Dog bathing can be a challenge, particularly if you have a large dog or one that has long hair. A short haired dog is fairly easy to bathe, especially if he's small. There are many products on the market that make dog baths a pleasant and comfortable experience for you and your pet. Hopefully this article will give you a few tips that will make dog baths easier for you and your furry friend.

Whatever your dog's attitude is towards bathing it is a good idea to make it secure. A non-slip rubber mat should be used on the bottom of the bath when washing a dog. Keep your furry friend secure.

Prepare for Dog Bathing

1. Dogs should be brushed daily to keep the coat clean and shiny but it is important also to brush before bathing to remove mats. It will also improve the shampoos effectiveness.
2. So that you have all your pet's supplies in one place, have a container for the shampoos, conditioners, hair dryer, mists, towel, nail clippers and brush.
3. A protective ointment should be applied to your dog's eyes to shield irritation from the shampoo.
4. To prevent water from entering the ear canal put cotton balls into your buddy's ears.
5. A raised bath is a great item to have; it saves the back and is better for your dog.
6. Restraints - for a quick and hassle free bath time. This will also lessen the chance of injury to you as well as your pet and attempts to escape. Some pet tubs come with restraints included.
7. At the very least you will need a plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing. Also available are sprayers, sprayers with integrated shampoo cartridges, some bath tubs come with sprayers, doggy spas, doggy showers, there is an endless supply of convenience products.

Dog Bathing Tips - Washing Your Dog

1. To wash your dog's face, saturate a towel with water and shampoo and wipe his face, being careful not to get shampoo in his eyes.
2. Wet your dog well from neck to tail. Begin by massaging the shampoo all the way down to the skin. Work from head to tail. Rinse thoroughly, a sprayer is best for this. Any residue of shampoo remaining on the dog can cause itching, flaking, and skin problems.
3. Assuming you have restraints on your dog, do not remove until you towel dry. Then use the hair dryer on a cool setting. Brush your furry friend again.
4. A great way to enhance your dog's beautiful coat, moisturize his skin, and release tangles and mats is with a grooming mist.
5. This is a good time to do other grooming chores. Brush your dog's teeth, trim the nails and clean the ears. Grooming tables are available to make the job much easier and save your back.
6. Praise and reward your dog for good behavior with treats and lots of love.

That is it; you are done with dog bathing!