Every week there is one date I faithfully keep: ablutions time with my dogs. I dont know why we started calling it that C probably when I was completely and totally addicted to Regency Romance novels. According to Websters Dictionary, ablutions is a washing of the body, especially as a religious ceremony.

We dont actually do a full-body dog wash every week C Im told that less frequent bathing is better for a dogs skin and fur C and its not really a ritual. We do trim nails, brush fur and teeth, clean ears, and wash faces. Because of the breeds we have; Brussels Griffons, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, skin folds, beards and mustaches, and wrinkles get special attention.

Its down to a routine in our house; it doesnt take much more than about 15 minutes per dog, once you catch them. One person holds the dog. The other ablutes.And the benefits are vast. The dogs seem happier, they smell good, and we have the chance to check each one for anything that doesnt seem quite right.

Contrary to popular belief C clean, healthy dogs really shouldnt smell. Dog breath may be an indicator that the dogs teeth need cleaning. There are many products available to care for dogs teeth, but a start can be made with just a damp washcloth or gauze. Special toothpastes made just for dogs are readily available. Human toothpaste isnt a good idea C it can be too harsh and dogs tend to dislike both the foaming action and the taste of products made for people.

Your nose is an invaluable tool in assessing your dogs health. Any odor from a dogs ears may be a sign of infection. But we know that cleaning ears can be a challenge. We use a solution available from the veterinarian. Its inexpensive and helps wash away any dirt or wax. Getting it into the dogs ears is where the problem arises in our house. Even after four years of this weekly routine, our Boston Terrier struggles mightily to see what were doing. No matter how hard we try, we cant seem to convince her that no one can see inside her own ears!

Keeping a dogs nails trimmed is another part of the routine that can be challenging. Many people are wary of cutting the nails too close and hurting the dog by nicking the blood vessel. Some people avoid the problem by using a hand-held sanding device C but a light touch is essential. Power tools are exactly that C powerful. Its better to do too little than risk hurting the dog. Most groomers and veterinarians will trim nails for a nominal fee. If youre hesitant about trimming your dogs nails yourself, its well worth the monthly visit to have a professional do the job. Even if you dont trim nails yourself, take a look at your dogs feet. See if their pads have any calluses or cracks or any abnormalities.

Lastly, a good brushing, in addition to taking care of any tangles, or mats in the fur, will make your dog look and feel terrific. Youll distribute the natural oils that keep fur healthy and remove any dead fur that may have accumulated. By paying attention during brushing we discovered a growth on our Brussels Griffon we would not have discovered. A visit to the vet and a couple of stitches later, what might have been a major health issue later was disposed of with very little fuss. As with humans, early detection is the key for dogs.

Our weekly ablutions may not be as much fun as playing ball in the yard, but it is time well-spent with our beloved pets. Getting them used to the routine may take some patience but theyre well worth the effort.