How to bath your puppy

Puppies do not normally need to be bathed, but if he has had a particularly dirty experience the need may arise. However, you should not bath your puppy more often than necessary, since shampoos will remove the natural oils that protect your puppy's skin and hair. If your puppy experiences any skin reaction after bathing, consult your vet about the shampoo you are using. If you are not taking your dog to a professional groomer, you can use your bath at home. When your dog is secure in the bath, gently introduce the water. This is best by use of an extendible shower head. The water should be warm, and avoid spraying the water straight at his face, ears or genitals. Wet the dog all over. Introduce the shampoo, working from the top of the body down and finishing at the face. Dog shampoo will probably not sting the dog's eyes but you should still be careful. Start rinsing from the top. When all shampoo has been removed, squeeze the hair with your hands to remove the excess and give your dog a good rub.

Giving your dog a bath

Let’s face it; most dogs don’t enjoy the experience of having a bath. Here are a few tips as to ensure that your pooch is happy and clean! Dogs are very sensitive to sound, so it is not always a good idea to make use of the hose pipe, as the water squirting startles them. Fill your bath tub, or a plastic tub (that is big enough), with some lukewarm water and put your pooch in there. It makes the experience less traumatic. If you do decide to use the hose pipe, then don’t turn it on ‘full blast’ and spray your dog in the face. Instead, approach your dog gently with the water and wash the suds off carefully. This should prevent them from panicking. A hose pipe turned on to it’s fullest is rather cruel – just consider it this way: if you won’t like it, chances are your pet won’t either. Make sure you use a good quality dog shampoo, and give your dog a good brush afterwards. This will stimulate circulation and make for a healthy, shiny coat!

Hot summer days and your dog

Well summer is finally here and you know what that means! A lot of lazing around for you and your dog when you have any spare time! Dogs have got fur coats and that means that they're going to be getting really warm this summer time with all of that extra winter wear. Here are a few tips that you can use to help cool your pooch down when it gets really warm outside!
- Always make sure that there is plenty of clean, fresh water available for drinking. Remember, the water will evaporate quickly in this warm summer weather, so put down an extra bowl when you go to work or out for the day.
- Put a sprinkler down on the lawn when you go and play outside. Your dog will soon realise that this fun water feature is not only entertaining, but also a good way to cool down.
- Not all dogs like to swim, but why not take some time out before you go swimming to show your pup that standing on the step of a pool is safe and secure, and that it is nice and cool too? Don’t force your dog; slowly coax them nearer until they are confident that it is okay to be that close to water. Don't rush this integration process because your dog can get frightened very easily. Some owners like to put their dogs on the shallowest step in a swimming pool and then use a handful of cold water to cool off warm tummies!
- Finally, don't forget to take extra water (and a bowl!) with you when you go out to walk your dogs. They will really appreciate the extra cool reward when they're out having a good time.

Summer Time, and pets are getting dirty...

Dogs and cats do not always take very kindly to water, but sometimes bathing your pet is essential. Whether your cat or dog’s fur is just feeling grubby to the touch or if they have a skin irritation or fleas – a bath can do wonders.

Bathing your pet may seem a bit unnecessary to some people – after all, animals do keep themselves clean. There are however reasons and certain instances when bathing your pet is necessary. If you are trying to introduce a new pet to the home bathing all of the animals can help a little. If the animals are all bathed in the shame shampoo and area all smelling the same the tension can be slightly diffused. If each animal’s smell seems similar to one another they are less likely to get quite so agitated with there new family members. When bathing your pet you do however need to bear in mind that your animal needs their own shampoo – most shops, as well as vets, do hold cat and dog shampoos. If your animal has fleas or ticks special anti – tick and flea shampoos are quite effective of ridding your pet of these pests.

If your pet is rather small bathing them in your basin can work quite well otherwise getting hold of a dog bath and bathing your animal outside is a good option.