How to Keep Your Dog Clean Between Baths

Most everyday dog smell comes from dirt, dander and bacteria building up on the coat and skin, especially after walks, meals and rolling around outside. A damp coat makes it worse. A quick wipe-down that removes that layer usually fixes it without a bath.

A strong smell that keeps coming back can also come from the ears or the mouth rather than the coat. See How Often Should You Clean Your Dog's Ears? and How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth Without Brushing.

• Wipe the coat: a pet grooming wipe or glove removes loose fur, dander, dirt and odor-causing bacteria in a minute or two.
• Clean paws after walks: mud and dirt on paws end up on the coat, the sofa and the bed.
• Brush regularly: brushing lifts loose fur and debris before it builds up.
• Keep bedding clean: a clean dog on a dirty bed won't stay fresh for long.
• Dry the coat after rain or swimming: a damp coat is what turns into that wet-dog smell.

1. Slip the glove onto your hand.
2. Stroke along the coat in the direction the fur grows, back, sides, chest and legs.
3. Finish with the paws, and any spot that got messy after a walk or a meal.
4. Keep away from the eyes.
5. Close the pack's lid after use so the rest of the gloves stay moist.

Most pets enjoy it, because it feels more like a gentle massage than a bath.

On healthy skin, yes, if the formula is gentle. Furaqua Deodorizing Pet Glove Wipes are made for daily use: chamomile and aloe vera soothe and moisturize with each wipe, so daily grooming won't dry out the coat. Stop using them if you notice any skin sensitivity.

They do different jobs. A shampoo bath cleans deep and handles heavy grime. A glove wipe handles quick clean-ups between baths: muddy paws after a walk, a mess after a meal, or a dusty coat. Using both lets you keep your dog clean without over-bathing.

It's better not to. Baby wipes aren't made for a dog's coat and skin, they tend to mask smells rather than lift what causes them, and dogs lick their fur, so anything left behind gets swallowed. Use wipes made for pets.

A 7-day fermented coconut oil essence that works as a natural deodorizer, plus chamomile and aloe vera to soothe the skin and help remove dander. They remove odor instead of covering it with perfume, without stripping the coat's natural oils. Each pack has 20 gloves.

Yes. Furaqua glove wipes are safe for both cats and dogs. Even cats that groom themselves can use a wipe-down after a messy meal or a litter box mishap, or when a bath isn't an option.

If the smell is strong and comes back quickly after cleaning, or comes with itching, redness, flaky skin, sores or hair loss, it may be a skin, ear or dental problem rather than a dirty coat. Those need a vet, not a wipe.