Dog Bathing and Grooming Without Stress

Bath time for your dog can be traumatic for you and for him, if you are not prepared and organized. Bathing is essential if you want your dog to avoid dermatological problems, have a pleasant smell and look good. It is best to loosen the tangles so use a brush to comb the coat and remove the dead hair, dirt in the tangles and sometimes sediments that get embedded inside the coat.

Make sure that you have a brush, shampoo, conditioner, rubber bath mat, water sprayer or large jug, soft brush and towels in the bathroom and run the bath. After this find look for pet. Don't forget anything because if you place the dog in the bath and have to leave him to go and look for something he will almost certainly jump out and shake water everywhere. Before placing the dog in the bath brush his coat to get rid of any excess fur, knots or dirty deposits

If your dog doesn't like water or bathing it may be necessary to hold him on a leash. Dress in suitable clothes because you will get very wet during this process, you could even consider beach wear or a plastic apron. If you place all of your cleaning items close to you will narrow the odds of the dog escaping during the bathing process.

Most pet owners have experienced having to clean a dog that has managed to cover itself in something that smells foul and there is nothing worse than skunk spray. There are a number of products which can be purchased at pet stores to counteract the smell and clean the dog but there are also some home remedies which work in varying degrees such as tomato juice and reconstituted Masengill. The following recipe also works but has to be used immediately (it won't keep):-

1 pint hydrogen peroxide
2/3 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon liquid, citrus based soap

Mix these ingredients together and sponge the dog down. Leave this on the dog's coat for between two and five minutes and then rinse off with clean water. This remedy oxidizes the odor but will not work if the mix is not fresh.

If you dog has white fur it is possible that the coat will become temporarily discolored, normally pink or orange.

Regularly clean your dog's eyes, ears and teeth not only to keep the dog healthy but also to save on vet's bills. Monthly grooming is recommended and your dog's first aid and cleaning kit should include at least the following:-

-> Balls of Cotton
-> Dog eye drops
-> Tear stain remover if necessary
-> Ear powder
-> Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
-> 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda
-> Dog shampoo and conditioner

There are many other perfumes and sprays that are available if you want to indulge your dog that can be enjoyed by the pet and the owner. A fresh smelling dog in the house can be especially good if you have kids in the house.