BATHING YOUR DOG, STEP BY STEP
Firstly, it's important that bath time is a relaxing moment for your dog. Because of this, it's very important that you have a positive attitude and transmit the calm your dog needs so that they can enjoy their bath. Now discover the keys to doing this:
REMOVE ANY EXCESS DUST AND BRUSH AND DETANGLE THEIR COAT
Gently ruffle your dog's fur so that excess dust or dirt comes off. Then, brush their entire coat to detangle it and ensure it's ready for the bath: this will make everything so much easier. Next, it's bath time!
MOISTEN YOUR DOG'S COAT WITH LUKEWARM WATER
Find a suitable place to bathe them: A bathtub is ideal but you can also use a large bucket or tub. What's important is that it’s big enough for them.
Use lukewarm water: it shouldn't be too cold, to ensure they don't catch a chill, nor so warm so that it damages their skin.
Once you have found the ideal temperature, start to moisten their coat from the neck down to the tail. Ensure that all their fur is fully moistened before applying the shampoo.
APPLY AND DISTRIBUTE THE SHAMPOO
Apply the shampoo along their spine and from there, distribute it evenly across other parts of their body.
Do this by massaging all their fur so that the shampoo reaches the roots.
Ensure the shampoo doesn’t directly enter the ear holes as it could cause damage. Lather the shampoo up over their entire body, before rinsing it off.
RINSE THE SHAMPOO OFF
Rinse your dog's entire body several times.
Repeat until there are no traces of shampoo left. If there is any residue left, it can cause a burning sensation.
If you see that your dog is enjoying bath time, let them have some fun, feeling how the water runs over their body!
LET YOUR DOG SHAKE OFF THE EXCESS WATER
Once they have finished with their shower, it is important to allow them to shake off the excess water. When dogs feel wet, they need to shake off to get rid of excess water from their body: Let them do it, it make it easier for you to dry them too.
After they've shaken off, wrap their lower body in a towel and dry their coat by gently ruffling and rubbing it.
If your dog feels comfortable with a hair dryer, you can use that too. However, don’t let it get near their ears and don't use hot air.
All done! Your dog now has a clean glossy coat and smells wonderful!
THE ALL-ROUND CARE THEY NEED
There are some parts of their body that require more specific attention. Click on each area of the image to find out how to care for them:
Ears
Hair
Eyes
Teeth and gums
Claws
Ears
Ears are one of the most sensitive, delicate parts of the body for dogs. Dirt or certain bacteria can cause otitis (ear inflammation): Check their ears and clean the outer ear with saline solution.
You can do this during bath time.
Hair
Brush their coat to prevent knots and, at the same time, remove excess dust or dirt. Do this gently as if you’re stroking your dog to create pleasant associations with grooming.
If your dog has long hair, brush them approximately every two days; if it’s short, once a week is sufficient.
Eyes
The eye area is also very delicate for dogs. Carefully clean only the area around them.
If their eyes water, try to clean the area around them with a muslin cloth.
Teeth and gums
Find the right toothbrush for your dog and ensure that their teeth are always clean and strong.
Using a toothbrush 2 - 3 time a week will be enough to keep their teeth clean.
If you see that they are accumulating a lot of plaque, then a trip to the vet is in order: The vet will determine whether your dog needs their teeth cleaning.
Claws
Clip their claws depending on wear. If their claws do not extend beyond the pads on their paws, they don’t need trimming. If they extend beyond the pads on their paws, it is advisable to visit the vet the first few times. There, you can watch how to do it: you will need to buy special clippers and learn the technique. It is very important to take care not to cut into the quick of the claw. You can cause a lot of damage by doing this!