Extra Tips For Giving Your Dog A Bath

November 8th, 2008 · No Comments

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Dogs love to be clean, even if they seem to do everything in their power to resist a bath. When you properly clean and groom your dog, you’re actually providing several benefits. You’re giving him attention that he loves, making him feel and look clean, and preventing hygiene issues from causing problems in the future. That said, giving your dog a bath can be challenging. After all, he may not be predisposed to allowing you to clean him. Below, we’ll give you 4 useful tips for giving a bath to your dog while minimizing the struggle.

Tip #1: Mind The Temperature

Just because your dog has a coat doesn’t mean he enjoys standing patiently while you drench him with cold water. At best, he’ll shiver. At worst, he’ll resist getting a bath as much as possible. If you’re bathing your dog outside using water from your garden hose, mind the temperature. The water can become cold quickly.

Tip #2: Buy A Raised Bath

Millions of owners intimately know the frustration of wrestling their dog to keep him in a small tub (or within a confined area) during the bath. Consider buying a raised bath. Not only will it save your back from the discomfort of kneeling over, but it will also keep your dog from escaping. As an added benefit, many of these baths have a valve that allows you to keep the water warm.

Tip #3: Come Prepared

A bottle of shampoo and a garden hose may seem like a complete dog-bathing arsenal at first, but it’s hardly exhaustive. One of the keys to making your dog comfortable - and yourself less frustrated - is planning ahead so you won’t waste time. Bring cotton balls to plug his ears, so water doesn’t get into them. Have a dog shampoo ready that is formulated for his skin (i.e. dry, itchy, flea-infested, etc.). Also, have towels, brushes, and a pet dryer on hand to complete the job.

Tip #4: Start With The Head

Not only is starting at the head useful when your dog has fleas, but it trains him to become accustomed to the bathing process. If your dog is uneasy, gently massage the shampoo into his scalp. Doing so will calm him and keep him settled during the remainder of the bath.

Making Your Dog Comfortable

Even though your dog may initially put up a struggle, there’s plenty you can do to make him more comfortable. Mind the water’s temperature, used a raised bath, have all of the required supplies on hand, and start with his head. In time, he’ll become accustomed to the process, enjoy the attention you’re giving him, and remain calm throughout. Plus, his shiny coat will make him noticeably happier.