You may not have thought of dog washing as a physical activity. For some it is more like a work out, especially if you have to chase your dog around the yard until you finally can clean it. Washing the dog can be a fun, frustrating, or pleasing experience where your whole family can be involved. To properly wash your dog and for your and the dog's comfort please pay attention to the following recommendations:
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Choose a soap that is made for dogs. Human shampoos or soaps are not made for dogs and can cause skin irritation.
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Make sure that the footing of your dog is secure. If washing the dog outside this is less of a problem then when washing it in a bathtub. The key is to prevent the dog from slipping.
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Prepare your dog by combing out tangles before washing it. Doing it later makes it worse. You can put cotton balls in its ears and a drop of mineral oil in each eye to protect them from soap and water.
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Prepare a bucket with warm and soapy water. Also provide a spray nozzle with clean water that you can rinse the dog with. You may need 2-3 buckets of water depending on the size of your dog. Have treats and possibly the dog's favorite toy to provide comfort. You also need a grooming brush, a few towels, and pet shampoo.
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First wet your dog with warm water then shampoo it working up lather. Make sure to rinse well since leftover shampoo may create itchy skin and dull and flaky fur. A detangler is to recommend to facilitate brushing.
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Let the dog shake off the water and then towel dry it. It is important to get the dog dry since on a hot day, the dog would be even hotter if it were wet. Try to avoid washing the dog when it is hot outside, warm climates are preferred.
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Pay attention to the paws and make them clean and make sure that there is no “stinky dirt” on the ground that the dog may step into after the wash.