by Danielle Friedl

Created on: August 12, 2008   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

It may come as a surprise to some but all of the elements in bathing a dog are not solely in the water and the soap. A complete bath consists of washing the coat and the ears, trimming the nails if necessary, and of course a good brushing out. Preparation is key in taking on this task so you'll need to begin by getting your materials together. For the bathing part you will need dog shampoo, a lot of towels, rubbing alcohol or ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls and a dog brush. A lot of owners aren't too sure about their nail trimming skills, however if you're brave enough you will need dog trimmers with a safety guard and some silver nitrate sticks (available at most pet stores).

It's important to note that dogs do not need baths on a weekly or even monthly basis. Over-washing your dog will lead to skin problems because you are constantly washing off the natural oils that keep the dog's skin and coat healthy. It is more important to brush your dog daily, if possible, rather than bathe them often unless they become messy. If your dog has developed hot spots it is not due to a lack of bathing. There are products to apply to these areas rather than bathe them frequently and ruin the rest of their skin.

As a former groomer I found it best to get nail trimming out of the way first. Dogs with clear nails are easier than those with black nails, and if you're at all unsure it may be worth $10 to have a professional do this part or at the very least give you a lesson on how it's done. If your dog is extremely skiddish about having his nails trimmed and you're nervous - don't do it! Nowadays there are products that are designed to file your dog's nails down rather than cut them - this is by far the easiest method for beginners. If you're into a quick cut then you'll need a pair of trimmers, in either the scissors style or guillotine style. Begin by positioning yourself directly next to your dog, both of you facing the same direction. Hold the paw that is closest to you in one hand, the trimmers in the other. Hold the trimmer so that they will be cutting the nail from top to bottom, not side to side. Take little bits at a time to prevent injury. Silver nitrate sticks can be found at most pet stores and their function is to stop bleeding should you accidentally catch the kwik.

And now onto preparing for the bath. To get your dog ready for bathing make sure excess dead hair is removed and any mats have been taken care of. When mats get wet they get tighter and become

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