to play with them because they are so full of joy and excitement. As soon as they’ve settled and are a bit dryer, I let them outside to do their business if they need to. If it’s a sunny and warm day, they often like to stay out and sun bathe for awhile.
In the warm months I try to wash the dogs every week, but when it’s cold I found that if I keep them brushed we can go a month or so without a bath. Another trick I’ve used over the years is to take a Bounce dryer sheet and wipe their fur down with it. It keeps them smelling like fresh laundry. Don’t forget to wipe down the pads of their feet but stay away from their eyes. Also, if you keep what I’ll call their “nether regions” clipped and clean your dog will stay smelling nice a lot longer. You can also buy wet wipes at pet stores that will help keep your dog’s face clean and wipe off mud or whatever nasty thing they get into when you don’t have the time to bathe them.
If your dog continues to smell it could be associated with an ear, skin or anal infection. Please consult your veterinarian immediately for proper treatment.
Dogs love to roll in any stinky thing they can find from animal droppings, to rubbish, to smelly fish or decaying animal carcasses. The more they stink the better they smell in their opinion. But since they have to coexist with us, I’m afraid we’re all going to have to get used to regular baths, like it or not.
