Dogs are cute, loveable, playful, and seem almost human sometimes. Just like their owners, they need a good bath once in a while. Some dogs, depending on their breed, need a bath more often than others.
Check with your vet to know how often your particular dog should be washed. But no matter what the breed, a good bath is inevitable. Where do you do it? How do you do it?
This article contains some tips and tricks that will help the bathing experience to be a positive one for both the dog and the whole family.
Dog Washing Tips
- Start giving dogs baths when they are puppies. They will get used to the process.
- Brush your dog before a bath. Matted hair can hold water and leave your dog with irritated skin.
- Small dogs can be bathed in the kitchen sink or a special doggie portable tub. Larger dogs will have to use a bathtub. Before the bath, put your dog in the tub or sink for a few minutes and reward them for being there with extra affection or a treat or toy. You could do this a few times before you attempt the bath. The better associations your dog has with bath time, the better it will go. At DogMode, we have elevated, do-it-yourself dog showers. Just clip in your dog’s collar and take advantage of our natural shampoos, including Paul Mitchell’s Pet Cleanse Oatmeal Shampoo, and fresh towels. You can stand comfortably while rinsing away all that dirt and excess hair. Leave the mess here; don’t take it home. We will do all we can to help you and your dog to have a positive experience.
- Use lukewarm water. A dog’s bath water should be about the same temperature as what you would use for a baby. It shouldn’t be cold, like what you would get from the garden hose, unless it’s a hot day. Some dogs can get chilled really easily. Nor, should the water be too hot. Some breeds of dogs can quickly overheat. Again, the more things you can do to make the bath a good experience for the dog, the more the experience will be good for both of you.
- Bathe your dog from the neck down. Do all you can to avoid getting water in the ears. If your dog will allow it, you can put cotton balls in their ears to protect them. You also want to avoid getting soapy water in a dog’s eyes. When washing a dog, first get the dog completely wet. Then lather the dog with a doggy shampoo or baby shampoo. Don’t use shampoo formulated for humans because it can dry the dog’s skin too much, leaving it dry and itchy. Then rinse thoroughly. It can be hard getting all the soap off but you want to because any residue can also make a dog itch.
- Use a washcloth to gently wash your dog’s face.
- Leave your dog’s collar on during the bath. A wiggly, wet dog can be hard to hold onto. The collar will give you more control and something to hold onto.
Happy Bathing!