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Ask A Philadelphia Expert: 5 Tips For Giving Your Pet A Quality Bath

Kathy Owens
Bow Wow & Meows Grooming Spa
801 N. 24th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-3213
www.bowwowmeowspa.com

So you took the dog to the park for some exercise and he managed to find every muddy puddle in the park to roll around in. Your dog groomer doesn't take walk-ins and you're left with the grueling task of giving him a bath. It's important to know the basics on giving your dog a quality bath because dogs come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention different temperaments.

Philadelphia's dog grooming spa Bow Wow & Meows Grooming Spa is located in the Fairmount neighborhood of the city and within walking distance of the Art Museum area. Kathleen Owens is the owner of Bow Wow & Meow and is a certified pet stylist with over 13 years experience. Owens and the staff will be celebrating 10 years in business this November. All the groomers at BW&M are certified groomers with years of experience. A stress-free atmosphere for both you and your pet is guaranteed. Prices vary, depending on the breed of your pet. BW&M are happy to advise all their customers on the proper care for your pet's particular needs. Kathy Owens at Bow Wow & Meow offers some basic tips on giving your pet a quality bath you can do between grooming sessions.

Check The Skin

Check your dog's skin for allergies, dry skin or hot spots. If your dog is having problems, be sure to visit your vet for proper care before treating it yourself. Your vet may recommend or prescribe a medicated shampoo.

Quality Products

If your dog does not have any skin irritation it is still important to use high-quality products. Regardless of the kind of coat your dog has, it is important to use a product made for pets. Shampoo for humans can be harsh on a dog's skin and coat.

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Research Products

Research quality shampoos — choosing the right shampoo is crucial. Look for shampoo and conditioners that are best for your breed. Look for a pH-balanced formula designed to clean and shine. Look for an all-purpose shampoo with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile or oatmeal.

Dry Thoroughly

It is also important to dry the dog properly and thoroughly, this is best done in a grooming salon the possess the proper equipment. For at home drying, let your dog shake off any excess water then towel dry them, or use a blow-dryer at a low cool setting until fully dry.

Brushing And Combing

If you have a dog with a smooth coat such as a pug, you want to use a curry to brush out the loose hair then dry one last time. For a dog with a full coat, such as a poodle, you want to use the proper brushes and comb so the hair does not matt. For a double coated dog, such a German Shepherd, use the proper racks, brushes and combs to ensure the finish is done right.

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Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/

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