Spring and summer are when our dogs love to run around outside. Your dog’s idea of a perfect day might include some zoomies in tall grass, a good roll in a mud puddle or a dip in the local lake. In other words, your fur baby likes to get messy. And that means they will need a bath. Like some human children, your dog’s love of getting messy might be matched only by their hatred of getting cleaned up in a bath. So here is how to get your dog nice and clean after they’ve really enjoyed the great outdoors.
Preparing to Wash Your Dog
Before your dog gets in the bath or shower, you’ll need to brush and comb their coat out and remove any matts and loose fur. It’s also a good idea to take them for a little walk first, so you can keep them inside afterwards. Your dog has a very different idea of what smells great, and a freshly washed dog is inclined to go roll in the foulest thing they can find outside.
A small dog can be washed in the bathtub or even a large sink, while it is easier and safer to wash a larger dog in a shower with a handheld shower hose. Ireland and Britian rarely have summer days warm enough to make the cold water from outdoor tap acceptable for washing your dog. Most breeds that enjoy swimming have a coat that protects them from very cold water, but if you are washing them with shampoo and rinsing it, the cold water will get to their skin and make their bath very unpleasant.
How to give a nervous dog a bath?
- Some vigorous play or exercise will help calm your dog before their bath.
- Don’t let them see you set up for the bath. It only increases their anxiety.
- If your dog is likely to panic, leave a harness on so you can easily keep hold of them.
- A calming aid such as Foran Nutri-Calm can also help.
Once your dog is ready, assemble everything you will need:
- Dog shampoo – never use shampoo made for people on your dog
- No-slip rubber bathmat
- Towels
- Treats – bribes are an important tool for bathing your dog
Prepare to get very wet yourself when you bathe your dog!
Steps for Washing Your Canine
Washing your dog is simple, but not necessarily easy! If your dog resists, you might need a helper to ply them with treats throughout their bath. The no-slip bathmat will help them keep their footing in the tub, which will make them less nervous. Once your dog is in the bath or shower, wet their fur thoroughly, being careful not to get water into their ears or eyes. Lather them up with dog shampoo, then rinse it all off, again being careful not to let water or shampoo get into their ears or eyes.
How often should you bathe dogs?
Some dogs are fine with one or two baths a year, as long as they are brushed a couple of times a week. Others need a monthly bath. Most are fine with an ‘as needed’ approach where you bathe them only when you notice that their fur is grubby or they are getting a bit smelly. If you find you need to bathe your dog more than monthly, talk to your vet about it. Excess bathing isn’t good for their skin or coat.
Post-Bath Antics
Dogs have a tendency to go a little wild after their bath. Make sure the bathroom door is closed before you take them out of the tub or shower to prevent a wet dog from doing zoomies through the house.
Pat your dog dry with the towel; don’t rub their fur. Some dogs will tolerate a hair dryer, while others become frantic. If you use a blow dryer, keep it on the lowest setting and keep it moving so you don’t hurt your dog by blasting hot air on the same patch of skin too long.
Be sure to reward your pal with a special treat after they’ve endured being washed. This also shows them that getting a bath isn’t all bad, and if they learn that baths are followed by treats, the whole process will eventually get easier for everyone.
Written by Irene Hislop
