Frequency of Baths: Water procedures for dogs are divided into routine and emergency baths (before a show or if the dog gets very dirty). The frequency of routine baths depends on the breed, the dog's lifestyle, and the season:

   - For short-haired dogs, one bath a month is sufficient, while long-haired ones need to be bathed weekly or once every two weeks.
   - Larger dogs need more frequent hygiene, with small dogs like terriers, cocker spaniels, and poodles needing baths once every 1-2 weeks.
   - The more active the dog is and the more it gets into dirt during walks, the more often it needs bathing.
   - Dogs living outdoors in a kennel or enclosure are bathed every 2-3 months, while those living indoors should be bathed at most every 1.5 months.
   - In urban areas, substances accumulate on the fur faster, necessitating more frequent baths than in environmentally clean areas.

Bathing Schedule: Usually, the optimal bathing schedule with shampoo is determined empirically. If a domestic dog is bathed too often in an attempt to get rid of the smell, the result may be the opposite. The sebaceous glands start producing more secretion - a source of unpleasant odor. Shedding may intensify, and dermatitis may develop. Dogs should not be bathed with cleaning agents more often than once a week. Emergency baths are acceptable if the dog has rolled in something smelly.

Summer Bathing: In summer, if the dog shows a desire to swim during a walk near water bodies, it can be allowed to do so every day. The main thing is not to allow it to roll in the sand after bathing. At home after a walk, the paws should be washed or wiped with a damp cloth (the latter option is suitable for dry, clean weather). You can also fully bathe the dog in the shower every day, but without using soap or shampoo. Overdoing water procedures in winter is not recommended due to the risk of hypothermia.

Necessary Equipment for Bathing: For bathing a small dog, a basin can be used, while a large one can be bathed in a bathtub. To prevent slipping, a rubber mat or thick towel is placed on the bottom. Additionally, you'll need:

   - Dog shampoo (chosen based on the type of fur, which may have a therapeutic effect - for dandruff, skin irritation, or excessive shedding). If necessary, an insecticidal shampoo against fleas and ticks can be used.
   - Conditioner, especially needed for long-haired dogs.
   - Sponge, loofah, rubber brush.
   - A small container for diluting shampoo.
   - Several towels, preferably waffle or microfiber, or a bedsheet for larger dogs.
   - If a dog is afraid of water or reacts aggressively to bathing, it's recommended to tie it to a pipe with a leash, put on a nylon muzzle (which also prevents swallowing foam), and wear clothing with long sleeves for hand protection. Before bathing, the animal should be thoroughly combed, mats untangled or cut off, and cotton pads placed in the ears if they are being bathed. If the ears are bathed, it's advisable to protect the head with a cap.

Bathing Process: After all the preparatory procedures are done, the dog is placed in the bathing container, and the bathing process begins.

- The dog is sprayed with water from the shower until the entire fur and undercoat are wet. Skin oils may hinder wetting, so this step may take 5-10 minutes.
- Shampoo is diluted with water in a bowl or bucket, lathered, and evenly distributed over the body using a sponge.
- The fur is massaged in circular motions following the direction of hair growth, paying special attention to soiled areas. A rubber brush can be used effectively.
- After rinsing off the shampoo, conditioner diluted with water is applied using another sponge, and it is left on according to the instructions while massaging the fur with a brush.
- The fur is thoroughly rinsed until clean water starts running off without any lather.
- During the bathing process, it's essential to ensure that water does not enter the ears, and the stream is not directed towards the groin or armpits. Owners of suburban houses can bathe their dogs in the yard during the summer by using a hose or a bucket with water. If the weather is warm, a full bath with shampoo and conditioner can be organized outside.

Drying Process: After bathing, excess water is gently squeezed out of the fur with hands and the dog is carefully dried with towels, moving in the direction of hair growth. If the dog is not too large, it can be wrapped in a towel. The dog is placed in a warm place without drafts to rest and fully dry. Long fur is better dried with a hairdryer, which can also be used in cold weather to speed up drying and prevent the dog from getting cold. However, the dog should be accustomed to the sound of the hairdryer and it should be operated at a lower power setting to avoid burns. During the drying process, the fur is gradually combed, starting from the areas with shorter hair.

Dog Hygiene Tips: Dogs should be bathed at least once a quarter, even if they live outdoors. However, excessive bathing with detergents disrupts the activity of sebaceous glands, leading to skin and fur problems. Specialized products for dogs should be used, preferably without strong chemical scents. If immediate bathing is necessary and there is no dog shampoo available, baby soap can be used, followed by mixing egg yolks with water to make a nourishing fur mask.

In summer, dogs can be bathed in clean open water bodies without detergents, but the bottom should be inspected beforehand to prevent paw injuries. After bathing in the sea, rinsing with fresh water is essential. If for any reason bathing the dog at home is not possible (e.g., the dog is too large, or there's no bathtub of appropriate size), specialized pet grooming salons can be utilized.