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

A Dog's Life
(Photo by G. R. Greated/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Being a pet owner is rewarding on so many levels - the unconditional love received from our animal friends alone often has animal lovers joking about how they prefer the company of animals even to other humans. But caring for your pets can sometimes provide daunting tasks between knowing how to best care for them to, at times, some pets being less than cooperative. In order to help, CBS Local talked with a professional from Boone County Animal Services about some tips for giving your pet a quality bath.

Joana Acevedo Ocasio
Boone County Animal Services
1230 S. Appleton Road
Belvidere, IL. 61008
(815) 547-7774
www.facebook.com/boonecountyillinoisanimalservices

Joana Acevedo Ocasio began her career with Boone County Animal Services as a registration data entry clerk, but in her third year was promoted to office manager. She's now been with the county for eight years and admits that it's a job that can be difficult, but she finds comfort in knowing that she can help make a difference. "Working here I've seen a lot of horrible things, and just knowing that we as a group can change things - it's worth it," explained Ocasio. "You know how they say we speak for them [the animals], well, we actually do." Like many animal lovers, Ocasio has actually brought some of her work home with her — literally — by adopting some of the pets that she's helped rescue. There are four dogs and three cats who have been welcomed into her home now, and when not hard at work with the county, Ocasio is also a mom, new grandmother and an indy author.

Prior To The Bath

Be sure to brush your pet and remove any mats and tangles because this will be too difficult, and possibly painful for the pet, after the fur is wet. Carefully remove any spurs or foxtails that you may discover in their coat. Gather your supplies before your pet is even in the tub: shampoo, washcloths, a water pitcher and lots of towels — and it's helpful to have shampoo and any other bottles open beforehand to avoid difficulty when wet and potentially holding your pet in place. Be sure that water is warm but not hot, and only fill to about knee-level. If your pet has significant matting, you may want to instead contact a professional groomer to avoid hurting your pet.

Watch For Fleas And Ticks

If you discover fleas or ticks in your pet's fur and still want to bathe your pet at home, visit a veterinarian or groomer to find out which shampoos work best. Some over-the-counter brands may cause burns on your pet's skin or other adverse reactions. Carefully read the labels on all flea and tick treatments to ensure a correct dosage for your pet according to their age, weight and species. If you're not comfortable treating your pet at home for their fleas or ticks, consult with a professional groomer instead.

During The Bath

Keeping the spray on low and starting with your pet's back and shoulders to allow them to adjust to the water. For some pets, having a favorite toy in the water is just as helpful as it is for bathing children. Do not spray water directly in a pet's face and avoid getting water and shampoo into their ears and eyes. Later, lather them up and then rinse gently until the water runs clear. Talk to your pet tenderly during the bath -- the sound of your voice will help calm them if they don't like taking baths.

Related: Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Chicago

After The Bath

If your pet's fur is long, gently squeeze out excess water. Wrap them in a big, absorbent towel and begin to rub dry, but if their fur is prone to tangle, lightly pat dry instead. Allow your pet to shake if they so choose, and be sure to reward them with a favorite treat. A reassuring cuddle from their favorite human (that's you!) can also help to calm your pet after a bath.

Trimming Their Nails

If your pet's nails grow too long it can become painful, making it difficult to walk, and can result in infection. Nails that aren't trimmed properly and when needed also become hard to clip without hurting the pet. Slowly introduce your pet to the nail clippers, and when you begin, take it slow and easy. Pick up one of their paws and gently touch their toes and nails for a few seconds before you begin. Be sure to reward them with a treat afterward. And again, if trimming your pet's nails is something that you're not comfortable with doing on your own, then consult a groomer or your vet.

When asked if there was anything else Ocasio would like to add, she replied: "Love your pets, and please spay and neuter."

Related: Ask A Chicago Expert: Tips For House Training Your Dog

Soon after earning her BA in journalism, Melanie Falina began writing about one of the loves of her life - music. Since then, she's covered some of the biggest names in music, in addition to writing on an array of other topics as well. She has written for Black Belt magazine, KISS: The Official Authorized Quarterly Magazine, Examiner, AXS.com, Yahoo Voices, and more, and was editor for Don Lemmon's KNOW HOW Book Three, Refuse To Fail. Melanie is also a poet with five published collections of poetry available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and various establishments.

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