I used to bathe my dogs once a week. Jeffrey developed dry skin and was constantly itching. On the advice of my vet, I switched shampoos (Hy-Lyte, with essential fatty acids: fantastic!) and I only bathe them when they smell ( about once a month or two). I was told by my vet that frequent baths stops the natural oils in their skin and causes dry skin. If you brush or comb their fur against the natural growth and you see flakes (almost like dandruff)their skin is dry.

Here's some tips for bathing your dog from www.ferretstore.com I never have problems with Jeffrey is an angel when taking a bath. Bandit hates it, as most Pugs do.

Before you fill the tub, make sure you have the following supplies: a bucket, a shower mat (to keep him from slipping), shampoo and conditioner (consult your veterinarian), towels, a blow dryer and a dog brush. Having everything together and organized will make bath time so much easier.

Get the bathroom ready. Shut all windows and close all air ducts. You don’t want your dog to get a chill. Lay extra towels on the floor for quick clean up, and put the shower mat in the tub.

Bring your dog into the bathroom, and shut the door. Most likely he’ll want to escape and hide under the bed.

Fill the tub with 3-4 inches of warm water. Remember, if it’s too warm for you, it’s definitely too warm for your dog.

Put the dog in the tub. Keep a firm hold and use reassuring words to calm him.

Take the bucket and wet the dog from the head to tail. Be careful not to get water in his eyes or ears.

Apply a small amount of dog shampoo to the top of the head and work your way down. Remember to stay away from the eyes and ears.

Drain the tub and run the water again making sure it’s lukewarm.

Use the bucket to rinse the head, avoiding the eyes and inner ears. Work the water toward the dog’s tail. Use your hands to work the water through the suds.

While your dog is still in the tub, let him shake excess water off his fur.

Drain the water from the tub and dry the dog with towels. Play close attention to areas where the fur is thick.

Remove your dog from the tub. Turn on the hair dryer to a cool or warm setting (not hot), testing the heat with your hand. Aim first for the thickest fur. Keep the hair dryer approximately 6 inches from the skin to prevent burning and over drying.

Now shower your pooch with love, affection and most of all treats

[This message has been edited by Genia (edited May 17, 2001).]