Routine grooming helps keep a pet happy and healthy.

There’s no shortage of professional groomers who will handle this dirty task for you. Yet there are those who prefer do it themselves.

Are you the type to roll up your sleeves and wash your dog yourself?

The Wahl Clipper Corporation has some thoughts on grooming:

• It establishes trust
  Routine grooming may help develop a consistent bond with your dog. Bonus: You’ll spend more time together and they’ll learn to trust you to care for them.
• It keeps you informed about your pet’s health 
  Checking on your dog’s teeth, nails, coat, nails and ears allows you to keep track of new health concerns. It also lets you check for abnormalities in your dog’s appearance and attitude.
• It can save money
  Tend to your dog’s needs on your time. Trips to the vet and groomer can cause anxiety. Learning how to remedy small problems at home can help avoid big bills.

Now the fun part, washing the dog. The dog should be brushed prior to the bath to remove loose fir and dead skin. This preparation step can equal less fur down the drain.

Place cotton balls in the animal’s ears to prevent soap getting in. Remember to remove the cotton balls after the bath.

Fill the tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water.

Holding them firmly but gently, place the animal in the water.

Use a plastic pitcher, unbreakable cup or spray hose to wet the dog from head down. Keep water out of the ears and eyes.

Apply dog shampoo–start with a dab about the size of a quarter–over entire body. Lather from the shoulders to the tail and finish with the head.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water, beginning with the head.

Remove the dog from the sink or tub.

Towel dry until dog is damp. Don’t let it run free while damp because it may be roll on dirty areas, leaving you to start the whole process over. You can let a damp dog air dry on a hot, sunny day.

Continue to towel dry or use a blow dryer. Set the blow dryer on a low, warm setting.