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In warm months, bathing the dog out- side means less mess and a shorter dry- ing time. “I set the nozzle to mist and let the water fall onto the dog’s body,” he advises. “This helps his body more easily acclimate to the cooler water temperature.” Take your time: Some dogs just


don’t like bath time, no matter how much you coax or cajole or crank up your temper. To handle fussy dogs, ap- ply plenty of patience. It also helps to have a few of the animal’s favorite treats on hand. In working with bath-shy dogs, this professional groomer finds that gentle and slow is the way to go. Regardless of how messy the pro-


cess gets, avoid getting excess water in the dog’s ear canal, because it can lead to ear infections. Bryant recommends drying the dog completely before clean- ing its ears. Use an ear cleaner with a drying solution to remove wax or debris. Don’t neglect the paws: Keep nails


trimmed regularly. Bryant notes that many pet owners are anx- ious about clipping a pet’s nails and fear accidentally cutting off too much. He suggests seeking profes- sional advice. Ask your groomer or vet assis- tant for a five-minute lesson on the finer points of using pet nail clippers to deliver a clean cut. It can save a lot of anxi- ety. Longhaired dogs also need the hair trimmed between their paw pads. “Most people have hardwood or tile floors, and it can be difficult for a dog to get around on those hard surfaces if their hair is too long,” he cautions.


“In most cases, no other pet care professional will spend more one-on-one time with your pet than your groomer. Each time your pet is professionally groomed, he is actually examined from head to toe.”


~ Michael Bryant, professional dog groomer


Use a good shampoo, followed by a thorough rinse: A dog’s skin has a dif- ferent pH level than ours, so avoid using human hair care products. Instead, Bryant suggests selecting shampoos that contain oatmeal or tea tree oil, which address a range of skin issues and have soothing proper-


ties, and follow with a good rinse.


“Remember, the most important part of


any doggie bath is to thoroughly rinse all shampoo from the dog’s body,” he says. Conditioner is not essential un- less the pet has long hair or is prone to matting. Dogs with long hair also need a good combing while the fur is still


“My favorite part about washing the dog is the blueberry facial. Not only does it calm the dogs down almost instantly, but lets you get up close and personal and break the barrier right away”


24 San Diego Edition


~ Kathryn Hopkins, Dirty Dogs www.na-sd.com


damp; otherwise, they are ready for a thorough rubdown with a thick towel. Finally, a gentle doggie massage helps end bath time on a soothing note.


Remember:


the most important part of any doggie bath is to thoroughly rinse all shampoo from the dog’s body.


It pays to hire pros: Getting your dog groomed can be a costly invest- ment, but the price includes more than a fluff and cut. “Each time your pet is professionally groomed, he is actually examined from head to toe,” Bryant reports. “I have discovered teeth prob- lems, joint problems, and hair and skin problems that many of my clients never would have noticed.”


Morieka V. Johnson is a freelance writer who frequently writes about pet issues and shares her Atlanta home with Lulu, a precocious pooch. Her weekly advice column on reducing carbon footprints, one toe at a time, appears on MNN.com. Email Morieka@gmail.com.


He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.


You are his life, his love, his leader.


He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.


You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. Unknown


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