Is it time to bathe your dog?
Don’t dump them into the tub just yet! There are important steps to keep in mind when you bathe a dog. You want your dog to enjoy the experience, not fear it or feel agitated and angry.
The good news is we’ve compiled the most useful dog bathing tips for you. We invite you to continue reading our guide below to learn how you can give your dog the best bath today:
Preparing Your Dog
Don’t simply grab a hose and bathe a dog with no preparation. Start by getting your dog ready for the activity.
Bring your dog to the bathing spot. This will help them associate the area with bathing. Get a brush and groom your dog, making sure to untangle knots in their coat.
How often should you prep and bathe your dog? For most dogs, you can get away with bathing them only once a month. Dogs with long coats or breeds that run around a lot might need a bath every week or two.
Where to Bathe a Dog
Got a small dog? You can do all the dog washing in a sink, then. If you have a slightly bigger dog, you can get away by giving them a bath in the tub.
Big dogs with long, thick coats need more space. You’ll want to bathe them outdoors.
However, make sure it’s not too cold or too hot outside. If it’s too hot, find a spot with shade. This guarantees your dog doesn’t suffer from extreme heat.
Tools for the Job
The first thing you’ll need is shampoo. Conditioner isn’t always needed, but it can help if your dog has a long coat.
Don’t use human shampoo on dogs. The acidity of human shampoos, even milder ones like those meant for babies and toddlers, can be too harsh for a dog’s skin. Yes, dog shampoo can be a bit more expensive, but it has the right pH balance.
Always bring a leash, even if your dog doesn’t run away. Your dog might get surprised and run off, forcing you to chase them down. Bring treats, too — praising your dog and giving treats helps them develop a positive outlook towards bathing.
Bathing Process
Now it’s time to bathe your dog! Use lukewarm water. Cold or ice water isn’t great for cleaning, and hot water can harm your dog.
If you’re using a hose, don’t increase the pressure. The water should simply flow out so it won’t hurt your pet. Increasing the pressure could also scare them, causing them to run away.
When you apply the shampoo, avoid sensitive areas like their face. You don’t want to get shampoo in their eyes, nose, and mouth. Take your time to massage shampoo on their body like you’d massage soap and shampoo on your head.
Washing a Dog’s Face
Washing your dog’s face is still part of good dog care. As mentioned, you need to be more careful, so you don’t get shampoo in their sensitive areas. Get a clean washcloth, dip it into the shampoo-filled water, and gently scrub it on their face.
Let the shampoo sit in for a bit, and then get a different washcloth. Dip it in clean water to rinse the shampoo off the dog’s face. Make sure to get everything off to avoid leftover shampoo stinging your dog’s eyes or mouth.
Drying Your Dog
Don’t forget to dry your dog. Like humans, it’s not healthy for your dog to run around wet. Their fur could knot and develop diseases on their skin due to moisture.
Use a blow dryer designed specifically for dogs. The ones for people can be too hot, and this will harm your pet.
Pet your dog and encourage it with soothing words. Some dogs panic when they hear a blow dryer, similar to how some animals panic at the sound of a vacuum cleaner. Allow them to sit down and enjoy the drying process.
Dogs That Hate Bathing
Some dog breeds don’t like taking a bath. It’s not a big problem, you’ll simply need to do some extra work.
First, make sure to keep them leashed. Have someone with you to hold the dog down in case they get agitated and panic. Both of you need to soothe the dog with praises and treats.
Always bathe your dog in the same spot. Once your dog begins to enjoy bathing, they’ll associate the spot with the joy and pleasure they experienced. They’ll know it’s time for a bath whenever you bring them to the usual corner.
Don’t immediately run water over your dog to prevent panic. Get them accustomed to the water before fully committing to the bath.
Professional Dog Grooming
It’s okay if you can’t always bathe your dog on your own. It’s fine to bring them to a professional for expert grooming. This can bless your dog with a wonderful experience.
Afterwards, groomers bathe your dog, clean and file their nails, and cut or clean their coats. Professional grooming can become a luxurious and relaxing experience for your pet. It can get a bit expensive, but the good news is you only need to do this once in a while.
Give Your Dog a Good Bath Today
Now you know how to bathe a dog properly. It takes a little preparation, some tools, and patience. However, you can guarantee that your dog will behave and enjoy the bath with the right setup and know-how.
Of course, bathing your dog is only the beginning.
Grooming involves taking care of their nails and their coat too. You also need to learn how to keep your dog happy and healthy. Fortunately, we’ve got a library of posts to help you, so don’t hesitate to continue reading our pet guides now!
