Grooming
Some dogs love it and some hate it. Either way, bathing your dog is a necessary task.
D.E. Hansen/Associated Press
Start your dog off early in the tub, train him to allow himself to be bathed, and reward him continuously while washing him, but remember that he, like most dogs, will probably be keeping an eye open for a way out.
- Before you start the washing, brush your dog thoroughly and remove any mats.
- Use vet-prescribed ophthalmic mineral oil or a drop of eye ointment to protect his eyes, and cotton balls to gently plug his ears.
- Be prepared for the occasional wet shake-off during the bath, and dress accordingly.
- In warm weather, outside bathing will keep your bathroom floor from being soaked.
- Fill the tub or wash basin with warm water before you corral Spot. The water should reach to just past his hocks. (Or, for outside bathing, you can simply use a hose.)
- Using a sponge, lather him up using a dog shampoo that has been approved by your vet. If your dog has a specific problem, such as an extra oily coat, you may need to use a medicated shampoo, available through your veterinarian.
- Work the shampoo into his fur from head to tail, paying special attention to known flea hangout spots such as the neck and in between the toes. Keep the warm, soapy water away from his mouth.
- If you know how, and if your vet has given you the go-ahead, you can empty the anal sacs at this point.
- Rinse him off, then shampoo him again. Be sure to completely rinse his coat of any residue.
- Towel him dry.
Don't bathe him more than once every month or two, depending on the coat type. Bathing too often can lead to a dry, brittle coat and scaly, flaky skin. If your dog runs into a skunk, there are odor-removal products on the market, available at pet-supply stores, intended to get rid of the eye-tearingly strong odor, but you may still be left with the lingering scent for a few weeks.
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