How to Give Your Dog a Proper Bath: A Primer

Although most canines would prefer avoid it, regular washing is essential for maintaining your dog's hair and skin. Giving your dog regular baths helps to remove dirt and parasites. There's also the bonus of having a dog that's easier to be around.

Dogs don't need daily showers like people do, but they do need baths on a regular basis; how often depends on the dog's surroundings and coat type.

Most dogs do OK with a monthly bath. Oily-coated dogs, such as Basset Hounds, may require weekly baths. Dogs with short, sleek coats like Beagles and Weimaraners don't need to be washed as often as longer-haired types. 

Samoyeds, Malamutes, and other northern breeds with thick double coats benefit from less frequent bathing and more frequent brushing to remove dead hair and disperse the natural oils that keep the skin and coat healthy.

Simply smelling your dog is the most reliable indicator of when it's time to wash him. In your opinion, how do they smell? That bad? Get the water flowing.

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You may also use a portable dog bathtub. Some are sturdy plastic, while others are foldable and can be used everywhere from the backyard to the laundry room.

Always brush your dog before bath time. Your dog's skin will get irritated since the water will be trapped in the mats. Take your dog to a groomer if the mats are too difficult to remove with a brush or scissors.

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