Make all supplies within your reach:
Everything you need should be within your reach so that you don’t have to leave your dog in a tub while trying to get something you need. If you leave the area, your dog will probably try to jump out of the tub: this can be potentially dangerous.

Protect your dog’s ears:
Place one or two cotton balls in each ear to avoid water accidentally get in the ear canal.

Water temperature:
Water temperature should be lukewarm, not hot and not too cool.

Wetting your dog:
Soak your dog’s coat completely. Start with the hindquarters and work towards the front of your dog, head as being last. Slightly lift the face so that the water runs down the back of the head instead of into the eyes or nose.

Shampooing:
Always use a shampoo made for dogs and follow manufacturer’s directions. Choose a type of shampoo that is suitable for your coat and skin condition. Start with the hindquarters and work your way to the front of your dog. The head and face should be the last. Use a tearless shampoo for the face. Avoid shampoo to get into eyes. Make sure you work the shampoo well down into the coat and into the skin. A rubber brush can be helpful for this task.

Rinsing:
Start with the head and hand rinse the soap from the face. Continue to rinse the rest of your dog, using your free hand to knead the soap out of the coat. Rinse thoroughly because soap residue can cause a skin irritation.

Drying:
Using your hands, squeeze the excess water out of the coat. Blot the excess moisture from the coat with a towel. Remove the cotton balls from the ears and use the clean cotton balls to absorb any moisture in the ear. A blow dryer can be used on the low setting on the body, but avoid blowing into your dog’s face.

Grooming is a good opportunity for you to check your dog for a sign of any problems. While brushing, examine the skin for signs of fleas and ticks, skin irritations, hair loss or lumps. While cleaning ears look for any unusual problems such as inflammation, foul odor and excessive ear wax buildups. Paying special attention to your dog’s body helps early detection of potentially serious problems. If any problems are found, consult with your veterinarian.

Coat:
Brushing allows the natural oils to circulate to the coat and promotes a shiny healthy coat. Brush in the direction of hair growth, starting at the head and working your way towards the tail and down the legs. Long haired, heavy coated dogs may need daily brushing session while short haired dog may only need to be brushed two to three times a week.

Nails:
Use a nail clipper that is specially designed for dogs. Different sizes of clippers are available for different sizes of dogs. Hold the dog’s paw firmly and clip the tip of the nail. Be very careful to avoid cutting the quick (pink line inside the nail), the area of the nail that contains blood vessel and nerve. If you are not comfortable with the task, have the veterinarian do it for you.

Ears:
Clean your dog’s ears with cotton balls or pre moistened dog ear wipes. Cotton balls can be moistened with mineral oil or ear cleaning solution. Hold open the ear and gently clean inside. Be sure to use clean piece for each ear. Never use Q-tips to clean a dog’s ear.

Dental:
Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week or more (preferably daily) with a toothbrush and toothpaste especially made for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste. It can upset your dog’s digestive system.

Bathing:
Brush your dog’s coat thoroughly prior to bathing. Choose a shampoo suitable for your dog’s needs. Always follow manufacturer’s directions. Avoid soap in the eyes and water in the ears. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritation. See Dog Bath Tips for more information on giving your dog a bath.