Dog Washing 101

Team Mom Staff

A dog can add a lot of love to your home, but our canine companions can also cause quite the mess. On this episode of "Easy Does It," veterinarian Brett Levitzke, medical director of Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group in Brooklyn, shares his best advice for dog washing.

Start early and often. Get your dog used to regular baths as a puppy. He or she will tolerate them more as time goes on.

Have everything you need at hand. Dogs tend to have short attention spans, so make sure you have shampoo, a towel, and treats within reach before you even begin the bath.

Be mindful of water temperature. "You don't want it too hot or too cold, or they're going to resent being in the tub," Dr. Levitzke says. Keep the water at a nice, lukewarm temperature for your pet's comfort.

Use a pet-specific shampoo. "A lot of owners think they can use their shampoo, when in reality that can be too harsh and dry out their skin," he explains. Instead, look for a variety of pet shampoo that lends itself to your dog's fur type.

Keep your dog calm. "You have to remember that they're going to act on your tone," Dr. Levitzke says. Speak in a calm manner. "Don't yell, because they'll get more nervous and agitated."

Bathe dogs in size-appropriate places. While a tub is a great place to bathe a larger breed, he says, "a small dog's going to feel very intimidated in a human bathtub." Instead, use a sink or a container for baths to allow your pet to feel more secure.

Start washing from the back. Dreading the wet dog shake? Save the face washing for the very end. If you regularly give your dog a monthly flea and tick product, and you are sure that he is free of fleas and ticks, Dr. Brett says it’s a lot easier to start from the back. "Start from the hind end and move forward," he explains. "As soon as water hits their neck or their head, they shake."

Be careful of your dog's ears. Because of the way a dog's ear canal is structured, water can easily pool in it and cause infection. If your dog splashes around, place cotton balls in the ears to prevent water from getting in.