Author: Chewy Editors

Two skunked St. Bernards in a Honda civic. A white German Shepherd in a brand new Escalade with dark interior. A dog walker’s van that spends every day packed with dogs fresh from the (muddy) Colorado trails. In a decade of running Smudge Car & Dog Wash in Colorado Springs, Colo., Robert Wulfe has seen—and cleaned—it all. Like Wulfe, any pet parent can attest that life with a dog can easily turn your car into a host for unpleasant odors, mud and furballs. But with a bit of preparation, maintenance and know-how, you can keep your car from looking and smelling like a kennel no matter how often your dirty dog rides in it with these road-tested, expert-approved tips.

Boiled chicken and rice is the canine equivalent to the age-old, human remedy of chicken soup. This homemade dog food can serve as an excellent short-term alternative to their typical diet when your furry friend is feeling under the weather. It’s bland enough for most dogs with upset stomachs or temporary digestive issues, yet still enticing to picky eaters. A sick dog is a sad dog, and that’s the last thing pet parents want. You can make this simple chicken and rice for dogs recipe when your sidekick is experiencing diarrhea or tummy troubles and hopefully set them on their way to happier times. As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

French Bulldogs are beloved for their compact size, affectionate personality, and signature smushed snout. But beneath their adorable appearance, Frenchies have unique health needs—including trouble breathing, joint problems, and a tendency toward allergies. This is where proper nutrition becomes important. Feeding your French Bulldog a high-quality diet can help support their overall health, and fresh food could be a go-to option for your pup.

Learning how to give a dog a bath can be a challenge. For humans, bath time is often associated with comfort and relaxation. But when it comes to our four-legged family members, baths can seem unpleasant and daunting. Having to struggle with an unhappy pooch every time a little personal upkeep is needed can be challenging, especially with a larger or stronger breed. To help create a calm environment for you and your pet, it’s critical to understand the root of your dog’s fear so you can comfort him and eliminate any unnecessary stressors. With the right tools and mindset for the job, you can learn how to give a dog a bath like a pro! Keep Calm: When it comes to bath time, there are plenty of factors that may seem scary to a dog that isn’t used to the loud sounds, uncertain environment and unfamiliar sensation of being in a tub. According to Alyona “Aly” DelaCoeur, UW-AAB, certified animal behaviorist, veterinary assistant, AKC Evaluator and founder of “Why Does My Dog,” “Do not force your dog into the bath … we really need to respect [dogs] and not force [them] to do things that [they may be] afraid of.” To acquaint your pooch with the process of getting clean, it’s critical to start young and condition your dog to associate baths with positive things. Remember, your dog feeds off your energy. To provide a stress-free environment even before bath time, encourage your dog to venture into the bathroom on his own, rather than pulling him in or picking him up against his will. “While you are training your dog to like baths, use … wipes to get [him] cleaned up. This way, you are not stressing your dog out and making him even more afraid,” says DelaCoeur. Dog wipes, such as Nature’s Miracle Spring Waters Deodorizing Bath Wipes can ease the process. Leave them by the door and use them to help freshen up your pup’s paws and coat when he comes inside. Have the Right Tools Handy: When dealing with a nervous pet, it’s important to consider the proper overall approach to the matter to help make your dog as comfortable as possible during times of distress. Having the proper dog grooming supplies can help alleviate obstacles so you can focus on the task at hand. The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo is effective in getting rid of unwanted bacteria and odors while soothing the skin to help with allergies or dryness. Using a dog shampoo that eliminates dirt but also preserves your pet’s natural oils is essential in keeping your pup’s coat shining and his skin healthy and hydrated. Provide a Comfortable Environment: It’s important to be thoughtful when considering the best approach on how to give a dog a bath. Cold water and a slippery surface can be an uncomfortable combination, so it’s no wonder a dog may head for the hills at the thought of bath time if we haven’t provided him with an environment conducive to his success. “Make sure you have a non-slip mat so your dog does not skid around [in the tub and] use warm water,” says DelaCoeur. “Dogs are more sensitive than we are to … hot water, so have it just warm enough for [him] to be comfy.” If your pooch is afraid of loud noises, also try filling up the bath before inviting him in, as running water can add to a dog’s anxiety of an already unnerving situation. When it comes to getting the job done, Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a soap-free formula that cleanses and hydrates your dog’s skin and coat. Not only does it soothe itching or dryness, but it will have your pet feeling and smelling like a million bucks. Reward Good Behavior: Helping your pet get comfortable in an uncertain environment is a step in the right direction when it comes to tackling bath time—and what better way to show your support than with copious ear scratches and belly rubs? The KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush is a great, 2-in-1 tool that keeps your pup engaged while allowing you to massage and simultaneously brush your dog. Try it with the FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs, an effective formula that creates a soothing sensation during bath time that helps reduce shedding afterwards. By helping your pet relax with a doggy massage and plenty of praise, you can encourage your dog to feel confident and to associate the bathroom with a more positive experience. Remember, having the right tools and positive attitude to provide your pup with the moral support he may need—even if that means getting in the tub with him—may be the little extra reassurance your pooch needs to stay happy. Dog grooming can pose a challenge for both pet and pet parent. Adding your dog’s favorite treat or water-friendly play item is certainly encouraged to support good behavior. After all, dog treats and toys make everything better, so rewarding your pooch with his favorite things can be the key to an even trade-of when learning how to give a dog a bath.

The holiday season is synonymous with feasts, family and fun. Including your pets in your holiday traditions is a great way to make sure everyone is full of holiday cheer. There are plenty of holiday activities you and your pets can do together, but when it comes to the holiday feast, keep it reserved for humans only. We know that the holiday spirit brings out everyone’s charitable side, but sharing your meals with your pets can reinforce undesirable dog behaviors. We talked with Paula Nowak, CPDT-KA, CTDI, the head trainer and behavior consultant for Canine Country Academy in Lawrenceville, Georgia, about training dogs to not beg. Here are some tips for setting your pups up for success when it comes to time spent around the dinner table. Nowak says that the best way to stop dog begging is to never let your dog practice the behavior to begin with. So if you just adopted a new dog or got a new puppy, you should start training them as soon as possible. During training, Nowak recommends, “At the dining table and/or counter, avoid rewarding your dog for actively begging.” Remember that rewards aren’t just food rewards. “Telling our dog to ‘Get down,’ or ‘Leave-it,’ can be seen as reinforcement since they are getting attention.”