Is your dog's skin overly dry or flaky? Is its coat dull, and lack luster? Are there any problems that should be taken into consideration, such as lesions or rashes? Does the dog scratch, and bit areas of its body? Is the dogs coat matted, hard to groom after bathing or perhaps you are one of the lucky pet owners, which has a dog with a healthy coat and skin. All of the above should be taken into consideration before you proceed give your dog a bath.

Before bathing your dog do a good assist of the dog's skin and coat. This assessment will give you an idea about any special coat or skin problems your dog might be having at the time. With a good knowledge of your dogs skin and coats you will be able to purchase the right grooming products to make sure your pets particular needs are needs are met.

It's important to purchase the right grooming supplies you will need to groom your dog properly.

Your local pet store will carry a large variety of pet grooming products. So it is important to know what type of products you will need before your shopping trip. Purchase a good shampoo, perhaps a conditioner, which is suitable to your dog's coat and skin type. Also look for a tool for combing and brushing. Does your dog have bad breath? A simple cure, purchase a tooth brush, and doggy toothpaste. Its smart to get your dog accustom to good mouth care.

You have purchased all the right tools, its time to bath your dog. The first thing to consider is where you will bath the dog? You need a warm water source, and naturally an area that will accommodate your dog's size. As a rule a wash room tub, sink or bathtub can be used. As mentioned a warm water supply should be available.

Before starting your dog's bath, brush the dog to remove snarls and any lose hair or debris. If you find mats that need to be cut out, do it before you begin the bath. This bit of pre-grooming will make your job of brushing out wet dog hair a lot easier. It is now time to wet the dog down.

Ideal water temperature a little warmer than luke warm is a suitable temperature to use when wetting and rinsing the dog. Never use hot water. Hot water will irritate the dog's skin.

Make sure the dog is fully wet, and its coat ready to accept the shampoo. Add the appropriate shampoo you chose for your dog, making sure not to get any shampoo in the dog's eyes. Lather the coat well, making sure to lather the entire coat. If the dog is especially dirty, let the lather sit for a few minutes, then rinse well. Make sure all the shampoo is thoroughly removed. If you have opted to use a rinse, follow the manufacture directions closely. After rinsing, use a towel to dry the dog. I recommend following up (until almost dry) with a blow dryer, using the setting warm to cool. Never use high heat; it can cause burns, and rashes.

Does your dog have hot spots, inflamed areas from minor bug bites, itchy skin, and dry dull coat? Is your dog prone to bacterial infections, from skin problems that result from allergies problems? Some breeds are more apt to develop skin irritations due to allergies problems, such as West Highland White Terrier. I have a wonderful tried and true home remedy that I use on my own Westie "Rose".

This natural rinse will aid in decreasing bacteria, healing sores, and give soothing relief from itchy skin. The rinse is applied after the shampoo has been rinsed out as a final step to the dog's bath. I have had great results using my rinse recipe on my own dog Rose. Rose's skin went from raw to wonderfully normal, within a couple months. Where she used to need daily oral steroid, she now requires none. I hope you will give this rinse a try.

Rose's Rinse

3 table spoons white vinegar

2 cups warm water

1 camomile tea bag or 1 tablespoon dried camomile flowers in tea ball.

1 table spoon lavender dried flower buds.

1 cup boiling water to steep the dried flowers

Let the dried flowers steep for about ? hour.

If you did not use tea ball, strain out dried flowers.

Mix the tea solution with the vinegar, and remaining warm water.

Pour onto the dogs coat do not rinse. Vinegar smell will dissipate when the dog drys.

It works great on humans too... Enjoy