Tis the season for Spring Cleaning! So what better time to talk about keeping our dog pals' coats clean and looking great? After being indoors throughout the winter, a dog's fur and skin can become dry, so a nice soothing bath and a good brushing may be in order. And if you own a breed with an undercoat, the change to warmer weather signals the time to comb it out! If his or her fur gets matted, the skin will be unable to breathe, which can lead to hot spots and itching.  

How often should I bathe my dog?

It really depends on your dog's breed and activities. An active dog that gets a lot of outdoor time will generally require more bathing than an indoor lapdog. And if your dog has a habit of rolling in poop or other nasty smelling stuff, well... one can only hope he likes baths, because they will no doubt become a regular routine.  

With that in mind, you don't want to bathe your dog too often because it will remove healthy oils from the coat and skin. Generally once every 4-6 weeks for dogs who like to play in the great outdoors will do the trick. Dogs that have smooth, short hair can go a lot longer between baths than those with longer or curlier coats though it is recommended that dogs with double coats only be bathed around 3 times per year. These coats are designed to be the perfect insulator for the dog and frequent bathing can cause the coat to soften, reducing those insulating properties.  

To keep your dog clean between baths, a daily brushing does a great job of taking care of the coat and skin and helps your pup look and smell good. It also prevents those nasty mats that if left unattended can become so thick that they cannot be combed out and need to be cut out instead.

What if my dog hates baths?

If your dog hates baths or is new to suds, making the experience as positive as possible is the best plan of action. Bath time can actually be something your dog comes to enjoy (who wouldn't like a soothing warm massage?). You'll make life a lot easier if you prepare everything before you even bring your pup to the tub. Make sure you have your shampoo, conditioner and towels close at hand. You'll also want to make sure the bottom of the tub is non-slip. Dogs can panic if they feel unsteady on their feet. If you don't have a rubber bath mat, a towel can do the trick.  

First, brush your dog thoroughly and remove any tangles and mats, which are difficult to remove once the fur is wet. If the coat is badly matted, you'll need to carefully clip the mats out with a pair of scissors. Next, get the water set to the right temperature. Nice and warm. Nothing like a cold bath to put a damper on the whole experience... no pun intended. It's also a very good idea to have your dog's favorite high-value treats on hand. They can often give the dog something to focus on while you are wetting him down.

If you have a hand-held shower nozzle, make sure the spray is on a gentle stream instead of jet and gently rub it through the fur to ensure the entire coat is soaked. Otherwise a plastic pitcher can handle the job. You can go a long way towards getting your dog to like baths if you are careful to avoid getting water in his ears and eyes. Wash around these areas with a damp cloth instead. You can add extra protection in the form of cotton balls in the ears and some petroleum jelly or mineral oil around the eyes.

Now for the fun part! Take time to massage the shampoo in - this is a good time for a nice soothing voice and positive reinforcement. If fleas are an issue, start shampooing from the neck down so that fleas cannot move up to the head to escape. When you rinse make sure once again that the water is nice and warm, a soft flow, and kept away from ears and eyes.

Once you're finished with the shampooing, conditioning and rinsing, use a big bath towel to get the excess water off your dog's coat. This is when your dog will probably start to get excited - he can tell he's in the home stretch. Try to keep him as calm as possible until he gets out of the tub to avoid any slipping and sliding. Give him a treat and lots of praise for a job well done, then have fun watching the 'ya-yas' as he celebrates his cleanliness (and freedom) by racing around and shaking water on everything.

Of course, if you dread the thought of giving your dog a bath as much as your dog dreads having them, you can always leave the job to the pros. We'll be happy to finish up your pup's play day with a deep cleansing bath and any grooming he or she may need.