Scrub-a-dub-doggy: canine bathing tips

More and more, pets are a part of the family and enjoy many of the comforts of home. According to a recent Harris Interactive poll, nine out of 10 pet owners said they view their pets as family members, and nearly 70 percent admit to letting their dogs sleep in bed with them; all the more reason to keep a canine clean.

Yet dog bathing is often a dreaded and stressful experience, especially for those who don't use the right techniques to help relax the dog or have the right tools to make it easy. Here are some tips for making dog bathing more enjoyable while keeping a dog clean and healthy.

•Understand the dog's grooming needs. Longhaired or doublecoated dogs may need brushing before, during and after bathing. When grooming is complete, a comb or brush should easily glide through the coat.

•Trim or grind nails and use an ear cleaning solution, then place cotton balls in the dog's ears to prevent moisture in the ear canal.

•Choose a shampoo suited for the dog's coat and skin. Special varieties are available for white coats, dry skin and allergies, among others.

•Wash the dog from neck to tail, using warm water to help him relax. Keep the temperature similar to a baby's bathwater. When indoors, use a nonslip surface such as a bath mat.

•Towel dry and brush the dog's coat before letting it airdry. If using a hair dryer, introduce it gradually, keeping it at a low setting and away from the dog's face. Consider using a conditioning spray for sun protection, repelling dirt, controlling static and preventing matting until the next bath.

•Remove the cotton balls, give him some treats and then dog and owner can go play in the sun.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.