| Who likes a stinky dog? Not many. And when your | | | | a touch of baby shampoo to the mixture and use |
| dog is less than spring fresh, your attitude towards him | | | | accordingly. |
| may change. Although this may be as little a thing as | | | | Cost: under $5 |
| turning your face away when he jumps on you; | | | | All-natural Rinse |
| however, your dog can read into this behavior and | | | | If you use a store-bought shampoo, follow it with this |
| translate it into a sign of rejection. Like it or not, all dogs | | | | all-natural rinse. It will restore the ph balance of your |
| have to be groomed. And despite what you might | | | | dog's skin and will help remove any excess shampoo. |
| think, even shorthaired dogs need a good brushing | | | | Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one pint |
| now and again. | | | | of warm water and work into your dog's coat. Follow |
| But groomers can be quite expensive and may cause | | | | with warm water if desired. |
| your dog undo stress. So you don your raincoat and | | | | Cost: under $5 |
| lure your dog into the tub. Your next hurdle: what | | | | Perfume |
| shampoo do you use? Some dog owners use people | | | | Let's face it; washing a dog does take time. If you don't |
| shampoo under the assumption that if it's fine for them, | | | | have the time, the energy or any protective rain |
| it will be o.k. for Spot. This is not the case. In fact, many | | | | garments handy, you can always use a bit of scent in |
| commercial shampoos meant for dogs are actually | | | | a pinch. A spray will rest on top of the dog's coat and |
| too harsh for their skin and may cause irritation and/or | | | | will not harm the skin. This means that you can go to |
| dryness. Buying all natural shampoo may be the ticket | | | | the local drugstore and pick up a moisturizing body |
| but again, it is expensive. So what is one to do? Make | | | | spray that is to your liking and use it for your dog's |
| your own and give your dog a salon grooming in the | | | | toilette. Make sure you spray away from the dog's |
| comfort of your own house at a fraction of the cost. | | | | face and in a spot that she can't lick. |
| Herbal Shampoo | | | | If you want to use an application that is sure not to |
| You can make an excellent doggie shampoo from | | | | irritate your dog's skin, go to the health food store and |
| things that you probably already have around the | | | | pick up one of the following essential oils: rose, |
| house. A mixture of Aloe Vera gel and water work | | | | lavender, geranium, sandalwood or sweet almond. A |
| well. It is very mild on dog's skin and leaves their coat | | | | tiny bit rubbed into the skin along the spine will last |
| quite shiny. Slightly dilute a handful of Aloe Vera gel | | | | longer than a body spray (it will become more fragrant |
| with water and work the mixture into your dog's coat | | | | with body heat, so make sure you like the scent!) and |
| (it is best to apply this to a dry coat). Rinse with warm | | | | will not cause any irritation at all. |
| water. If you prefer to have a foaming shampoo, add | | | | |