[CorkyMax]

Giving Your Dog a Bath--Some Tips

Before giving the bath--Wipe around the pet's anus with a Baby Wipe and use a pair of scissors to carefully trim any long hair near the anus that might get soiled.

Consider putting on a bathing suit before you begin or to avoid getting soaked--cut holes in a Trash Bag for your head and arms and wear it to keep yourself dryer during the bath.

Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent the dog from slipping and sliding.

Fill the tub with 3-4 inches of warm water.

Put your dog on a leash, bring your dog into the room, close the door, and lift your dog into the tub.
Place a cotton ball in each of the dog's ears to protect them from water.

Using a plastic water pitcher, watering can, or hand-held shower attachment, gently saturate the dog with water, from the neck to his tail.

Shampoo the dog, working up a good lather and pressing your fingers down to his skin.

Wash the face last, (Unless your pet has fleas--then you would do the face 1st so that the fleas wouldn't 'jump' from the end of the pet to his face!) Use a soapy sponge or washcloth on the face.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all the shampoo or soap. And before you do the final rinse--->You might want to add one of these ingredients, all calling for 1 Tablespoon per gallon of rinse water : (Please only use one at a time--next time maybe try a different one)
1. White vinegar----will soften and deodorize, giving the fur a healthy sheen.
2. ReaLemon----gives a softer, shinier coat that smells lemon-fresh. If no ReaLemon--try some regular lemon juice--How much? Prob. a little more than ReaLemon.
3. Arm & hammer Baking Soda----softens and deodorizes and makes the coat glimmer.

Let the dog shake himself off a few times (behind the shower curtain), and then use a couple of big clean towels to dry him.

Remove the cotton balls from your pet's ears!

Keep your dog in a warm place until he dries completely.

Once your pet is dry, brush him well.