Giving your dog a bath can be downright unpleasant for you and your dog. If you’re chasing your dog around the house, dragging them to the bathroom door, or experiencing major flooding from doggie shakedowns then this post is for you. Before your dog comes to associate bath time as something to dread, follow these tips to give your dog a bath like a pro.
Training and Preparation
Bath time doesn’t need to be the next world war in your home. If you take the proper precautions you can turn the experience into a positive one. Heck, you may even start to enjoy it.
- Prepare Ahead – Before you dive into the bath, give your dog a few days to get acclimated. Baby steps will go a long way here. If your dog has come to associate the bathroom as a quarantine zone then start there. Offer your pup treats and get them used to sitting in the bathroom. If you feel so inclined, turn on the bathtub. If this startles your dog, speak calmly and offer more treats.
- Work Slowly – Once your dog gets comfortable with one step, move forward. Reward them for sitting in the bath. You could even treat it as a trick by telling them “Get in” and reward them. You can also use “Get Out” for when you want your dog to hop out. Also, help your dog get used to the idea of being touched everywhere so they’ll be more comfortable when you give them the actual bath. If you treat the experience as a training exercise, your dog will be far more inclined to bathe.
Have the Proper Bathing Supplies
Okay, the day has come. You’ve taken the time to train your dog to be okay in the bathroom. You feel ready to get your pup squeaky clean, but wait! First things first, you need to have all the proper tools on hand. It’s a nightmare trying to reach for things while your dog becomes a wiggling maniac, so make sure you have everything in place. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ~ A Bathmat – This will help protect your dog from slipping and prevent claws from scratching the tub floor.
- ~ Water Container – This can be a pitcher, cup, bowl, etc. It needs to be something that can help you pour water to clear off all the shampoo on your dog’s fur.
- ~ Lots of Towels – No matter your best efforts, your bathroom floor will likely get wet. It’s also surprising how much fur a dog actually has. Towels will be your best friend.
- ~ Bathing Suit – Optional. Not a necessity, but definitely a good idea, especially if you have a large pup.
- ~ Dog Shampoo – This is important. Human formulated soaps and shampoos are not good for your dog. Your pup’s skin is more sensitive than a human’s, so it’s important to get a dog shampoo made specifically for canines.
- ~ Cotton balls – Optional, but a good practice. These are for keeping your dog’s ears dry while washing. While training your dog to get used to the bathroom, practice placing cotton balls in your pup’s ears. You don’t need to stuff them in. Just place them in so water will be blocked out.
- ~ Mineral Oil – Optional. This is to help keep shampoo out of your dog’s eyes. Your vet can tell you what products to use and how to apply it to your dog’s eyes.
- ~ Rag – This is for cleaning your dog’s face. You don’t want water running all over your pup’s sensitive eyes and nose, so use a rag instead.
- ~ Gloves – Optional. This really depends on how dirty your dog is, but a good pair of latex gloves is handy for a deep cleaning.
- ~ Blow Dryer – Optional. Most dogs will be just fine air drying, but if you have a dog with a thick mane, you might want to consider using a blow dryer. However, make sure you use the lowest setting since a dog can easily burn their skin or overheat.
- ~ A Drain Cover – Optional, but your plumber and wallet will thank you.
Giving Your Dog A Bath
Alright! Now, with all of your supplies in place and close at hand you’re ready.
- Do Basic Grooming First: Before getting your pup wet, it’s important to brush them beforehand and trim their nails. Believe it or not, but wet matting is far more difficult to remove than dry.
- Fill the Bathtub: I recommend doing this before letting your dog in the bathroom so you can adjust the temperature without having to worry about your fuzzy canine escape artist bulldozing past you for the door. The water needs to be full enough to touch their belly. Also, make sure the temperature is lukewarm or cool. A dog’s core temperature is a lot different than our own and they can get scalded easily.
- Close the Door: This will help prevent any escape attempts and prevent your home from undergoing a furry hurricane.
- Work from Head to Tail: Once your pup is in the tub, use the container and pour the water from the top of the neck down. You can also use a detachable shower head to do this and make sure to avoid the eyes and ears.
- Use a Rag to Clean the Face: Pretty self-explanatory. Use a damp rag to wipe away the dirt from your pup’s face.
- Lather deep: You want to be able to reach the undercoat with soap and water, so make sure to lather. Another good idea is to dilute the shampoo a little so it’s easier to wash out.
- Wash the Shampoo Out: Make sure you rinse all the shampoo off before getting your pup out of the tub. Suds left on the fur can lead to itchy, dry skin which can be extremely uncomfortable.
- Towels, towels, towels: Before you give the opportunity for your pup to start a shaking frenzy, place a towel on top of them to get most of the water off. You’ll likely still get sprayed, but this method will help prevent some of the water from getting everywhere.
And you’re done! Once finished, make sure to reward your pup for a job well done with a special treat or toy.
Dog Bathing Cautions:
This is worth mentioning again. When giving your dog a bath, avoid using human products. Your dog’s skin is more sensitive to a person and the chemicals will dry out their skin. At the most, baby products are acceptable, but don’t make using them a habit. Also, avoid any fragrant products. A dog’s nose is far more powerful than a person’s and the scent could cause an allergic reaction.
Bathing your dog with a hose isn’t recommended unless it’s a bright, sunny day. You could also use a kiddy pool or even the shower to get the job done.
Dogs don’t need to be bathed frequently. While some dogs who love to romp out in the dirt and muck need a bath every 1-2 weeks, some canines are fine with once a month or longer depending on their breed, coat, and lifestyle. A daily brushing will go a long way in keeping your pup clean and well-groomed.
Conclusion:
Giving your dog a bath can be a pleasant bonding experience for both of you if you take the time to prepare and train your pup. Make sure to keep calm and treat the whole experience as a training session. With lots of patience and rewards, you’ll be bathing your pup like a pro in no time.
What tips and tricks have you used to bathe your pup?