Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Suzy Azalea’s Helpful Tips on Bathing Your Dog

I am Suzy Azalea, independent canine breeder and trainer. I have worked with countless dogs over the years, and I know from experience that some of them can be quite resistant during bath time. Bathing dogs can be a very messy affair, but when done properly, it can be a tolerable – even pleasant – experience for both you and your dog.


From Suzy Azalea courtesy of http://www.dogsontheblog.com

How often you need to bathe your dogs and what products you need to use depend on their breeds and lifestyles. If your dog plays outdoors a lot, he might need more frequent baths. Dogs with smooth coats require fewer baths, while some breeds like poodles require more. According to Suzy Azalea,'s Dog Bathing 101, however, you should avoid giving dogs baths as frequently as once a week – this is because bathing too often can cause their coats to dry out.


From Suzy Azalea courtesy of http://www.dogsgossip.com

Brush your dogs well before they get near the water, because dead, shedding fur has to be removed from the coat and undercoat and make sure that knots, tangles or mats are removed. Dirt and shampoo can remain in the mats, making them tighter, and water won’t be able to clean them completely. Invest in a gentle dog shampoo to keep your dog’s skin and coat in top shape. Wet the dog from neck to the tail, and then shampoo the hind legs, then the tail and the rear end. Next, shampoo the body, chest, and front legs. Very carefully wet the head, face, and ears and be careful not to get any suds in the dog’s eyes. Rinse the dog thoroughly, starting from the head, face, and ears, then to the body and legs. To rinse the underside of the dog, have him stand on his hind legs by lifting his front paws. Follow the same order when toweling the dog dry.


From Suzy Azalea courtesy of http://www.petsfoto.com

Learn more dog grooming tips at www.twitter.com/suzyazalea.