Soap up, rinse down, and towel off, if this is your straightforward idea of bathing your dog at home, you might have to rethink it! Ask a dog owner who has been doing this for years and they will tell you that bathing a dog at home is an altogether different ball game. If you do it right, it can help you bond better with your dog, but if you do it wrong, it turns into chaos. Want to have your pooch cleaned and happy in no time? Avoid the chaos and the slip-and-slide disaster with a splash of patience, a bit of planning, and some expert tips that have been listed here.
Prepare yourself before the first drop of water even touches your dog. Assume that the day is a mini spa day. Make sure to place a non-slip mat in the tub or the floor of your bathroom to let your dog have a stable footing. This helps in keeping your buddy calm. Also, make sure that you have gathered all the supplies beforehand, a dog-friendly shampoo, a sturdy cup or spray nozzle for rinsing, towels (yes, plural), and maybe a few gifts.
Dogs have extremely sensitive skin and you should take proper note of that. The water that you are using must not be too hot or too cold, as it can result in a lot of pain for your dog. Want a Goldilocks solution? Use lukewarm water. Before starting, test the water on your wrist to ensure that it is comfortable.
If you have a fluffy breed of dog or a dog who is prone to tangles, make sure to brush before the bath. You will find it easier to lather and rinse, as it removes loose fur and untangles knots. Want another win-win situation? You can ensure no fur clogging in your drain if you brush your pet beforehand.
Skip the human shampoo, it doesn’t match the pH balance of your dog’s skin like yours. You need to focus on products that are specifically made for dogs. Find the shampoo that is tailored to the coat type or skin needs of your dog. Hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based options can work wonders for your dog if it has sensitive skin or allergies.
How do you feel about something, if your first experience in it is stressful and an ordeal? You dread it. The same goes for your dog as well as a bitter, first bathing experience can result in significant problems the next time. Turn the bath time into a bonding activity and use methods like positive reinforcement. Praise your dog throughout the process and reward them with toys in the tub, use a lick mat smeared with peanut butter. This turns it into a fun activity and not a battle.
One important tip here is to take as much time as you need in rinsing as possible. Leaving soap residues on the skin of your dog can result in itchiness and irritation. Make sure to run your hands through their fur to check for any residues and if in doubt, rinse it again.
Gently pat your dog dry after the bath is over with a towel. You should make use of a blow dryer on a low, cool setting for breeds that are double-coated or long-haired. Dry the ear properly, as moisture can result in infections.
First things first, never grab a fancy human shampoo, just because you like it. It can be hard on your dog as its harshness can result in dryness and irritation in your dog’s skin. Use only products that are tailored for canine skin only.
You don’t want to strip the coat of your dog of natural oils, right? Then make sure not to bathe it too often. Do not overdo your bathing act as once a month's bath is more than sufficient for majority of dogs. For particularly adventurous dogs, it is important to adjust the number of times, but make sure not to do it too many times.
If you leave water in the ears of your dog, it turns into a recipe for infection. Avoid spraying water directly into the ears and gently wipe around the ear flaps with a damp cloth after completing.
If you don’t want your dog to feel itchy and irritated later, rinse enough to make sure that there is no soap residue left. Extra attention is needed in areas with thick fur and folds.
Bathing activities can be painful and traumatizing for your dog. Love your dog to let it know that it has done a good job. Bond better with your dogs, use rewards and cuddles to show how much you love them.
The highly important need is to ensure that the location selected is right. Make sure the location is comfortable and easy to clean and you protect yourself adequately. Entering a dog bath location is entering a splash zone, so stay protected. Also get a helping hand, who can help you hold and soothe your favorite one. Make sure to keep the session as short and sweet as possible. You aim to be efficient without a trace of rushing.
Make sure to turn your bathing exercise into a bonding activity between you and your dog. The right approach can help, as bathing a dog should not feel like a chore. Preparation is your ultimate friend and use patience as your secret weapon. The gifts for your dogs can act as your unlimited trump cards. From the next time, handle your bathing activity like a pro by using the tips that have been provided here.
