Tips for bathing your dog

A good bath is one of the best things you can do for your pet, but that is not how most dogs see it. You’re not going to win the heart of your canine friend by getting it wet, but it’s possible to make the experience more pleasant for both parties if you follow the steps and tips mentioned in this read. The steps are ideal for friendly shelter dogs that require just a bit of cleaning. If your pet is aggressive or too dirty, it is best that you hire a professional groomer for the task.

Wear a wetsuit

Even if your dog is the most obedient, chances are it will squirm or struggle during a bath. As such, ensure you wear a smock to avoid getting wet. The best place for bathing a dog is a closed room as it will prevent the wet and nervous dog from running through the entire building is they manage to get away from you. Also, ensure that the surface does not get slippery when wet.

Before you start, ensure that you have all the supplies you need from Dog Product Picker, including shampoo, brush, detangler, mineral oil, harness or muzzle, and cotton balls. This way, you won’t have to leave a nervous dog alone.

Prepare the pet

Before embarking on the bath, you’ll want to ensure that the dog is accustomed to you. If the pet is nervous, consider muzzling it and have someone help you with the task. Trim the nails to avoid being clawed accidentally and comb out major snarls on its fur. To prevent water and soap from entering the dog’s eyes, put a drop of mineral oil in each. Also, put cotton balls in the ears for the same reason, but remember to remove them after the bath.

Lather-Rinse-Repeat

If your pet is particularly heavy, don a back brace and then lift it into the tub. Make sure you have a spray hose that’s light enough to use with one hand. Test the water temperature before spraying and then gently allow the pet to get used to the temperature by spraying it gently on the back and shoulders.

After the pet is accustomed to the water, start washing the head and slowly move towards the back. This will prevent fleas from fleeing to the pet’s head and face. Use chlorhexidine as the active ingredient as it’s mildly antiseptic. If you want to use an insecticide, utilize a gentle pyrethrin-based shampoo and ensure you follow the instructions on the label. Oatmeal shampoos are also excellent, especially for pets with itchy skin.

Wash thoroughly

Ensure that you scrub and thoroughly rinse the pet. Soap tends to stay in the fur longer than you may think, so ensure you keep rinsing. When done, rub your canine friend thoroughly with towels. Do not put a wet pet back in the cage. If it is just damp, it’s alright, especially if your home is climate controlled. If you have an automated dryer hanging on the pet’s cage, ensure you test the temperature before aiming it on the dog. Also, check on the pet every 15 to 20 minutes to ascertain he or she is comfortable.

Advice for washing puppies

Just like human babies, puppies have special bathing needs. Avoid using an insecticidal shampoo on a puppy unless it’s made specifically for puppies and the pet that has fleas. With a puppy, it is even more essential to ensure the water is warm and that the experience is pleasant. So, use the proper combination of firmness and gentleness. If you are sensitive to their fears and kind, the young pet will start to like dog bathing rather than dreading it as time goes by. This will ultimately make your life and that of those around you simpler.

Conclusion

Bathing a dog is not hard; you just need to follow the tips mentioned in this post.