Bathing Tips

Following the "dos and don'ts" below can make do-it-yourself dog bathing easier for both you and your pooch.

• Don't bathe your dog too frequently. It depletes natural skin oils. Two to four baths per year should suffice for dogs with normal skin.
   
• Use shampoo made especially for dogs and precisely follow label instructions. (Some products may not be suitable for puppies or pregnant or nursing females.)
   
• Use cotton balls in your dog's ears to prevent moisture buildup that promotes infection in the ear canal.
   
• Think twice about using eye ointments that ostensibly protect your dog from eye-stinging suds. These ointments can actually trap shampoo.
   
• Leave until last the task of washing your dog's face, snout, and head. (Wetting these areas sets of the dreaded shake reflex).
   
• Rinse all shampoo out. Soap residue irritates skin and attracts dirt.