Do you bathe your dog at home? Getting bathed will probably never top the list of Fido’s favorite things, but regular baths are a necessary part of any good doggy care regimen. Below, a Fayetteville, NC vet offers some advice on bathing your dog.

Preparation

Before bringing Fido into the bathroom, brush him thoroughly to remove dead fur and dander. We recommend putting a rubber mat down in the tub to protect it from scratches and keep Fido from slipping. You may also want to put some towels on the floor to soak up spilled water. If possible, wash your pooch’s bedding on the same day that he gets his bath.

Products

Only use products made specifically for dogs. If Fido is on flea control products, don’t use flea shampoo unless your vet specifically recommends it, as doubling up on flea control products can expose your pet to dangerous levels of pesticides. If Fido suffers from allergies or skin problems, he may need a special shampoo. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Protect Fido’s Eyes And Ears

Don’t lather your canine pal’s head, or pour water over his face. Just use a washcloth to get that adorable face clean, and use cotton balls to clean his eyes and ears. Too much moisture in Fido’s ear canal can cause problems, so we recommend putting cotton balls in his ears to protect them.

Shampooing

Wet fur lathers more easily than dry fur, so make sure Fido’s coat is nice and wet before applying shampoo. If you have a spray attachment for your shower, use that. Otherwise, just use a pitcher. The water should be lukewarm, not hot. When applying the shampoo, pour it down your canine buddy’s spine, distributing it as evenly as possible. Rinse thoroughly, and repeat if needed.

Drying

Try to towel-dry Fido a bit before letting him out of the tub, so he doesn’t splash as much water around when he starts shaking his fur. Blow-drying is fine if your canine pal tolerates it, but if he hates the blow dryer, it’s best to avoid it. Finally, reward your furry friend with a yummy treat or even a new toy, and enjoy some doggy hugs from your clean, fresh-smelling pet! Please contact us, your local Fayetteville, NC vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!