A Squeaky Clean Pup

Washing a dog is not as easy as it may look. There are several things to consider when washing a dog.

1. It is important to have the right shampoo. The shampoos that we use at Happy Tails are professional strength and watery.... not the thick stuff most people are used to. A thicker shampoo will make it harder for the bather to work the shampoo to the skin and harder to rinse out. The density of a dog's coat is different than the hair on our heads.....

2. Make sure the dog can't escape. Most dogs aren't too keen about the begining of a bath. (they don't like getting wet unless it's jumping into a lake).

3. The technique on how you are going to wash your dog.... Make the process easy. Think of the dog in many small parts as opposed to one large dog. Start at the back and work your way forward. Work the shampoo into the coat to create a thick rich lather. Don't skimp. Use as much shampoo as it takes. A good dog shampoo is pH balanced for your dog's skin and coat AND will not pollute the environment. Remember clean dog equals happy owner.

4. Rinse Rinse Rinse out the shampoo. If you are using a watery professional shampoo, the rinsing process will be much easier. **Shampoo left behind can cause irritation, open areas, infection and a vet bill.** Who wants that?!?

5. I like to follow up with a second shampooing. This gets rid of the dirt and oils the first scrub down wasn't able to get. The dog smells and feels cleaner for longer.

6. Using a dog conditioner will replace moisture taken from the skin and coat during bathing and will help to release dead and shedding hair (making shedding hair easier to brush out).

I hope that these tips are helpful. You are welcome to visit us at our salon for more tips and tricks. Happy Grooming