Step By Step Instructions For Bathing Your Poodle
How To Bathe Your Poodle
1. Only after completing the brushing should you move on to the bath. This is so because if the Poodle coat is not tangle-free, the accumulated dirt will not shampoo out and any mats will be even harder to remove.
2. Secure a hose to the bathtub faucet so that ample free-flowing water is available at all times.
3. Have all your necessary supplies close at hand, for once you have started the bath you should remain by the Poodle side to reassure him and to make sure he does not jump out of the tub. A dog shampoo (preferably “tearless”), sponge, brush, and towel will be needed.
4. Until you are adept at giving proper baths to your pet, place cotton plugs in your dog’s ears to avoid any water getting into the ear canal.
5. The dog must be thoroughly soaked with warm water before he is soaped. Once you have worked the water down to his skin, soap and cleanse the coat along the spine; move next to the legs and the underside.
6. Be especially careful when cleaning the head and ears to avoid direct contact with the sensitive areas. Unless you have a special “no tear” shampoo, it would be wise to apply several drops of mineral oil into the dog’s eyes to avoid stinging.
7. Since a dog’s coat naturally repels water, you must actively massage the shampoo down through the layers to the skin. Rub vigorously and work the shampoo into a lather. Depending on the condition of the coat, you may have to shampoo the dog twice to get out all accumulated dirt and oil.
8. It is imperative that all traces of soap be removed from the coat after the bath. Several rinses with warm water, again working your fingers down to the skin, will ensure that no soapy residue will remain on the skin to cause irritation.
9. Once you are satisfied that all soap has been washed out, rinse him once more for good measure!
10. Squeeze as much water as possible from the coat before you lift him out of the tub. This will considerably shorten the drying time. Rub him briskly with a towel to blot up as much excess water as possible and to prevent him from getting a chill. If you have an enclosed area such as a drying cage, put him in and direct your hot air blower over him. You can leave him in the cage until he is dry, and then brush him to make sure he is dry down to the skin. However, if you have a show dog you can leave him in the cage only until he is partially dry, and then proceed to “fluff” dry him by brushing the coat while having the stream of air directed at your work area.
This produces the powder puff look for the Poodle needed for competition.