Springtime is the perfect time to clean (your dog included)!

Your dog has been rolling around in the mud after all the spring showers. Luckily, it is getting warm enough to give your dog an outside bath. Before you pull out your water hose, there are a few things you should consider about dog bathing.

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Do take breed into consideration.

What breed is your dog? Certain breeds require frequent bathing and frequent grooming. Afghan hounds, for instance, require large amounts of grooming time and coat attention. Basset hounds, on the other hand, require little to no grooming. If your dog does not require frequent bathing, then there is no reason to bathe him often; unless, of course, he gets into something messy.

Do brush your dog often.

Daily or weekly brushings can take the place of frequent bathing. A brush designed specifically for your dog's coat can get rid of the unwanted dirt and grime. If you are unsure what brush you need, then ask an employee at your local pet store. Depending on the length and thickness of your dog's hair, the employee can help you find the right brush for your dog.

Do follow bathing guidelines.

Typically, your dog should not be bathed more than twice a month. However, this varies depending on the breed and activity of your dog. If he rolls around in the mud all day, then you may consider giving him a bath. If he is indoors, then he may require fewer baths. Another great guideline is to follow your nose. If your dog does not have an unpleasant smell, then there is really no need for a bath. If he does have a bad odor, then you should consider bathing.

Bathing strips your dog's coat of natural oils.

When the oils are removed, then your dog's skin can become itchy and irritated, ultimately leading to other skin problems. This is why frequent bathing is not good for your pet. When you bathe your pet, try to use a shampoo that is soap free. It sounds strange, but shampoos that have detergents can further irritate your dog's skin. When choosing a shampoo, try to find one that conditions the skin.

If you are using a flea and tick shampoo or another type of medicated shampoo, then follow the directions on the bottle or the instructions given to you by your veterinarian. Sometimes, medicated shampoos have different directions for use. It's important that you follow these instructions to get your dog clean and itch free.

Don't go straight for the water hose:

Before you wet your dog, you must comb his coat. If he has tangles, then adding water will only make it worse. Most people believe that a conditioner applied after the shampoo will help get rid of pesky tangles. Sometimes this is true, but usually the water will only cause your dog's hair to mat more than it already has. Take a few minutes and brush your dog's hair. You may find that brushing him will get rid of the need for a bath.

Don't leave shampoo in your dog's coat.

Bathing a dog with a thick coat can take some time. No matter how much time you have spent rinsing him, the soap suds continue to wash out of his hair. Don't lose your patience and assume your pet is "rinsed good enough." Leaving shampoo in your pet's coat will make his skin dry. The shampoo residue will be itchy and uncomfortable for your pet. Take the time to make sure he is completely soap free.

Don't forget to brush again.

Once your pooch is completely dry, then try combing him again. Combing his hair when he is wet can be painful for him. To be safe, run a brush through his hair later that night or the next day. Combing him after his bath will help keep his coat shiny.

Oh, how you love a clean dog! Getting your dog clean, though, is not as easy as grabbing a water hose. You must first consider the breed of your dog when determining the frequency of bathing. Most dogs require no more than two baths per month. Comb your dog before you bathe, because it helps get rid of tangles and can sometimes take the place of a bath. Make sure you thoroughly rinse your dog before you allow him to dry off. Brushing after the bath is a good way to keep his coat shiny. Remember, if your dog smells bad, then it is probably time for a bath!

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