Pet Care

Dogs and puppies are lots of fun, but it’s not all fun and games. They do need some taking care of – and training, of course. We can help you with some of the basics. Your veterinarian or pet store might have some helpful advice too.

Making Bath Time Better

Before bathing, spend about 10 minutes interacting with your pet. The more normal you act, the more at ease your pet will be. Gently massage all parts of your pet’s body. Talk normally, so the massage is associated with positive attention from you. You can also use this opportunity to check for any changes in your pet's appearance that could signal problems.

• Keep treats at hand to reward your pet, and maintain a firm and pleasant manner.
• Be calm, even if your pet becomes rambunctious. Your pet will sense your anxiety.
• Reassure your pet throughout the bathing process and offer praise.
• Use the basic rules of training. Say "sit" or "stay" if your pet tries to escape the tub, and praise your pet when it stands still.
• Try to give a bath in the same place every time. Your pet will become accustomed to the idea of bathing and that location.
• Start bathing at a young age to get your pet used to bathing. You can bathe a puppy as young as six or eight weeks old – if you do so quickly and prevent chilling.

Choose the Best Place for Bathing

For large dogs, try connecting a hose to the tap used for the washer and dryer in the laundry room. This way you’ll have hot and cold water, and probably a drain nearby. If you have a small dog, use the kitchen sink. Pets are more familiar with the kitchen than the bathroom and will feel more at ease. You also can use your bathtub or shower stall.

Keep Your Pet In the Tub

Bathing is a one-person task. But if you do need help, enlist someone your pet knows or recognizes.

• Be sure to gather all bathing supplies before beginning the bath.
• When bathing a dog, you may want to use a nylon slip leash for more control.
• Put a mat, rug or towel in the bottom of the sink or tub. If your pet slips, or hears its toenails scratch the bottom of the tub, it may get frightened.
• Always keep one hand on your pet and never leave it unattended in the middle of the tub. Your pet may slip around and get scared.

• The water should be able to drain away, and not rise past your pet's ankles. Anything deeper can be frightening...and unsanitary.

Protect Eyes and Ears

Rinse the head back from the eyes so soap does not run into them. Shield the ear canal with your hand or thumb, or bend the ear over to block water when rinsing. Be careful not to direct water spray into it.

To protect your dog’s eyes when you give it a bath, place a drop of mineral oil or artificial tear lubricating ointment (available over the counter in pharmacies) in the eyes prior to bathing.

Pay Attention to Details

Clean the inner-ear with a 100% cotton swab softened with alcohol, plain cider vinegar or a good-quality ear cleaner. Remove the mucus from your pet’s eyes with a 100% cotton ball.

Assist in the Drying Process

Immediately remove excess water by drying with a white towel or chamois. If you use a white towel, you can inspect it for fleas afterward.

After washing your dog, keep your hand on top of its back, to keep your pet from shaking the water off before you have a chance to towel it partially dry. Then let your pet shake, and use the towel again.

You can use a regular hair dryer to speed the drying process if your dog is accustomed to the sound. Always hold the dryer at least 12 inches from your pet’s coat to avoid skin burns.

A comb or soft finishing brush will help separate the pet’s coat which helps to dry the hair and prevent mats from forming.

Avoid Tangles

Regular combing and brushing and a high-quality pet hair conditioner will keep severe hair mats from forming.

"Deskunk" Your Pet Promptly

There are several common remedies for "deskunking" your pet:

• Use shampoo and water for a bath, then follow with a milk or tomato juice soak. Pour the milk or juice on straight and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Today, many pet owners shampoo and rinse their pet regularly and then pour on a female douching product and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. This process is then repeated. Each week, the same procedure is repeated until the odor is gone.
• Deskunking shampoo also is available.

Pay Special Attention to Tar and Paint

Do NOT use gasoline, turpentine, kerosene or paint remover!

Cut out small patches of tar or paint.

You also can rub peanut butter into your dog’s fur and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area and rinse. Repeat as necessary, and follow with a regular bath.

Other Tips

Dogs’ nails have a rich blood supply, called the "quick," that runs through the middle. Always cut well away from the quick of the nail. Some dogs have white nails and you can clearly see where the pink quick ends. If your pet has black nails, make sure that you take off only the thin, curved tip of the nail.

Hold your dog in the most comfortable position for both of you. Try placing him or her in a sit or stay position on the floor. Hold each paw gently, and once the pet is still, clip each nail quickly.

Don’t forget the dewclaws which grow behind and above the feet. These can’t be worn down since they never touch the ground. If you don’t trim them, they can curl around and grow into the pet’s flesh.

Use a pet nail file to eliminate rough edges.

If your dog does not like nail trims, consider playing with and holding your pet’s paws on a regular basis so it gets used to being touched in that area.

In some instances, taking your dog to a groomer or a veterinarian for nail clipping is the best choice.

Just a Trim Please

If you live in a cold winter climate and have a longhaired dog, they can experience pain and irritation when snow, ice and even salt accumulate between the toes. Help your pet out by trimming the hair between its toes during the cold months.