How to express a dog's anal glands

Expressing a dog's anal glands is always an unpleasant experience, but sometimes a very necessary procedure if you are a responsible dog owner. I'm always surprised whenever I meet people who don't know that they need to regularly check their dog's anal glands. Research before you bring a pet home, people!



Where the red circles are.

A dog's anal glands are located at about the four and eight o'clock positions around the dog's anus. Their purpose is to secrete this foul-smelling stuff that is your dog's unique scent, which is why you often see dogs sniffing each other's butts — it's how they learn each other's smells.

Normally, dogs will be able to push out anal secretions every time they defecate, but if a dog's stool is too soft or if he is simply not able to manage this, the anal glands may become impacted and swell. This causes the dog discomfort, and usually this is when dogs begin scooting their behinds along the floor to try to alleviate their suffering. Sometimes, anal glands will swell to such a size that you will actually be able to see them slightly protruding through the dog's skin around his anus. If anal glands are allowed to become too impacted, they could rupture. This poses a serious health risk for your dog, and surgery may be necessary to fix the problem.

Draining a dog's anal glands is somewhat of a controversial practice, and I explain the controversy in my previous post about how to keep your dog clean. But if you do need to express your dog's anal glands, then it's very important to do it right to prevent scaring or injuring your dog in the process. Some people prefer to wear gloves while doing this to avoid getting anal secretions all over their hands. I simply schedule sessions to express my dog's anal glands during the time he takes a bath, so I can do the procedure and immediately rinse the mess clean when I bathe him.

There are two ways to do it:

Externally:

1. Locate the anal glands at the four and eight o'clock positions.
2. With your thumbs, firmly apply pressure to the anal glands in an upward motion, squeezing them toward the anus. If there is any fluid inside, it should come out of the dog's anus at this point. Be careful, sometimes anal secretions shoot out, and you're the target! Some people hold a piece of tissue against the dog's bottom to prevent getting hit.

If you find there are no secretions coming out, then stop. You don't want to accidentally injure your dog by squeezing too hard.

Sometimes a dog's anal glands are simply impossible to express externally, and sometimes dogs' anal glands shift positions or recede deeper ino their bodies as they grow and age. In this case, interal exrpression of the anal glands is probably necessary. If you're particularly squeamish about sticking your finger up your dog's popper, then a glove is probably a good idea for this one.

Internally:

1. Insert your index finger into your dog's anus and locate the anal glads at the four and eight o'clock positions. Try to be gentle, your dog is probably very uncomfortable.
2. With your thumb firmly pressed against your dog's flesh on the outside, press your index and thumb together against the anal gland to push out any secretions.

Again, if there are no secretions coming out, you can stop the procedure.

If you think your dog's anal glands need to be drained and you absolutely can't figure out how to do it, or can't stomach the process, then take your dog to the vet. A veterinarian will absolutely be able to help you express your dog's anal glands.

Good luck!

How to properly cut a dog's nails

I want to cover several aspects of cutting a dog's nails in this post: what kind of nail clippers to use, the length and angle nails should be cut, what to do when you accidentally cut the quick, and how to go about cutting dogs' nails if you have a particularly skittish canine.

It's important to keep a dog's nails at an appropriate length, because when dogs' nails get too long, their posture is affected, as they will change the manner in which they walk and stand in order to accommodate the extra length. This can seriously affect their bones and muscles, causing permanent damage. Moreover, a dog's blood vessels and nerves will eventually extend into their longer nails, which means if the nail is damaged or cut later on and a nerve is severed, they will experience a great deal of pain.

This is why it's essential to keep a dog's nails trimmed, and trimmed properly.

How often should you cut a dog's nails?

These dogs get a lot of outdoor activity,
so their nails probably won't need to be
trimmed as often.

It depends on the dog's activity level and what kinds of surfaces he walks on. If your dog is very active that spends a lot of time outdoors on rough surfaces, his nails are probably well worn and he won't need grooming in this area very often. However, if your dog does not do a lot of activity that allows his nails to naturally be worn down, you most likely will have to trim his nails more often.

A quick way to tell if your dog's nails need trimming is by seeing if they touch the floor when he is standing up. If they are pressing against or touching the floor, then they should be cut. You can probably also hear that they need cutting when the dog is walking or running around, as their nails will make a tell-tale clicking sound against the floor. There should at least be a millimeter or two of space between a dog's nails and the floor when they are standing still.

What kind of dog nail clippers should you use?

There are many different kinds of dog nail trimmers and clippers available on the market. It really boils down to what you and your dog are comfortable using.

I prefer using basic clippers to make clean simple cuts. If you opt for this method make sure you get the right size for your dog's paw. The downside to these is that if you're not experienced or careful, you can easily cut the quick.



Some people like using the electric trimmers that file down a dog's nails. Those help you take away small layers of nail at a time. I have heard that some electric tools get hot the longer the rotary turns against the nail though, which can be painful for the dog.

Basically, every kind of tool has their pros and cons. It's up to you to figure out what you like best.

How to create a pleasant nail-cutting session

This is very similar to how you would get a dog used to the idea of getting his teeth cleaned. You essentially want to teach your dog to trust you whenever it's time to get his nails cut.

When first introducing your dog to a nail clipper, have his favorite treats ready as well. Before you start your first session, put some time aside to let your dog smell the clipper and handle it near its feet often. When finally comes the time to cut his nails, remember to remain calm throughout the process and to gently shower the dog with praise a regular intervals. When the entire thing is over, give your pet treats so that he learns to associate nail-cutting with a positive experience.

If it's too late to introduce your dog to a pair of nail clippers for the first time, and he is already nervous around clippers and is distrustful of anyone who has them, well, we'll discuss that later in the post.

Trimming to the correct length and angle

When you're cutting a dog's nails, particularly a dog with dark nails, take off at most only a millimeter at a time. This way you avoid accidentally nicking the quick. The quick is easy to identify for dogs with light colored or clear nails, as it is the pink part inside of the nail. However, it's impossible to see in dogs with black nails, which it's why safer to simply only cut or shave off at most millimeter during each nail-cutting session. Trim nails at most on a weekly basis; this will allow the quick inside of the nail to recede from the previous trimming session.

Make sure the blade or trimmer you're using takes of the nail from a top to bottom position, rather than from side to side. This will minimize the dog's discomfort. When you see a small oval- or circle-shaped area emerge in the center of the nail, that means you're getting close to the quick and you can stop and go on to the next nail.

The cut to a dog's nail should also be at a slanted angle to prevent accidentally nicking the quick, as a dog's nails curve downward, and the quick grows in the same way. If you're not sure, begin by aiming for the hard "outer shell" of the nail instead of the softer part in the middle.



The nails on the dog paw shown above are clipped to an appropriate length. Notice the small oval-shaped area in the middle.
Left: The ideal angle to trim a dog's nails. Right: The hard area of a dog's nail.

What to do if you accidentally cut the quick

Be prepared for a very unhappy dog. Trimming too close to the quick, or actually cutting it, will not only cause the nail to bleed, but it will cause your dog pain. Normally, in this situation, dogs will yelp and try to get away from you. And you can't really blame them, it hurts!

But in the unfortunate event that this happens, it's important not to freak out, as your panic will likely cause your dog even more distress and anxiety, which would signal to him that he is completely justified in distrusting you. Stay calm, give your dog a treat, and speak soothingly.

Apply clotting powder (available in any dog store or online) to the wounded nail to stop the bleeding. If you don't have any, baking soda or cornstarch works too.

Lastly, end the session right there. Try again another day and give your dog a break.

How to a cut the nails of a dog who HATES getting nails cut

Cutting a dog's nails can be really tricky business. I've had dogs that were completely relaxed around nail clippers and the entire process would take no longer than 5-10 minutes, and I've had dogs that freak out at the sight of a nail clipper. It all really boils down to what the dog has previously experienced while getting his nails cut, and personality.

If you have a dog that completely loses his mind when getting his nails cut, regardless of how much coaxing, pleading, and/or restraining you do, it's probably best to seek out a professional to do it for you. Better to spend a little money and have someone trained to do this do it right, rather than struggle through it and accidentally maim your dog!

How to keep your dog clean

I once met someone who said he liked dogs but wouldn't keep one because "all dogs smell". I told him that wasn't true. He responded that he grew up with a dog that always smelled. I shot back by saying the dog smelled because he wasn't taking proper care of it.

I know I probably offended this person, but I wanted to make a point. Any living creature will smell foul after awhile if its hygiene and nutritional needs aren't met. I'm sure we've all met actual people who have that problem. And the only thing I could focus on during my conversation with this individual was how his poor dog must've felt, emanating a stink day in and day out, but no one would help him because his owners figured that was normal, because "all dogs smell".

Dogs enjoy being clean as much as most people do. Unfortunately, they often need human assistance to maintain their hygiene. They really don't need fancy and expensive soaps to stay smelling fresh though. Heck, I wash my dog with only baking soda and apple cider vinegar and he does not smell at all.

However, it's important for pet owners to keep in mind that every dog has different needs when it comes to maintaining hygiene and health.

Bathing

Dogs don't require baths as frequently as people do. In fact, bathing your dog too often probably isn't a good idea, as it is beneficial to allow some of their natural oils to develop over their skin and fur. Some dogs can go for as long as a month without a bath, others may need a bath every week. It really depends on the dog's activity level and what kind of environments it comes in contact with.

If you're dog spends a lot of time indoors, and only takes walks on footpaths of well-manicured parks, then it probably doesn't need a bath as often as a dog who spend all day outdoors rolling in the mud.

A dog's personal body chemistry has a lot to do with it too. For example, my dog lives in the city and gets his exercise by running around a well-maintained park, but for some reason he has very oily skin. This means after a little more than a week without a bath he becomes very anxious as his skin becomes irritated and fur becomes matted from all the built up oil. Just like people, dogs can suffer from skin that is too dry or too oily. It is up to the owners to figure what bath schedule works best.

Grooming

Did you know there is more than one way to brush dog's fur?

How a dog's coast should be brushed and groomed doesn't just depend on whether it has short or long hair, but the kind of hair they have. Many short-haired dogs shed a lot more often, which means it's important to groom their coats often to help them get rid of the dead layers of fur underneath. Long-haired dogs may require more thorough brushing and trimming to prevent painful knots. Then there are wiry-haired dogs whose coats need to be stripped, a special kind of grooming process, to get the dead fur out.

Dogs whose coats aren't groomed properly are more likely to develop strange smells and even skin conditions due to all the dead hair and skin cells they're carrying around with them. If you're not sure how best to brush out your dog's coat, consult a vet or a grooming professional.

Oral hygiene

I mentioned this in a previous post about how important it is to maintain a dog's oral hygiene. Just like people, a dog whose teeth aren't properly and regularly cleaned can develop bad breath and gum disease, which can also result in death. It is extremely important to keep your dog's mouth healthy not just so it'll have fresh breath, but for the sake of its health.

Expressing anal glands

I'm always surprised to meet a dog owner who doesn't know about the dog's anal glands. A dog's anal glands, located on either side of its rectal opening, and secretes this horrible, awful smelling fluid that is actually your dog's signature scent. Every time your dog does its business, this scent is also released, letting other dogs know where yours has been.

Expelling anal glands is a bit of a controversial practice. Some say dogs' anal glands should not be expressed unless there is an actual problem; along the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" line of thinking. Others say a dog's anal glands should be expressed regularly to prevent the possibility of them becoming impacted and rupturing, in which case emergency surgery would be needed.

If you do not feel your dog needs to have his glands expressed regularly, at least keep an eye on them and make sure to regularly check that they are not swollen or causing your dog discomfort. One clear sign that your dog's anal glands are not being expressed enough on their own and may be impacted is when your pet begins to scoot his butt along the floor. This is an indication that the glands may need to be drained, and if you don't know how to do it, consult your veterinarian.

Nutrition and diet

Keeping a dog clean isn't just about how often it is washed and groomed. Nutrition and diet are also important in keeping a dog "clean" by boosting its immunity and keeping its body chemistry balanced. In people, being poorly nourished or suffering from poor health can sometimes cause bad breath and/or result in the body emitting certain odors. It's the same deal with dogs.

You are what you eat, and dogs are what they eat. Make sure your dog is getting the proper nutrients in its diet and isn't consuming foods that are hazardous to its health. You'd be surprised by how many foods are considered toxic to dogs.

Sleep areas and toys

If you shower regularly every day, it isn't going to do you a whole lot of good if your clothes haven't been washed in months and your bed is filthy. It's the same thing with your dog.

Remember to clean your dog's sleeping area and wash its bedding often. Make sure its chew toys are also regularly cleaned and/or replaced so that your pet isn't chewing on the same bacteria-infested playthings.

How to keep your dog clean

I once met someone who said he liked dogs but wouldn't keep one because "all dogs smell". I told him that wasn't true. He responded that he grew up with a dog that always smelled. I shot back by saying the dog smelled because he wasn't taking proper care of it.

I know I probably offended this person, but I wanted to make a point. Any living creature will smell foul after awhile if its hygiene and nutritional needs aren't met. I'm sure we've all met actual people who have that problem. And the only thing I could focus on during my conversation with this individual was how his poor dog must've felt, emanating a stink day in and day out, but no one would help him because his owners' figured that was normal, because "all dogs smell".

Dogs enjoy being clean as much as most people do. Unfortunately, they often need human assistance to maintain their hygiene. They really don't need fancy and expensive soaps to stay smelling fresh though. Heck, I wash my dog with only baking soda and apple cider vinegar and he does not smell at all.

However, it's important for pet owners to keep in mind that every dog has different needs when it comes to maintaining hygiene and health.

Bathing

Dogs don't require baths as frequently as people do. In fact, bathing your dog too often probably isn't a good idea, as it is beneficial to allow some of their natural oils to develop over their skin and fur. Some dogs can go for as long as a month without a bath, others may need a bath every week. It really depends on the dog's activity level and what kind of environments it comes in contact with.

If you're dog spends a lot of time indoors, and only takes walks on footpaths of well-manicured parks, then it probably doesn't need a bath as often as a dog who spend all day outdoors rolling in the mud.

A dog's personal body chemistry has a lot to do with it too. For example, my dog lives in the city and gets his exercise by running around a well-maintained park, but for some reason he has very oily skin. This means after a little more than a week without a bath he becomes very anxious as his skin becomes irritated and fur becomes matted from all the built up oil. Just like people, dogs can suffer from skin that is too dry or too oily. It is up to the owners to figure what bath schedule works best.

Grooming

Did you know there is more than one way to brush dog's fur?

How a dog's coast should be brushed and groomed doesn't just depend on whether it has short or long hair, but the kind of hair they have. Many short-haired dogs shed a lot more often, which means it's important to groom their coats often to help them get rid of the dead layers of fur underneath. Long-haired dogs may require more thorough brushing and trimming to prevent painful knots. Then there are wiry-haired dogs whose coats need to be stripped, a special kind of grooming process, to get the dead fur out.

Dogs whose coats aren't groomed properly are most likely to develop strange smells and even skin conditions due to all the dead hair and skin cells they're carrying around with them. If you're not sure how best to brush out your dog's coat, consult a vet or a grooming professional.

Oral hygiene

I mentioned this in a previous post about how important it is to maintain a dog's oral hygiene. Just like people, a dog whose teeth aren't properly and regularly cleaned can develop bad breath and gum disease, which can also result in death. It is extremely important to keep your dog's mouth healthy not just so it'll have fresh breath, but for the sake of its health.

Expressing anal glands

I'm always surprised to meet a dog owner who doesn't know about the dog's anal glands. A dog's anal glands, located on either side of its rectal opening, and secretes this horrible, awful smelling fluid that is actually your dog's signature scent. Every time your dog does its business, this scent is also released, letting other dogs know where yours has been.

Expelling anal glands is a bit of a controversial practice. Some say dogs' anal glands should not be expressed unless there is an actual problem; along the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" line of thinking. Others say a dog's anal glands should be expressed regularly to prevent the possibility of them becoming impacted and rupturing, in which case emergency surgery would be needed.

If you do not feel your dog needs to have his glands expressed regularly, at least keep an eye on them and make sure to regularly check that they are not swollen or causing your dog discomfort. One clear sign that your dog's anal glands are not being expressed enough on their own and may be impacted is when your pet begins to scoot his butt along the floor. This is an indication that the glands may need to be drained, and if you don't know how to do it, consult your veterinarian.

Nutrition and diet

Keeping a dog clean isn't just about how often it is washed and groomed. Nutrition and diet are also important in keeping a dog "clean" by boosting its immunity and keeping its body chemistry balanced. In people, being poorly nourished or suffering from poor health can sometimes cause bad breath and/or result in the body emitting certain odors. It's the same deal with dogs.

You are what you eat, and dogs are what they eat. Make sure your dog is getting the proper nutrients in its diet and isn't consuming foods that are hazardous to its health. You'd be surprised by how many foods are considered toxic to dogs.

Sleep areas and toys

If you shower regularly every day, it isn't going to do you a whole lot of good if your clothes haven't been washed in months and your bed is filthy. It's the same thing with your dog.

Remember to clean your dog's sleeping area and wash its bedding often. Make sure its chew toys are also regularly cleaned and/or replaced so that your pet isn't chewing on the same bacteria-infested playthings.

The importance of cleaning your dog's teeth

Many pet owners overlook their dogs' oral hygiene, but it's important to remember that dogs' teeth need regular cleaning and care, just like people's do.

Dogs with poor oral hygiene are susceptible to a number of dental problems, including gingivitis and tooth decay. These problems are highly preventable and can cost pet owners a lot of money. If money is no object to you, consider this — poor dental care will lead to bigger health problems for your dog down the road, such as bacterial infection that could result in blood poisoning, and death. Not to mention the fact that not all dogs are very expressive about being in pain. So if you fail to maintain your dog's oral hygiene, he may be suffering from discomfort, pain or infection, and you may not know it.

As soon as you bring a dog into your home, you should make a point of putting your hands near and in his mouth to check his teeth often. Not only will this help you become familiar with the nooks and crannies of his teeth and the normal coloring of his gums, it will help your dog become accustomed to people digging around in his mouth, which will help him remain calm come teeth-cleaning time.

Be gentle, don't exhibit any signs of frustration and speak in very soft, soothing tones. If your dog is incredibly resistant, don't force him. Wait until he's calm and try again. If you have an incredibly aggressive dog and are fearful for your safety, it's best to consult an expert or bring your dog to the vet to have his teeth-cleaning done regularly there instead.

How to clean your dog's teeth:

Purchase special toothpaste used for canines and a soft baby toothbrush, or special toothbrush designed for canines (you may even substitute the toothbrush with a clean washcloth). Allow your dog to become accustomed to both the toothpaste and toothbrush. Let him try some of the toothpaste (don't worry, dogs can safely ingest canine toothpaste), and let him investigate the toothbrush a bit, but not to the point that he thinks it's a toy. Remember to praise him while he becomes acquainted with the teeth-cleaning tools so he knows everything is all right.

When he's familiar with the tools, load some toothpaste onto the toothbrush, lift the flap of your dog's lips on one side so the teeth are visible, then gently brush his teeth back and forth. In the beginning, this may take several tries before your dog learns to trust the process. He may even learn to enjoy it. Remember to also tilt the brush so you can reach the the gum line and corners of the teeth. Repeat on the other side and front.

Lift your dog's "lips" on the side of his mouth so that the teeth and gums are visible.

For most canine toothpastes, there's no need to rinse out your dog's mouth after you're done brushing. The paste should have special enzymes in it that will break down the the food and kill the bacteria in his mouth. Remember to read the label to make sure you're using it correctly.

After you're done cleaning his teeth, give your dog a tasty treat that is designed to combat tartar buildup. This way, he'll associate the teeth-cleaning process with a reward in the future, and will be much more cooperative.

Remember that you will still need to bring your dog to the vet regularly, at least annually, to make sure his teeth and gums remain healthy. There are a lot of hard-to-reach places in a dog's mouth, and the vet will be able to determine if your dog's teeth have accumulated plaque that needs further treatment, and will have the special tools to accomplish that.

How to check to see if your dog's teeth and gums are healthy:

Besides cleaning, you should also check our dog's teeth and gums often to make sure they remain healthy. Dogs with healthy mouths should have gums that are a pink color. This can be a wide range from a light to dark pink color, which is why it's important for owners to familiarize themselves with the condition of their dogs mouths so they can tell when discolorations occur, which are indications of sickness.

An easy way to determine whether a dog may be sick is to press down firmly, but not hard, on his gums for a few seconds, then letting go. A healthy dog's gums will turn pale from the pressure, but quickly resume its natural pink color from blood rushing back to the area. If the area takes longer than a second or two to turn pink again, there is a high probability that the dog is sick, and most likely suffering from blood pressure problems.

Another very clear sign that a dog has come down with an illness or disease is when his gums have turned grey or white in color on their own. When this happens, the owner should get their dog to a vet right away to determine what the problem is. Gums that are sticky and dry are also clear indications of illness, as a healthy dog's gums should be very wet to the touch.

And speaking of ways to determine whether your dog is healthy, here is something every pet owner should know, a dog that has no appetite and/or will not drink water is most definitely sick, and a trip to the vet is in order.

How to properly remove ticks from a dog

Knowing how to remove ticks from your pet is one of the things dog owners absolutely need to know how to do. However, a surprising amount of dog owners still don't know how to properly remove a tick from a dog's body. The process is annoying, but simple. Here's how to do it.

**********

You'll Need:

- tweezers
- a match or lighter (anything that produces a flame), or small jar of rubbing alcohol

Directions:

1. Locate the tick and figure out which end is the head and which end is the body.

2. Using the tweezers, carefully and firmly grasp the head of the tick, but don't squeeze too hard, as you risk making the tick inject more disease-filled saliva into your pet. You want to grab the head of the tick as close to your dog's skin as possible. DO NOT grab the tick by the body, or you risk removing the body but leaving the tick's head in your pet's skin.

3. Gently begin pulling the tick directly from the skin. Be careful to NOT twist or pull the tick out at an angle, making sure the tick's head is directly perpendicular to the skin. Do not pull forcefully all at once either. Pull in gentle tugging motions until the tick is completely removed. Don't worry if the tick has such a strong hold on your dog that when the head comes out, some of your pet's skin or flesh comes out with it. Better that a minuscule amount of skin is removed from the dog than the tick's head being left inside of your pet. Remember to rub some anti-bacterial medication on the site of the bite after you've removed the parasite.

4. To kill a tick, hold it over an open flame until you hear it pop, then you know it's dead. You can also kill it by putting it in a small jar of rubbing alcohol. DO NOT rinse it down the sink, flush it down the toilet, or wrap it in tissue and throw in the trash. Ticks are incredibly resilient. Not only are you unable to kill ticks using those methods, but the tick may actually find a way to crawl back out and onto your pet.

**********

This is the best way that I know of to remove and kill ticks. There are products out there designed as special tools to help pet owners remove ticks easily, but I personally find a pair of tweezers are more than enough for me to get the job done. However, if you're not great at handling a pair of tweezers, then maybe investing in a tick removal tool is better for you.

Also, don't believe any of those myths that say putting nail polish, rubbing alcohol, vaseline or any other number of things on an offending tick will help it pull out of your pet's skin on its own. Doing any of these things may cause more harm than good by irritating the parasite to burrow deeper, regurgitate and inject more of its poisons into your pet. Always remove the tick and kill it. That is the only way you know for sure it won't continue to hurt your pet.

Treat your dog's folliculitis naturally with baking soda and apple cider vinegar

For years, my French Bulldog suffered from folliculitis, which would result in horrible, small red bumps on his back that caused him incredible itching and pain. I had been stressed for so long trying to help relieve his discomfort with medication, various diets and gentle shampoos.

That's when I decided to go the more natural route and try to treat his condition using only the most basic, natural products of baking soda and apple cider vinegar, and it worked!

It took some time before I saw concrete results, but I stuck with this regimen once a week, and was amazed at how much my dog's skin improved. By the second month he was completely free of painful red bumps and itching. I suspect his previous condition was due to clogged hair follicles caused by allergies or sensitivities to even the gentlest of dog shampoos. But the baking soda cleared that right up and even neutralized any unpleasant doggy smells, and the apple cider vinegar restored the pH balance of his skin. Speaking of which, apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are also great natural deterrents against fleas and ticks.

**********

You'll Need:

- baking soda
- apple cider vinegar
- warm water

Directions:

1. Pour a solution of baking soda and water over your dog's entire body. Add about 1 tablespoon of baking soda in every 1.5 cups of warm water you use.
2. Let it soak into its fur for about a minute, during which I like to run a rubber brush through my dog's fur to remove dead skin and hair.
3. Thoroughly rinse out the baking soda solution.
4. Follow up with a rinse of diluted apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup of warm water).
5. Let that sit for 1-2 minutes. My dog finds this extremely unpleasant since he isn't a fan of the smell.
6. Rinse out your dog's coat thoroughly, then dry him off completely, preferably with a hair dryer.

**********

Make sure that if you choose to bathe your dog this way to keep the solutions away from its face. Both baking soda and apple cider vinegar are extremely painful if they get into a dog's eyes or nose. Also, be gentle if your dog has any skin conditions, as there may be a stinging sensation if any open wounds come in contact with the apple cider vinegar.

I highly recommend this method to anyone with a dog who may be suffering from the same condition. I was so glad to have thought of it for my dog, and he's been a much happier and more comfortable canine ever since.