Even short-haired dogs can benefit from the occasional bath, and summertime is the easiest time of the year for bathing at home, saving you money you might spend at the grooming shop. Dogs suffering from skin irritations, allergies, and hotspots need more frequent bathing to clean off allergens and to help the skin regain it's health and integrity. Washing large dogs outdoors with natural shampoos allows you to get a second use out of the water as the runoff soaks safely into your lawn.

We have an array of natural shampoos at Dexter's, but one of ourfavorites for irritated skin is Earthbath Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo, it's gentle healing properties can help prevent secondary infections in dogs that are scratching a lot (if your dog is really scratching we also recommend Homeopet Skin & Itch Relief supplement). Earthbath Peppermint & Eucalyptus is another cooling summer shampoo. Remember, the soap in any of these shampoos will kill fleas, so there's no need to use a harsh "flea dip." For dogs that are frequently in pools or the ocean consider using a coat spray such as Eqyss Premier Spray.

ALWAYS DILUTE YOUR SHAMPOO  Diluting shampoo will not only save you money, it will make your bath much quicker and easier. Use an old shampoo or soap bottle with a squeeze top & dilute by filling the bottle most of the way with water before topping the bottle off with shampoo (Earthbath recommends diluting their shampoos with 8 parts water to 1 part shampoo), then shake to disperse it in the bottle. After wetting your dog with water (not a bad idea to have them tethered for this part) you can then squirt liberally through their coat & all areas of the body without getting too much soap in any one place.

Our favorite washing tool is Kong's Zoom Groom, a rubber brush that helps loosen fur. Dogs (& cats) love it, and during a bath it can help suds the soap thoroughly through thick fur. You can use it anytime to help loosen shedding fur, to simply to stimulate good blood flow to the skin in older animals.