It’s time for a dog bath. You have the towels ready and waiting, the doggy shampoo prepared to go, and everything you need at your fingertips. But where’s your dog?
Is it hiding beneath the bed? Certainly yes. Since your dog hates the bath, believe it when experts say you aren’t alone. Shower time makes dogs anxious, so they prefer running away from it.
Do dogs hate baths? Well, yes, many do. Your dog isn’t the first canine to hate bath time.
But since you don’t want this to happen, making a few adjustments to the bath time is vital.
And why not? You want to make the bathing experience pleasant and smooth for both of you.
Now that you’re wondering how to get through with it, here’s what you need to do:
Move the dog bath indoors
There are many reasons why outdoor baths freak your dog out. The first one is the cold water, which is incredibly uncomfortable on a cold day. Also, note that the water can be too cold for your dog, even during the summertime.
Second, you might restrain your dog using a leash unless you have a magical bath-loving pup. You don’t want it to escape.
However, forcing your dog to stay put while you spray it with a hose in the backyard is a frightening situation that can exacerbate its stress.
Thus, your best bet is to move your dog indoors. If you have a small dog, you can move it into a shower stall, a bathtub, or even a sink.
Doing so lets you adjust the water temperature and use natural contours to help your pet stay put.
Cushion a slippery tub floor
The chances are excellent that your dog will have a sensory experience that will make him hate the bath.
Most dogs dislike taking baths in a tub, sink, or shower stall because they feel unsteady on the slippery, wet floor.
The same applies to humans. If they’ve ever slipped in a shower, sliding around is painful and anxiety-inducing.
Therefore, before starting your dog bath, it is vital to place a rubber mat or a towel on the bathtub floor to prevent your pet from slipping and falling. The towel may get soaked, but your pet will feel much more secure.
Distract your dog
Smearing baby food or peanut butter on the shower door or tub will make your dog believe bath time isn’t that bad. Your dog will lick as you get down to business.
However, suppose you don’t like a peanut buttery-bathroom. You can also pick up a dog lick pad or lick mat and smear peanut butter on it.
Your dog will be too busy to experience shower time anxiety.
If you have a highly motivated pup, you can offer them a delicious treat reward until the bath time ends.
Use a mild-smelling and gentle shampoo
Dogs are usually overwhelmed by strongly scented soaps, thanks to their 40 times stronger noses than humans.
Therefore, choosing lightly scented or unscented dog bath products specially formulated for your canines is vital.
Remember never to bathe your dog using a human body wash or shampoo. Instead, always choose a gentle dog shampoo.
Provide gentle dog bath care for your furry friend
Dogs are susceptible animals and usually fear having a dog bath because it increases their anxiety. But ignoring bath time is not an option.
So, if bathing your furry friend has become difficult, reaching out to an experienced dog groomer is always wise.
After all, their services will enable your dog to come out smelling fresh, and they’ll also trim their nails and cut their hair, if necessary, as part of their service.
Dry and brush your dog
Drying your dog after a bath is just as crucial as bathing.
Here are some tips to ensure your dog is properly dried and brushed:
Towel dry
After the bath, gently pat your dog’s coat with a clean, dry towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this can cause tangles and mats in the fur.
Use a hair dryer
If your dog is comfortable with it, you can dry the coat with a hair dryer on low heat. Keep the dryer at a safe distance to prevent overheating, and use a comb attachment to help straighten the fur as you dry.
Brushing
Once your dog is completely dry, use a dog-specific brush or comb to remove any tangles or mats. Start with a wide-toothed comb to work through any knots, and finish with a fine-toothed comb to smooth the coat.
Check ears and paws
Take this opportunity to gently check your dog’s ears and paws for any signs of irritation or infection. If necessary, use a soft, dry cloth to clean the ears and paws carefully.
Reward and reassure
Throughout the drying and brushing process, offer praise and even a few treats to make it a positive experience for your dog.
This will help them feel more comfortable with the post-bath routine.
Final thoughts on low-stress dog baths
With a few adjustments and lots of patience, you can make bath time a more pleasant experience for you and your dog.
Moving the bath indoors, cushioning the tub floor, using distractions, choosing a gentle shampoo, and seeking professional help can help your furry friend overcome their anxieties.
Additionally, don’t forget the importance of adequately drying and brushing your dog after the bath, and be sure to offer plenty of rewards and reassurance throughout the process.
With these tips, you can ensure a clean, happy, and well-groomed dog without the stress and anxiety often associated with dog bath time.
Richard Thomas has been a freelance animal and pet care writer for over a decade. He also is a volunteer dedicated to animal rescue and welfare, working for different organizations. He lives with two adopted cats and a rescue dog.