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Just like you and me, dogs need a wash every now and again to keep clean. Even though a dog spends a lot of time licking himself to stay clean, nothing can substitute for water and shampoo. When you stop and think about it, dogs do some pretty dirty things. They walk in the yard that they use as a bathroom, they roll around in questionable materials, they sniff each other in embarrassing places, and their beds do not get cleaned near as much as yours does. As a responsible pet owner, it is your job to make sure that the dog stays clean.

Unlike humans, dogs do not need to be bathed every day. Dogs have sensitive skin that can dry out if they are bathed too often. Most veterinarians will recommend that you only bathe your pooch every few weeks, unless he gets in a big mess. If your dog has hair that sheds profusely, you should spend plenty of time brushing him to get as much of it out as possible. This will keep it from being left on your couch.

Washing a dog is not like washing a person. Dogs are usually pretty active, and unless trained, will not sit idly while you hose them down. If you have a small to medium sized dog, the best place to bathe him is in the bathtub. The high sides will help you keep the dog corralled, and you can spend more time concentrating on the actual washing. If you have a shower nozzle that is removable (attached to a hose), you are better off. If not, a large cup will be good enough to pour water over the dog. Make sure that the water is cool to warm (depending on the season), but not too cold or too hot. You do not want to scald the dog with hot water, and if he is shivering, the water is too cold.

Make sure to use a shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs. Many brands are available with many scents. Whatever your preference is should work just fine. Dog shampoos are created with a dog’s hair and skin in mind. They keep the skin from drying out and condition the hair.

When you are ready to start, wet the dog thoroughly. If using a bathtub, it is best to be on your knees so that you can reach into the tub and handle the dog. If the dog is trying to escape, you will need to use one hand to hold the dog and the other to wash. Once the dog is wet, squirt shampoo all along his back. Work the shampoo in with your hands to create lather. Make sure that you work the shampoo into all of the dog’s parts, getting each section of the dog as clean as possible. Once complete, rinse the dog completely. Make sure that all of the shampoo is washed out. Once finished, dry the dog with a towel to get all of the excess water then let the dog go and watch out: He is going to shake the rest of the water out!

A clean dog is a happy dog. Taking the time to keep your dog clean will help him to remain healthy.