When your dog starts smelling like a dog, it’s time for a bath.

If your dog spends most of his day lying on his bed (or yours), a bath every month or two is fine. But if he is a regular on the dog park circuit and gets into lots of underbrush and muddy puddles, every few weeks or so is probably a good idea. Here are tips for giving your dog a bath:

¢ Assemble everything you’ll need – shampoo, lots of towels, a waterproof apron (for you) – before you begin. Some pet owners use the bathtub or kitchen sink, others opt for the garden hose.

¢ Brush your dog before the bath.

¢ Water temperature should be cooler than what you would use to wash yourself. Lukewarm is good.

¢ Use a shampoo formulated for dogs, not for people. Dog shampoos have a lower pH factor. Some vets prescribe special shampoos for skin conditions; take those along if you are going to a DIY facility.

¢ Lather and scrub all areas, using your hands. Be careful around the eyes and ears. Many self-service dog washes provide disposable ear and eye wipes.

¢ Feel your pet’s body for ticks, lumps and bumps as you are sudsing. New or unusual growths should be reported to your vet.

¢ Rinsing is important to prevent post-bath itching.

¢ DIY dog-wash centers usually provide professional-grade room-temperature hair dryers rather than the heated-air type people use. If you wash your pet at home, it’s not a good idea to use your own heated-air blow dryer; its high temperatures could make your dog overheated and dehydrated.

¢ At the end, a treat might be in order – for both of you.