A survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that American households own 78.4 millions dogs. And every one of those 78.4 million dogs, at some point…well…smells like a dog.

“Washing your dog doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience for you or your pet,”Patty Mueller (pet care expert, founder of Rinse Ace brand pet goods)www.rinseace.com “Bathing your pet indoors is an easy, less-stressful alternative to a groomer -; or a backyard garden hose and bucket. All you need are a few inexpensive items and a little planning.”

The lifestyle of your dog and the breed will determine how often you bathe it. Too often bathing can cause skin irritation. You should only wash your dog when it begins to smell bad or gets dirty. “doggy.”

These are some tips that will make bath time less stressful for both pet and owner.

Pre-bath anxiety can be reduced by having your pet absent.

To stop your pet from sliding and to protect the bathtub or sink from scratching, place a bathmat at the bottom.

To catch pet hair, place a screen over the drain.

To get rid of mats and tangles in the hair, brush or comb the whole coat before bathing.

To secure your dog in the tub, sink or shower, attach bathing tethers. This keeps your dog in place and allows you to use your hands more effectively.

– A shower hose that has a sprayer to control water flow like the Rinse Ace pet shower Deluxe is a good choice. This will conserve water and help keep you from wasting it. “spooking”Take care of your pet. Keep your pet close so that you can thoroughly soak its skin and coat. Cupfuls of water are not enough to completely soak a pet, particularly its underbelly.

Use shampoo and conditioner that are made for dogs only. Never use products intended for human use.

Apply shampoo to the dog with a shampoo mitt, instead of directly on the skin. This will ensure that shampoo is evenly distributed throughout the hair. Make a thick lather and rinse the shampoo with the shower hose until it runs clear. Continue the process with conditioner. Rinse thoroughly, as any conditioner or shampoo residue could cause irritation.

Allow your pet to shake off any initial water. Next, squeeze out any water remaining with your hands. Finally, towel dry your pet. Keep your pet dry indoors and away from drafts.