How to Groom a Smelly Dog

Place a nonslip shower mat or old bath towel in the bottom of the bathtub, to keep your dog from slipping. This will not only prevent injury, but your dog will be less likely to struggle if it has firm footing.

Lift your dog into the bathtub and thoroughly wet down its coat -- starting at the neck and working toward its tail, with warm water. It's easier to use a detachable shower head for this, but you can also use a large cup or similar container to pour water over its coat. Either leave your dog's face alone, so you don't risk getting water in its ears or eyes, or carefully use a wet washcloth to remove any dirt.

Lather your dog's coat with a shampoo formulated to remove foul odors, starting at the neck and working toward the paws and tail. Look for shampoo with Cyclodextrin -- a natural ingredient that removes odors -- and essential oils or extracts from chamomile, lavender and rosemary.

If your dog has a short coat, use a rubber curry brush or rub your hands into the suds to remove any dirt while shampooing. If your dog has a long or double coat, massage its coat in the same direction as the hair growth, to avoid matting or tangling it.

Rinse your dog's coat with warm, clean water. As you rinse, run your hands through the coat until the water runs clean and free of soap suds. Any residue left behind will cause irritation, leading to chewing, licking and hot spots.

Run your hands over your dog's coat to squeeze out as much water as possible. Then lift your dog out of the bathtub. If your dog has a short coat, rub it dry with a towel. If your dog has a long or double coat, pat it dry to avoid tangling.

Mist your dog's coat lightly with a product designed to keep dogs smelling clean and fresh for even longer.