Does Percy need a little scrub-a-dub-dub? Is Simone's presence offensive to your sensibilities? Did he get caught in the rain? Maybe he went for a dip in a muddy, algae-filled pond? Has he had a surprise meeting with a skunk or a roll in something foul? Does she have a nasty case of dandruff? Or does she just smell, well, like a dog?That doggy odor is something that dog owners have been putting up with or finding ways to deal for as long as humans have shared their living quarters with dogs.For many dog owners, the answer seems simple. bath-time! But before you go running for the hose and a bar of soap, there are a few health and safety tips to keep in mind.Not All Bathing Experiences are Created Equal.And not all dogs share the same level of enthusiasm about getting wet or being bathed.For some dogs, a bath is a traumatic experience to be avoided unless medically necessary.For others, a bath is big fun and a great opportunity to bond with her human and play.It won't take long for you to find out where your dog lies on that continuum, but be a little conservative and take it slow with poor ol' Percy's first bath.This would not be the time to turn the hose on full tilt and spray him with a blast of cold water from across the driveway!Some dogs don't mind being sprayed by a hose and many will consider that an invitation to play.If Simone is ok with outdoor hose bathing, go for it under one condition. check the weather and the temperature.Short haired dogs with minimal undercoat (Dobermans, mini pinschers, Chihuahuas, Boston terriers and greyhounds, to name a few) can get chilled, especially if they do not have much insulating body fat.Even beefier dogs with thicker coats can get cold if bathed on a chilly day.Make sure it is not only warm while you are bathing, but forecast to stay warm while Percy and Simone are drying off.If outdoor bathing is out of the question, how well does your dog do with being confined? Will Percy freak out at being restrained in a bathtub? Will your tub survive doggy claws? A hand held shower attachment can be a boon for dog bathing.And be sure to wear a bathing suit and have plenty of clean towels available.A wet bathroom floor can be quite slippery and dangerous for both of you.Special Situations - Reasons to Bathe..Percy rolled in something pungent or worse - something that will stain your carpets.Some dogs love to roll in other animals' feces, and you definitely don't want that smeared on your new living room oriental rug! A roll in dead animals, rotting vegetation, feces or any other greasy yuckiness should mean a bath, pronto!A run in with a skunk means a bath.No ifs, ands or buts about it.Wash with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly and then final rinse with something to neutralize the odor.Tomato juice really does work and is nontoxic (just be careful about that shake and think "pink splatter" - this might be a bath and rinse to conduct outdoors).Some people swear by white vinegar.Certain allergic conditions improve with regular bathing.Again, be careful to use a mild shampoo formulated for your dog's condition, even more importantly, be sure to determine the source of the allergies and address them.That way, the bathing will eventually become unnecessary because Simone's skin will improve from the inside out.If you wouldn't use it on your skin or hair, why would you think it's safe for Simone? It is not unheard of for people to opt for sulfate-free shampoo for their dogs.Not nearly as expensive as you might think, it's got no harsh detergents to irritate Percy or Simone's skin.Parasites! Fleas, mites, ticks, oh my! Back in the days before topical insecticides were commonly used, flea dips were key in controlling fleas.A bath with a pyrethrin infused shampoo, and then a final rinse with a flea and egg killing insecticide was common practice.But Don't Overdo It!How much is too much? Keep a few guidelines in mind..• Most dogs do not need to be bathed much at all, unless they fall into one of the categories listed above.• Bathing dries out a dog's skin and can worsen skin conditions, not improve them.• Check with breed experts regarding your dog. some dogs smell like dogs and frequent bathing won't really change that, while other breeds have very little scent.• Daily grooming. brushing, combing, checking ears, eyes, and feet for cleanliness can virtually replace bathing, and improve the owner-dog bond at the same time.• Water in dogs' ears can cause infections, which smell bad.If you pup smells bad, check him or her over carefully before you decide to bathe.Try to find the source of the stink, and if need be, call the vet.Remember, aim to fix the problem, not cover it up.The notion that dogs need to be bathed is great in comedies, but it just doesn't hold up to scrutiny.Most dogs are "self-cleaning" and don't really need to be bathed "just because." If you're not sure what's best for your home, family, and Percy, ask your vet.Aim for health and wellness and a sweet smelling pooch will follow!
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