Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been enjoying the great outdoors a little too much? Here are some simple tips for helping your dog put her best paw forward.

It all begins with the brushing:

Brush your dog regularly. Daily is best. Be sure to also brush against hair growth direction to check for fleas and ticks.

The right tools. For short-haired dogs, most groomers recommend stainless-steel combs because they slide through coats very easily.

For medium to long haired dogs start with a slicker brush and then follow with a stainless steel comb.

In hot months consider investing in a flea comb to make sure your dog has not become a flea hotel.

To make your dog's coat really shine, finish with a soft bristle brush.

If your dog hates being brushed it sometimes helps to brush after play time. Start by brushing in the hair growth direction. When you are finished, reward your dog with a treat. Each day brush your dog a little longer. And if you are lucky, your dog may even begin to like being brushed.

Now for your dog's bath:

Brush your dog from head to toe making sure all mats are gone. For small dogs a sink works great. For medium to large dogs, a tub or shower works best. Use only warm water and a good shampoo made for dogs. People shampoo is too harsh and can irritate your dog's skin. Most groomers recommend working from the back end forward, lathering the head last.

Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to make sure you have removed all shampoo.

Short-haired dogs dry quickly and only need to be dried off with a towel. If your dog has long hair, you may need to brush him while he's drying to avoid tangles.

The Grand Finale:

Finish by giving your dog a treat.

Then celebrate! You and your dog survived the bath, and you have a clean dog.