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Ask An OC Expert: 5 Tips For Giving Your Pet A Quality Bath

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(credit: istockphoto)

Chris Ferretti is the owner of Maws & Paws Dog Services, a mobile groomer that serves the Mission Viejo area. In addition to the grooming services, Maws & Paws also offers a service to walk your dogs. Ferretti provides some tips to help you give your dog a great bath.

Chris Ferretti
Maws & Paws Dog Services
(949) 340-3774
www.mawsnpaws.com

Chris Ferretti was previously employed in the medical field. He started Maws & Paws Dog Services in 2010 to follow his passion of working with and caring for dogs. If your dog needs to be groomed or walked, Ferretti is a good person to contact because he will care for your pet like it's his own. If your dog is in need of some bathing, Maws & Paws offers a variety of "spaw" packages that include bathing, de-matting, nail trims, teeth brushing and even a facial. But if your dog took a roll in the mud and you have to do the clean-up at home, here are some tips from Ferretti that will make it more manageable for you both.
 
Make Sure You Have Ample Space
The space needed to bathe your dog depends on the size. For small and medium-size dogs, you can finish the bath in either a sink or the bathtub. A bigger dog is obviously going to require more space outside the house. While outside, keeping your big dog in place with a collar and lead is definitely recommended. Ferretti says, "There's nothing worse than a wet dog running amok in the house."
 
Use A Quality Shampoo
This is no different than when you're choosing a shampoo for yourself. You have to consider the dog's coat, skin, and any allergies when selecting the shampoo. While there are plenty of shampoos to choose from, Ferretti recommends Nature's Specialties - a hypoallergenic shampoo. "It's a little costly, but it's great for the dog's coat and skin."
 
Brush! Brush! Brush!
Ferretti recommends using a slicker brush and a greyhound comb for post-bath grooming. Those will do the most thorough job. Also, if you lave a dog with a long coat, try to brush him or her every day. Yes, it's a hassle - especially if your dog doesn't really like to be brushed. However, it will help the coat and skin stay healthy and clean between baths.
 
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Make Bath Time Fun For The Dog
This is basically the same rule you use when giving a bath to a small child. Likewise, you may want to have some toys in the bath area when giving baths to a new puppy. This provides a good association for the dog and lets the animal know that the bath area is a safe and fun place. "After a few baths hopefully they'll just jump in the tub when you say 'bath time'," says Ferretti.
 
Safety First
When giving a bath to your dog, you want to avoid getting water in the ears and shampoo in the eyes. When lathering the dog's head, be careful to prevent these things from happening. Cotton balls can be used to keep water out of the ears. The best way to prevent shampoo in the eyes when rinsing is to use a hose with a nozzle (a pitcher will also work) while tilting the head up.
 
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Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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