by Erin Askeland

Created on: September 30, 2009   Last Updated: October 01, 2009

Summer heat means more outdoor time for you and your dog, but more outdoor time in the summer translates to mud, pollen, bugs, and drool. Winter means flaky skin and matted hair. This all adds up to one stinky dog! That's the rule of thumb: if your dog is noticeably smelly, it's time for a bath. Dogs do not need to be bathed frequently because that will strip away the natural protective oils in their skin. However, once in a while a bath is necessary. Certain breeds tend to need bathes more often than others, like hounds and bully breeds who have oilier coats and attract dirt, but dogs with double coats should be brushed frequently rather than getting bathed. The brushing helps get rid of dead hair and cells and also spread their natural oils throughout their coats.

If you bath your dog at home, you'll need items like a no-slip mat for the tub, a drain screen to catch hair, cotton balls to prevent water from going in your dog's ears, shampoo (I recommend an oatmeal shampoo or tear-less kid's shampoo like Johnson & Johnson's), towels, and a cup for wetting and rinsing your dog.

A few things to remember when you're bathing your dog:

1) Use your hand to protect your dog's eyes from water and shampoo (that's why tear-less is a great way to go, just in case).

2) Scrub between your dog's toes, under the armpits, and under the tail to get the smelliest areas clean (most people forget).

3) Rinse your dog's coat thoroughly until the water runs clear off the coat. Leftover suds can cause a rash and flaky skin.

4) A mild conditioner (think oatmeal or kid-friendly) might be used on a long-haired dog, but be sure to rinse this out thoroughly as well. It is not necessary on short-haired unless recommended by a vet.

5) A shammy towel makes it much quicker and easier to dry your dog compared to a bath towel. You can find these at Petsmart retailers and local dog suppliers in your area.

6) Make the bath a fun, non-threatening experience by taking a long walk before, keeping treats on hand during, and choosing a sunny, dry day so that your dog remains comfortable after the bath is over.

If you don't want to give your dog a bath in your own home, there are many places nearby that offer their waist-high tubs and supplies for you to use at a low cost.

Good luck and get bathing!

Learn more about this author, Erin Askeland.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.