what is the best way to wash/groom a chocolate lab. I found one that is very dirty.?

Question

It seems in good health but it really stinks and is very dirty. Also inside the ears is gross!

in response to the first answer.... I think I am too smart to pay someone to do something I can do myself with the right advice. I also clean my own house and car, and if you don't you are a fool!

Answer 1

Inspect him first for fleas and ticks. Flea poop are little dark crumbs in the fir and ticks like to attach themselves around the neck and in the ears and anywhere else they can easily access a vein. If the dog has ticks or needs a flea dip, take him to Petsmart's groomer. Not too expensive but worth it. Otherwise you can bathe him in your tub.

All pet stores offer different types of pet shampoo. I would probably recommend you get one for dogs who've been "skunked" or otherwise zapped by a varmint. They deodorize well. Most have good instructions on the packaging about how long to leave the lather on in what situation.

Ideal home bath situation is one where your showerhead is on a hose so that you can rinse without having to fill and dump buckets of water onto the dog. Even better if you have shower doors. Put on your swimsuit and get in there with the dog so he won't take off on you. You can always shower yourself when you're done :) Failing a situation like that, set things up the best you can with what you have.

Basic steps: Water warm, but not necessarily as warm as YOU like a shower. If your tub has a slippery floor, put a towel down in the tub for him to stand on so he won't freak out. Close the bathroom door and remember to cover the floor with towels, he'll want to rub against them to dry off immediately. Get some chunks of cheese or hot dogs or something around to use as treats/bribes in case he's resistant. A friend at the door as backup catcher is also a good idea if he bolts. You do NOT want to go rushing after him through the house, he'll think it's a great fun game!

Before you wet down the dog, realize that he may shake and spray you with water, mud, lather, or combinations thereof. Soak the dog down from nose to tail and avoid the eyes. Apply the shampoo and lather and rinse, and scrub him about as briskly as you shampoo your own hair. Then reapply the shampoo and give him another gentle scrubbing, and (usually) leave it on for a couple of minutes, and rinse off. Gently run soapy fingers between his toes and armpits and groin (no, he won't go nuts when you wash his naughty bits). If you want to wash his face, use a washcloth soaped up with shampoo, rinse gently and again, avoid the eyes. Don't forget his underside and tail and all four legs.

After the second rinse, shake your body to show him it's time to shake off all that water. If that doesn't work, pat his wet shoulders to remind him how annoying it is to be wet.. he'll shake. If he shakes two or three times, it will shorten the towel drying time a little.

You can take a soft cloth with some mineral oil or commercial ear wash (from pet store) on your finger, and dig into his ears gently to clear the hair and mung. I don't recommend you clip his nails without someone showing you in person.

After the bath, you can turn him loose in the bathroom - he will probably go right for the towels and contort on the floor semi-frantically to dry himself off. Once he slows down, grab some of the towels and help him out. You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. Some dogs even turn around so you can "get" the other side!

You're going to want to have him looked over by a vet if you intend to hang onto him. He'll need to be reported as a stray in case his family is looking for him. Call your local village or police dept. to find out how.

Good luck!
CJ

Answer 2

Okay if your gonna take the dog in, 1st get shots call local petco , pet supplies plus they have the traveling vets who give shots Get the love my dog special its about 45$ but they get all shots needed. My lab loves h2o so as far as the bath grab the hose some soap and go to town. You can also call a moblie groomer but that will be about 100-150$. If you get the lab clean at home and you get the shots any vet will clip nails for about $12. Get a good shampoo (Mediclean is great I have only seem in a mint green color, keeps them clean, smells nice and helps repair their skin and coat. Hope that helps and good luck

Answer 3

I have a lab and I would NOT bathe them in the house unless you want a very wet house because they will shake everywhere and a clogged drain because they shed a lot. Go outside and use a hose. You might want to keep a collar on the dog so that you can hold on to that while you are bathing him so he doesn't run off. I would use a flea and tick shampoo since you found it. They make brushes that you can use while bathing that have big, soft bristles that massage your dog and get all of the gunk off.

Answer 4

Just use dog shampoo and follow the directions on the bottle. If it is a puppy, you could even just use baby shampoo. (put some on the back of his neck (after he's all wet) and lather it all around. be carefull to keep it out of his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. )I'd talk to a vet about his ears. Maybe ear mites?

Answer 5

Put it in the bath tub and secure it with the leash so it won't jump out. In this case you can just use dish liquid to get her clean... do not stick q-tips in her ears!!! only use cotton balls and water with mild soap or a little rubbing alchol to clean the ears.

Answer 6

Dog shampoo the backyard hose ,maybe a brush

Answer 7

take it to a pet grooming place if you were smart you would know that already.

Answer 8

just shower it with the best of your instincts!