Place cotton balls in her ears (even if you don't plan to get her head wet)… Place her in the tub, and pour water over her back, legs, paws, tail and undercarriage. Get her thoroughly wet, especially if she has a full or long coat. It will make lathering and rinsing easier.
Incidentally, NEVER pour water over your dog's head. She can develop secondary ear infections from moisture in her ear canal. I also don't recommend lathering anywhere around your dog's head – even if the shampoo says it's safe around the eyes.
I'll talk in more detail about shampoo in a moment…
Pour a strip of shampoo down your dog's back, and lather. If your dog has dense or double-coated hair, I recommend you pre-mix the shampoo with water before applying it for better distribution.
Wash her armpits and under her neck. Go over their belly, groin, and all four legs and especially their paws (which, as noted above, pick up the most dirt, every step of her life).
Be sure to thoroughly rinse all soaps and shampoo residue off your dog, which may take a few minutes with a densely-coated dog. Don't let this residue dry on her skin.
Now take your washcloth and wipe away any debris that may have collected on her face or in her facial folds.
Wipe off the excess water with your hand, grab a towel, and pat her dry.
Keep her warm, especially in the colder months. It's easy for her to become chilled with wet skin and fur. Never let her get to the point of trembling.
When you remove the cotton balls from her ears, check for dirt and debris. Swab them out with a cotton ball dampened with water or a special ear cleaner. Repeat until the cotton ball comes out clean.
If she tolerates her bath well, you can blow dry on low heat. But don't try this if she's not content with her bathing process. And stop immediately if she becomes nervous or anxious.
One of the Most Common Questions I Get Asked
How often should I bathe my dog? It's the question I get asked nearly every day.
My answer… You should bathe your dog whenever she's dirty or stinky,
On days when you don't give a full bath, your dog will appreciate a quick foot bath. It helps cleanse salt crystals during winter and grass and more during summer.
A foot bath is a great idea… because, of course, your dog is naked, not wearing shoes or socks, and sweats from the bottom of her paws. Keeping her paws clean will make her more comfortable, and a better companion.
What Toxins Do You Expose Your 4-Legged Family Member to… In the Name of Cleanliness?
You may be someone who judiciously tries to avoid applying potential toxins to your own skin, and keeps your home free and clear of them to the fullest extent possible.
I believe that you'll show your favorite canine the same loving kindness by doing the same for her.
Unfortunately, just as your beauty products may contain toxic ingredients… so can your pet's beauty products (shampoos and soaps).
Check your labels… Does your pet's shampoo contain any of these potentially dangerous chemicals?
- D-trans Allethrin – from a class of synthetic chemicals called pyrethroids, derived from natural chemicals found in chrysanthemums. Synthetic varieties are significantly more potent and persistent than naturally-occurring products, and can cause allergic responses. Also a suspected endocrine system disruptor. Veterinarians caution against using pyrethroid containing products if there are cats in the home.
- Resmethrin – also from the chemical class called pyrethroids. Very toxic to cats; should not be used in a household with cats.
- Pyriproxyfen and S-Methoprene – Considered relatively safe with low toxicity. However, data is lacking about their risks when combined with the above chemicals, which may be the case on some pet shampoos.
So what are the alternatives?
Your Dog's Alluring New Look – A Strikingly Rejuvenated Coat From a Wholesome Shampoo
You could feasibly combine various all natural and organic products to create your own dog shampoo and conditioner.
But honestly, most people don't have the time to do that. So I've taken the time intensity out of the process and created a product which I believe will moisturize your dog's skin while she's getting her bath. If you're as busy as I am, I'm sure you'll appreciate that thoughtfulness.
8 Botanicals Shared by Both Shampoos
Whenever possible, I believe that you should use products directly from nature that moisturize your dog's skin and coat…
I can assure you, I am very concerned about the potential toxins found in so many pet shampoos. But in the area of shampoo, I'm committed to helping you give your pet equal stature in your family with its human members. So I searched for what I believe to be the very best options that not only clean and manage your dog's beautiful coat of hair – but do it in a natural way.
Here's what I found when I searched for what I would be comfortable applying to my own dogs' skin and hair:
- Organic Neem Seed Oil and Neem Leaf Extract
- Dates back 7,000 years ago in India
- Accounts of Neem's revitalizing properties have been recorded through the centuries as a beauty aid for skin and hair
- The National Academy of Sciences attaches very high importance to the Neem tree… and the U.N. declared Neem as the "Tree of the 21st century" – alluding to its overriding benefits.
- Scientists believe it is safe for mammals
- Organic Apple juice
- Mildly and gently exfoliates your dog's skin
- Moisturizes and softens your dog's skin, for shine and glow
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Terrific for skin rejuvenation
- Helps exfoliate dead skin cells
- Organic Sunflower Oil
- Is easily absorbed
- Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, plus oleic acid, as well as lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids.
- Improves the appearance of dry and weathered-looking skin
- Organic Sesame Seed Oil
- Rich in vitamin E, B complex, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to keep your dog's coat looking loved and cared for
- An excellent moisturizer
- Organic Jojoba Seed Oil
- Technically, it's not an oil, but a pure and luxurious liquid wax ester used to improve the appearance of dogs' skin
- Appropriate for sensitive skin
- Contains vitamins E and B-complex, plus silicon, chromium, copper, zinc, and iodine
- Organic Horsetail Leaf Extract
- Of all herbs, contains the greatest amount of silicon
- Considered beneficial for skin and hair
- Organic Aloe Vera
- Contains more than 130 compounds and 34 amino acids
- Provides calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc… plus vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, and niacin
Wouldn't you agree that these ingredients make a great foundation for your dog's finest and most glorious-looking skin and hair – whether or not you ever enter her into a show?
