Dog Shampoo

I like oatmeal based shampoos and I still prefer one made for dogs.

Today's human products, however, are not as drying or harsh as years ago. If you looked in the bags of many handlers at dog shows, you'd see human products especially the Pantene line being used.

No matter which you use, rinse well to get all the soap out and don't wash too often. Twice a month is the maximum bath schedule for most dogs and if your dog is usually indoors, once a month should be sufficient.

Products I or my friends have liked are BIO-GROOM Natural Oatmeal Soothing Dog Shampoo, 8 in 1 Perfect Coat Natural Oatmeal Shampoo or Cardinal Laboratories Gold Medal Oatmeal Soothing Shampoo.

TIP: Your dog will rest easier if he's on solid surface while you're bathing him. Put him on top a rubber non-skid mat or a towel. Don't let him slide around in the sink or bathtub.

Shampoos for dogs with allergies or hot spots

If your dog has allergies, your vet may recommend a certain brand or a medicated shampoo. Products I like are Epi-Soothe Shampoo (my favorite), Pet Head Life's an Itch Skin Soothing Shampoo and Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo VET shampoo. Unfortunately, you may have to try a couple different ones to see which reacts best on your dog.

WARNINGS:

1. Check the label and/or ask your vet if the product will affect the topical flea and tick medication you use. Most products don't but a few either counteract or remove the preventive. That means if you like the shampoo, you need to give your dog the pills Capstar or Comfortis to kill fleas.

2. Some products are safer than others. For years, many owners swore by Malaseb shampoo. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer because of insufficient safety and quality controls. The company recalled some products and stopped manufacturing it for awhile. They are now selling Malaseb again. If you do use it, be extra, extra careful so your dog doesn't get it in his eyes. It may injure or burn his eyes!

3. All the shampoos for allergies or hot spots require leaving them on your dog for 5 to 10 minutes to obtain best results. You know your dog. If you won't be able to keep him contained for that long, you'd be better using something other than shampoos for his allergies.

Rinse Ace Indoor Outdoor Pet Sprayer

If you saw video at the top of this page, you saw how these types of sprayers attach to a kitchen or bathroom faucet and really simplify hosing down your little dog.

I had no problem attaching this one to my kitchen faucet and really like it. The hose is 8-feet long and it has three settings: gentle, pulsating, and concentrated.

I use this even though I have a spray attachment at my faucet because I can control the water pressure better and easier with this. My little dog does not like the full blast of the kitchen faucet sprayer!

One issue is that you have to keep pressure on the handle to keep water flowing. If your model doesn't have a metal clip to keep the water on,try these Velcro Reusable Self-Gripping Ties. These also can be used if you want a water pressure flow that you can't get with the metal clip and want to give your hand a break. These are nice to have on hand for other uses as well.

Pet Buddies Dog Grooming Glove

This is a rubber glove with bristles that can be used for removing dead hair but also can be used for massaging your dog while you give him a bath.

Although it's not advertised for bathing, I like it best for that and found this one to be a higher quality that others. I massage the shampoo in and it seems to relax my dog - not an easy thing to do when she's in water.

I used to use Kong's Zoom Groom but some dogs find that too hard. The rubber bristles are not flexible.

The glove also is easier for me to use - no gripping - so I can control the pressure more easily. My dog gives it both paws up.

Some people like the trendy Bamboo Dog Grooming Glove better.

FUR Dry, Dog, Small

This product won second place as the 2011 Retailers Top Products from Pet Product News. It's a neat item that will make you make wonder why no one thought of it before.

From the manufacturer of the FURminator de-shedding tools, FUR Dry is drying microfiber towel that you put on your dog to dry him off. No more letting him shake his wet coat over all your clothes, furniture or carpets.

It can be used anytime your dog gets wet including after swimming or boating. It looks like a bathrobe for dogs with openings for his tail and head and a Velcro closing around his chest.

Leave it on 30-minutes and his coat will be dry. My dog accepted it without problem.

I think the way it surrounds and hugs the dog creates a calming effect. In fact, I think you could try it instead of the Thundershirt that helps calm anxious dogs during storms and fireworks.

Comes in 5 sizes from extra small to extra large.

Western Cowboy Dog Beach Towel

This is not only a nice towel but a great gift for someone who loves dogs and the old West.

Other themes include Surfer Dog Beach Towel and Puppy Dogs in Wash Tub Beach Towel. All very cute and gift worthy.