Dogs love to play by splashing in a puddle or rolling in mud. When your dog is dirty or muddy you need to give it a bath. However, unlike humans who like relaxing in a tub of warm water, dogs are very reluctant to take a bath. Here are some tips on how to bath your dog.
When to bath your dog
Before knowing how to bath your dog you need to know when to bath your dog. While there is no hard and fast rule on when to bath your dog once a month is considered a goof rule of thumb. This also varies in the breed of the dog, their playfulness, their environment, skin condition, coat, etc. For example, a dog living in the city may need to be bathed more often than a dog living in the country. The same way a short haired dog like a Dalmatian may not need to be bathed as often as a dog with a thick coat like a Golden Retriever.
Bathing dogs too often can be damaging to them. Their skin is very sensitive and thinner than ours. Also, dog skin and coat have essential oils which keep them healthy and bathing them too often may deprive them of that. Dogs also do a decent job of cleaning themselves. Their saliva has antibacterial properties and dogs will lick or nibble themselves everywhere they can to remove dirt and debris from their coats. Dogs naturally clean themselves by vigorously shaking and rolling about.
Where to bath your dog
The best place to bath your dog will be indoors, preferably in a bathtub. Sometimes, your dog may be too muddy or dirty to enter the house. In this case you can hose them outside though you should avoid it since cold water is not good for your dog. This should be restricted too only very hot summer months.
How to bath your dog
Dogs naturally dislike baths and will be reluctant to take a bath. Forcing your dog to take a bath may cause problems in your relationship with your dog. To get your dog used to bathing you should start early. Puppies can be bathed once they are eight weeks old.
To get your dog more comfortable with bathing you will first have to make comfortable with the bathing area. Try to lure your dog to the bathroom with treats and put one in the bathtub so it must go and get it. Once it gets the treat put another one in the bathtub. You can also spread peanut butter in the side of the bathtub. Once your dog gets comfortable with the bathtub and starts associating it with treats only then should you start bathing it.
Before bathing your dog, you should brush your dog. Many dogs enjoy being brushed. This can get your dog to relax and not be too stressed before bathing. Brushing can also remove extra hair and bigger particles of dirt and debris. Dogs with thicker coats should be brushed every week.
Make sure to use the right shampoo. A shampoo could be too strong so can dilute it with water before applying in on your dog. Unless your dog it too hairy you can start applying shampoo from the neck down and avoid its mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. Use lukewarm water to wash your dog.
Your dog should be shampooed twice. When used initially, the shampoo binds with the dirt and aids in its removal. When you wash its hair a second time, you’re washing its skin and removing any lingering oil and grime. You should use your hands to gently massage you dog with shampoo. While massaging it also make sure to feel it’s skin for any bumps which may be a skin condition. Once you have cleaned your dog with shampoo apply conditioner and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing. To wash your dog’s face, you should use a damp cloth or flannel. Before drying make sure all the shampoo and conditioner has been rinsed away.
Don’t use a blow dryer to dry your dog. Your dog will shake out about 70% of the water itself. Gently wipe them with a towel and give them some time to air dry unless it is too cold. In that case you may have to use a hair dryer in a low or medium setting. After drying them make sure to give them a treat so your dog can associate baths with treats and won’t be so reluctant while bathing. This will bath time fun for both you and your dog.
