Cleaning your pets

Bath time: Keep your pets clean and warm this winter. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

Dogs

Do not bathe your dog too often because it will dry out the skin, deplete healthy oils from the coat and skin, and lead to scratching and irritation.

Frequency is largely dependent on the breed and how dirty the dog is. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside or engage in outdoor activities that expose them to dirt, bugs or debris typically require more bathing, perhaps every two weeks.

Too frequent bathing can cause the coat to soften and reduce its insulating qualities. Don't bathe your dog if it is younger than two months old or if it is old or weak. Clean them with a wet towel or cleaning powder instead.

Before the bath, brush thoroughly and remove all tangles and matted hair, which you won't be able to unsnarl when the fur is wet.

Use a nylon collar and leash to help stabilize your dog during bathing.

Place one cotton ball in each of the dog's ears. Push the cotton ball into the opening of the ear canal, using just enough pressure to lodge it securely in the ear. Don’t push it too far into the ear or you could injure the ear canal.

Get your dog used to the water by spraying its back and shoulders. After your dog relaxes, shampoo its body, start toward the rear end and work your way up to the head.

After lathering thoroughly, rinse your dog with lukewarm, never hot, water. Gently rinse the dog's face and head first. Next, cover the nose and rinse the rest of the face and neck, and work down the body.

Wrap the dog in a large, absorbent towel. Gently rub dry before putting the animal under a blow dryer on a low setting.

Never bathe your dog outside in the winter. If your dog is filthy and you can’t bathe it in the house, take it to a do-it-yourself dog wash or professional groomer.