Tips for Giving a Dog a Bath
Advice for Bathing Dogs, Even Dogs Who Struggle, Resist in the Tub
Dec 2, 2008
Dog baths: they're a source of stress for dogs and dog owners alike, but there are a few techniques and tricks that will make it easy to give a dog a bath - even if that dog struggles or resists when it's time to get in the tub.
Get The Dog Grooming Supplies and Dog Shampoo Ready Before Bathing the Dog
Before placing the dog in the bathtub, collect all the necessary supplies: dog shampoo, dog conditioner, towel and keep these items within arm's reach; this will make the bath quicker and less stressful for the dog.
Prepare the Bath Tub for the Dog Bath
Purchase a mesh drain cover over the drain to catch the dog hair. This will help dog owners to avoid clogging the drain with dog hair, though the clumps of hair must be periodically removed from the drain cover as the tub drains.
Also place a bath mat on the floor of the tub to prove a non-slip surface. This will make the dog feel more secure while standing in the tub. In many cases, this will help to prevent the dog from struggling during the bath or trying to jump out of the tub. If a bath mat isn't available, place a large towel on the bottom of the tub instead.
Prepare Yourself for the Dog's Bath
Wear an old T-shirt, bathing suit or other clothing that can get wet. Bathing a dog is often a wet and messy process, even if the dog is cooperative.
Brush the Dog's Coat Before Starting the Bath
Begin the home dog grooming session by brushing the dog before adding water and dog shampoo to the equation. It's much easier to remove tangles and mats when the dog's fur is dry and removing dead fur before the dog's bath will help cut down on the amount of fur that ends up in the tub.
Also, owners should avoid brushing a dog's fur while it's wet, as the wet fur is more fragile and brushing will cause breakage, especially in dogs with long coats. When the dog's fur is wet, opt for a large-tooth comb instead.
Prepare the Dog's Ears and Eyes for His Bath
Prepare the dog for a more comfortable bath by inserting large cotton balls into the dog's ears before starting the bath. Be sure to use fairly large cotton balls to prevent the cotton from falling into the ear canals. Many dogs will shake during their bath if they feel water inside their ears, so placing a cotton ball in each ear will cut down on shaking during bath time.
A drop or two of sterile mineral oil (non-sterile mineral oil can lead to infection) in each eye just before the dog's bath will form a protective film over the dog's eyes that will prevent the dog from experiencing pain or discomfort if he gets soap in his eyes, as many medicated shampoos are not tear free. This step is not necessary if the dog shampoo is "tear free."
Avoid Scaring the Dog During Bath Time - Don't Fill the Tub With Water and Don't Run the Water on High
For most dogs, it's frightening to enter a full tub of water. Instead, fill the tub with a couple inches of water on the bottom before placing the dog inside the tub for his bath. If the dog is very frightened and tries to jump out of the tub, do a few "practice runs" before the actual bath by allowing the dog to stand in a couple inches of water, while offering praise and treats.
Next, wet the dog by applying warm water to his fur with a shower head or using a bucket that's filled directly from the spigot. Avoid placing a dog directly under the spigot, as this is often frightening for the dog. Shampoo the dog, and then rinse his fur using the same technique. Be sure to pull the plug to begin draining the tub before the dog is rinsed. Then, if desired, apply a dog conditioner and rinse.
Avoid running the water on high, as the noise can be frightening; instead, use a moderate water flow instead. Some dogs are also fearful of the shower head. For these dogs, fill a cup or small bucket and use this to rinse the dog instead.
Other Tips for Giving a Dog a Bath
For dogs who are very fearful or resistant during bath time, it may be helpful to find a friend who can comfort and encourage the dog during his bath. A friend can hold the dog's collar or a special bath tether to prevent the dog from jumping out of the bath tub, while the other person focuses on shampooing and rinsing the dog's fur as quickly as possible.
Once the dog's bath time is over, towel dry the dog after his bath and allow him to air dry. Avoid trying to use a hair dryer on a dog; the sound of the hair dryer is usually very scary for the dog and the hot air tends to dry out the dog's skin, especially during the cold, dry winter months.
Doggy bath robes are available at many pet stores and via online pet apparel websites. A dog bath robe is a great option to keep a dog warm while his fur dries. Also, keep the dog indoors until his fur has dried completely to avoid chilling the dog.
Looking for more home dog grooming tips? Check out How to Groom a Dog for directions and tips on grooming a dog at home, along with How to Clip a Dog's Nails for advice on trimming a dog's nails, even in cases where the dog is resistant and fearful of nail clipping. Also check out the Dog Grooming Tips Page for even more advice on home dog grooming - a great way to save money on pet care, while keeping pets happy and healthy.
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