Giving your dog regular baths is an essential part of ongoing grooming and good hygiene. How often you need to wash your dog depends on a variety of things, including the dog’s breed, size, type of coat, and activities.
Once you determine how many scrub downs your pet needs, make those baths as pleasant and stress free as possible using these expert tips for how to bathe a dog, backed by a veterinarian.
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Step 1: Preparing to Wash Your Dog
Before you even turn on the water, take the time to set up an environment where your dog will be as comfortable as possible, and will associate the experience positively.
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Find a place to bath your dog.
For mall dogs, we suggest you bathe him in a laundry or kitchen sink. And for large dogs in showers or bathtubs. If the weather is warm, outside washing is a wonderful solution.
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Prepare your dog for taking bath
If your dog has a thick, shaggy or double coat, we suggest you brush his fur thoroughly before giving him a bath.
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Gather all the supplies you’ll need.
Get ready to bathe your dog by dressing in comfortable, casual clothes you don’t mind getting dirty — and soaked. Then gather all the supplies you’ll need and keeping them handy. You will need towels, cotton balls, dog shampoo, treats, and a washcloth or sponge.
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Protect your dog’s ears
When dogs’ ears get wet, they can develop ear infections. Putting cotton balls in his ears will help keep the ear canals dry.
Step 2: Bathing your dog:
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Test the water first
Water should be warm enough for your dog to be comfortable, and also to get the job done; colder water doesn’t clean as well. (If you wouldn’t love a cold bath, consider that your pet probably wouldn’t either.)
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Wet your dog’s body with water.
It’s not recommended that you wash your dog’s head or face. This can end up getting water in his ears or stinging his eyes with shampoo. It’s not recommended that you wash your dog’s head or face. This can end up getting water in his ears or stinging his eyes with shampoo.
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Shampoo your pet
Work the shampoo into a lather, adding water as necessary. Massage your dog as you rub in the shampoo, in just the same way you’d have your own head massaged. Let the shampoo sit on your dog’s coat for several minutes before thoroughly rinsing with water.
It’s very important to taking care to avoid sensitive areas including his eyes and face.
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Clean your dog’s face.
If your dog’s face is dirty, use a damp washcloth to wipe the dirt away. Don’t clean inside his ears with a washcloth; this can get the ears too wet and promote infection
Step 3 Drying your dog after the bath:
No matter where you bathe your dog, don’t forget drying — an essential part of the bathing process to keep your pup comfortable and healthy.
Drying your dogs body:
Dogs with heavier coats should be dried thoroughly to prevent damp spots in the undercoat which can lead to hot spots.” This is a common dog skin disorder also known as acute moist dermatitis; it causes sores and pain.
For more drying tips, please read our post: How to dry a dot
Step 4 .Give your dog a treat.
To keep the positive associations with bathtime strong, give your dog a treat every time you wash him. Praise him for being a good dog. This way, your dog will learn that bathtime is not a time to dread but a fun time that involves treats and praise.
