Q - At what age can I bath a puppy?

A - A puppy can be bathed at as young as six weeks, but eight weeks in preferable. If just the paws and tail are dirty, wash just those body parts. Remember to towel dry the pup well and to keep the pup warm for several hours after the bath.

Q - How often should I bath my dog?

A - When he or she is dirty. Pups can be bathed once a week as long as they are kept warm and dried well.

Q - What are the steps to bathing a dog?

A - First, place your dog in a stand/stay. Next, place cotton balls in your dog's ears to keep water out. Then, wet the dog thoroughly, beginning with its head. After the dog is wet to the skin, apply dog shampoo in small amounts, working from head to tail. Be sure to clean between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not to get soap in your dog's eyes or ears. Once thoroughly shampooed, rinse with clean, lukewarm water. Remove excess water with the flat side of a shedding brush or towel dry your dog. In warm summer months, the sun does a nice job of drying a dog.

Q - What about the ears?

A - Take a cotton ball and wet it with mineral oil. Gently clean the ear as far as the cotton ball will go. The oil will also help to prevent certain types of parasites in the ear.

Q - Can I use human soap or shampoos on my dog?

A - It is not a good idea to use any product except one designed for dogs. Other products can cause irritations and skin problems.

Q - What about flea control shampoos?

A - First, be sure to read the manufacturer's directions on the label and follow them to the letter. If the shampoo must stay on for a specified length of time, do not remove it too early or too late. Avoid eye contact as with all shampoos. Be sure to wash your hands and bathing area thoroughly after the bath.