Winter dog baths: 7 ways to keep your dog clean when it’s cold

Bathing your dog regularly is an essential element of dog care. And the need to keep your dog healthy and clean doesn’t stop during cold weather.

Experts suggest pet parents bathe their pooch at least once every four to six weeks, depending on the breed. Bathing helps protect your dog from infections and diseases.

Although abiding by this healthy practice is no big deal in summer (especially if your dog loves to play in the water), it’s challenging during the winter months.

When the temperature drops, laziness and chills get the better of our dogs just as they do for us.

As a result, keeping your dog clean may become the toughest task you can accomplish.

So, here in this brief guide, we’ve brought you seven possible options for winter dog baths.

Most options provide an alternative to washing your dog using a traditional bath. However, some provide hacks you can implement with regular baths or showers.

Let’s check them.

Warm up the bathwater

Perhaps the first and most obvious approach for a comfortable winter dog bath is to use warm water. If you prefer bathing your dog in a tub, fill it with warm water.

Note that we do not mean lukewarm water. The temperature of the water should be approximately 98-104 °F or 37°C-40°C. You can check the temperature using a thermometer.

To keep your dog comfortable after a walk, ensure the water temperature is between 86-95°F or 30°C-35°C. Higher temperatures can make their heart beat faster.

The same applies if your dog has had a lot of physical activity just ten minutes before the bath. You should also keep the temperature low if your dog has a bulky structure. Their body heat will also contribute to the overall heat generated.

Don’t forget to double-check the temperature using a nozzle.

Spray some water from the prepared bathtub on your skin. If the water feels burning hot, give it some time to cool or add cold water.

Try dry shampoo

Dry shampooing refers to a waterless bath. In this bathing mode, you will not expose your dog to water.

You can pick a good waterless shampoo from this list of top ten.

And most come in liquid or spray form. Some even come in powder form.

Just apply the product to your dog’s coat following the instructions on the packaging. Then, brush the coat thoroughly.

Note that waterless shampoos are all chemicals. Although they are an excellent time-saver and an option for a winter dog bath, we do not recommend repeated usage.

Give a towel bath

By towel bath, we refer to light cleaning.

Wet your dog’s towel and use it to clean its ears, eyes, and nose. Gently rub the damp towel over your dog’s paws to clean them.

You can also rub the wet, warm towel over their coat. Do not apply any soap or shampoo.

This is perhaps the best method for a winter dog bath because you’re achieving two goals at once.

You’re balancing both emotional and physical dog care.

Your dog will remain healthy and protected with a towel bath. And at the same time, your dog will be thankful to you for not pushing it into a shower on a cold day.

Prepare an indoor bath

Dog Corner identifies 45 degrees Fahrenheit (about 7°C) as a cold temperature for dogs. Don’t give your pup an outdoor bath if your area’s temperature has dropped that low.

Instead, take your winter dog bath inside.

Prepare for bath time. You can use your bathtub or kitchen sink if you have a small dog. Arrange your supplies, including shampoo, soap, towels, and grooming tools.

Be cautious about splashing water in your dog’s ears. Don’t let moisture get into the ear canal.

Be sure to rinse as many times as necessary to remove all the dog-safe shampoo. Don’t use human shampoo on your dog.

When you’re finished, dry your dog by rubbing it with towels.

We also recommend using a blow dryer after the bath to help your dog’s temperature return to normal.

Be cautious to ensure the hair dryer isn’t too hot, and watch to ensure the noise doesn’t scare your dog.

Try a self-service dog wash

If you don’t have enough space at home or don’t want to clean up after a dog bath, take your dog to a self-service wash. Here, you pay and get access to a fully-equipped washing space.

You can make particular requests if your dog has allergies or other needs. Although you may have to pay a bit extra, it’ll maximize comfort and convenience for your dog.

Hire a professional groomer

Or, you can use plan B. If your dog is difficult to handle, turn to a professional.

Professional groomers clean your dog thoroughly from ears to tail.

Although it may cost more, and you may have to prepare your dog for the session, it will save you time and effort in the long run.

Take your dog for a walk before bathing

Physical activity raises your dog’s body temperature and heart rate, making it more ready for a bath or shower.

Walking your dog will also help tire it out, potentially making your pup calmer during its winter dog bath.

Final thoughts on winter dog baths

Summing up, dog winter baths may be difficult for dog owners. To help keep your dog clean, don’t forget to continue to brush your dog at least weekly.

But they aren’t impossible. With the right strategy, you can get your dog cleaned without hassle.

Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical field has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He is also fond of writing engaging articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.  

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