Professional dog grooming helps keep your pet’s coat in good condition, but if your dog loves playing outside, you’ll probably need to bathe them between appointments. The team at Robinwood Kennel in Highland Heights, KY, encourages dogs to run and play—and they want to help dog owners keep their pet’s coat looking and feeling great.

Here are a few simple tips to help make washing even the dirtiest dog as simple as possible:

• Pre-Rinse Outside: If your dog is particularly muddy or stinky, start by rinsing them off outside. This way, all the excess dirt and grime stays in the yard rather than getting embedded in your carpet or staining your walls if your pup shakes his coat out.
• Work in a Room That Is Easy to Clean: To bathe your dog, move to an easy-to-clean area. If it’s warm outside, you can wash him in the yard, but if the weather is still cool, move to the bathroom and lay towels on the floor to soak up spills and puddles.
• Soap Up: Dog grooming experts recommend using a pet-friendly shampoo to keep your furry friend’s coat clean and conditioned. These products are formulated with vitamins, minerals, and moisturizers to keep your dog’s skin happy as well. Use enough shampoo to coat your dog’s fur in a thick lather. Make sure to scrub all the way down to the skin so the moisturizers can penetrate and relieve any itching.
• Rinse & Dry in the Tub: Rinse the suds out thoroughly and repeat the process as needed. If your dog’s coat is extremely dirty, it may take more than one shampooing to get all the muck out. Once the shampoo is gone, dry your dog in the tub. Try to toss a towel over them before they shake to reduce water splatter.

If your pup is too dirty to groom at home, schedule an appointment with a professional. At Robinwood Kennels, the team provides attentive and stimulating dog sitting in addition to their high-quality dog grooming services. For more information on pet boarding and grooming, visit their website or call (859) 781-2352.