by Lana Berkowitz

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Pets get a clean start at bath time

Sounds easy enough to bathe a dog. Get the pooch wet, add shampoo, rinse and dry. Your cleanup time afterward is another matter.

Bathing a pup can be a bonding experience for the pet owner, said Wendy Booth of Colorado Springs, Colo., who certifies groomers for the National Dog Groomer Association.

"I always like to remind my clients to brush the dog before you bathe them and comb, if applicable," Booth said. Brushing separates the hair, and combing removes flakes and hair.

Booth warns pet owners that they should use shampoo made for dogs, and rinse well.

"They need to absolutely buy professional shampoo. That's priority ‹ no Mr. Bubbles, no baby shampoo," Booth said. "Animals have a different pH balance than humans, and professional products are made to address that."

Follow the directions on the shampoo using tepid water, and then be diligent in removing the product from the dog's coat to prevent coat and skin issues, she said.

"When you think you're done rinsing your dog, keep on rinsing," Booth said.

Use a towel to dry the dog. When your canine pal is dry, go back through the dog's hair and brush first, comb second. "And you're good to go," Booth said.

If you don't want the mess in your house, pet owners can use a self-service dog wash, Booth said.

Because the time spent washing the dog can be less than the time you spend spreading towels in preparation, coaxing the dog to the tub and then cleaning up the watersoaked mess and grimy bathtub, Jan Bulawa opened Sasha's Suds N Duds on Sunset Boulevard about three years ago.

Like many do-it-yourself dog washes, the Sunset Boulevard location has tub and shower areas at different heights so humans won't have to bend too much. They also have water-proof aprons, a blow-drying area plus sponges and brushes. At Sasha's, where prices range from $14 to $20, technicians help with shampoo selection and advise on proper tools. Then the employees clean the tubs, tables, equipment and towels. There is no hair clipping or nail trimming.

It's best to let professionals handle scissors and clippers. Grooming pros also will brush the dog's teeth and express the anal glands, said Julie Dow, general manager of Happy Tails Dog Spa on Waugh Drive.

Dow says if pet owners can afford a dog, they should be able to afford to have a groomer professionally bathe it, generally not more than once a month.

"The best thing is to let the professionals handle it. Then your dog won't be pouty and mad at you," Dow said. "We do a whole lot better job than most people do, and the dog is happy to leave from here and is that much more excited to see their owner.

"So when they get picked up, it's like: 'Thank God, my parent came back to get me.' "

© The Houston Chronicle 2008