Just like humans, dogs also need a nice bath. This is actually one essential way that you can show your pet how much you value him. But sometimes, bath time can be dreadful to both the dog and the dog owner because of lack of preparedness and knowledge on the proper ways to do it. 

Here are some helpful tips on how you can give your dog a nice bath without any hassles on your part:

1. Prepare and gather all your dog’s bath supplies. This would include a brush or a comb, dog shampoo and conditioner, cotton balls, large basin or tub and towel.

2. Brush your dog’s hair first before you pour or spray water on him. Always brush your dog before giving him a bath to remove loose hair, tangles, and mats because bathing will only make them worse.

3. Let your dog go inside the basin or a tub before you put water on him. Put a cotton ball in each of his ears. Just make sure that you don’t press them down too far into the ear canal. This is to protect his ears from water and shampoo that may go inside it. Sometimes, it can cause ear infection on dogs.

4. Use lukewarm water to wet your dog from front to back and underneath. Try not to get his head wet yet. A dog with a dry head has less of a tendency to shake since the best shakes always start from the front and move back. You can also keep a firm hold of the hair on his neck or his muzzle during the bath to prevent shaking. After that you can put shampoo on his coat, rinse it then pour some conditioner.

5. Rinse out the shampoo and conditioner completely. Run your hands over your dog and check for any slimy or slippery spot because you will need to re-rinse these spots. Shampoo or conditioner that may be left on your dog after you give him a bath can cause skin irritation so be thorough when rinsing.

6. Wet your dog’s head carefully and use your fingers or a wash cloth to clean up his head, muzzle, and ears. Keep shampoo or soap away from his eyes. Then rinse everything again from front to back to make sure that his head and body is well rinsed.

7.  Remove the cotton balls from your dog’s ears. Then hold up a towel and stand back to let your dog shake himself dry. If he just stands in place, you can blow in his ear to trigger a good shake. Use the towels to dry your dog as much as possible. If he has long hair, pat him dry to avoid tangles.

Choosing the right pet shampoo for your pet is one of the most important things that you have to do with regards to his grooming. But finding the appropriate shampoo for your beloved pet is not as simple as getting the most popular brand in the market. This is because the kind of shampoo that you must buy for your precious buddy should be something that can nurture his skin, make his hair soft, shiny and manageable, and most importantly, it should be able to control parasites. It would really help if you buy a natural oatmeal-based shampoo or botanical formula if your dog has dry skin. Lanolin is a good ingredient for dry skin as well. Natural and organic formulas that are free of added chemicals are generally gentler than any other kind of shampoo product.

Furthermore, you can also use shampoos with aloe vera to relieve fleabites and reduce itching on your pet. Aloe contains minerals that help soften the skin. So it does not only reduce itching but it also nourishes your pet’s skin. Then there are oils such as peppermint and tea tree that act as antiseptics and are natural insect repellents. But in worst itching on dogs, choose a shampoo containing hydrocortisone and lidocaine to relieve inflammation and itching. Also use a medicated shampoo with coal tar for dogs with oily, scaly skin and dandruff due to conditions such as seborrhea and eczema. Mild dandruff is often just a result of dry skin, so try a shampoo for dry skin first. Look for hypoallergenic shampoos free of perfumes or dyes for a dog with allergies. These types of shampoos are better for dogs in general.

Finally, select a shampoo with protein to build body and make the coat shine. Panthenol is another ingredient that adds shine to your pet’s coat. Use a conditioning shampoo with a formula that helps reduce tangles to make it easier for you to brush your long-haired dog after a bath, or you can use a separate conditioner. Just remember to never use human shampoo including baby shampoo on your pet. This is because the pH balance in this formulation is different and it is liable to irritate the skin of your pet.