If you’re like me you bathe your dogs yourself, then you know sometimes it can be quite a chore. Not all dogs love or even like water, which can make bath time a challenge at times. I hope in this blog post you will pick up some hints that can help you with this task. If bathing your dog is not safe for you or the dog please allow a professional to bathe your dog.
You can bathe your dog at home, inside or outside weather permitted, or you can go to a Dog self wash place, often in pet stores.
I recommend you gather all the things you will need before you get your dog. 1. Dog Shampoo: I recommend Oatmeal Shampoo and conditioner for most dogs such as: https://amzn.to/4bghG3N https://amzn.to/41C8rYA
2. Towels for the dog & sheets or towels for the floor so when your shakes after or during bath things sty dryer.
3. I wear an apron so I don’t get wet, one like this: https://amzn.to/3ESfKlY I also pull my hair back in a pony, so it doesn’t get in my way.
4. I use a suction cup tie down (tether) to keep Hunter in the bathtub & then I have both hands free. Here’s a nice one you can also use & suction to your floor to trim nails: https://amzn.to/3EWp6gl
5. Cotton balls for your dogs ears to prevent water from getting in their ears. These are organic & for sensitive ears/skin https://amzn.to/3Xmh6vD
I put away things in the bathroom that I don’t want to get wet, like toilet paper, Kleenex, anything paper, plus I move my bath towels as my dog will rub on anything he can when he gets out of the bath.
I use a sprayer hose that attaches to my shower head: https://amzn.to/41zhole Mine is an older model of this, both easily attaches & detaches.
If your dog tangles easily a leave-in detangling spray is a great addition: https://amzn.to/4kf8q3T
If your dog is always trying to get out of the tub an idea that I have found that works is to spread high quality canned matte type dog food on the shower wall at dogs mouth height. The dog will be distracted licking it off while you give them a bath. Canned pumpkin can also be used, but not too much. Organic peanut butter in moderation. Please no cheese spread as dogs are lactose intolerant.
To keep your dog from shaking too much while bathing, keep a hand on them as much as possible. I find near the neck or head helps the most.
Talk to your dog in a quiet voice, stay calm, encouraging & relaxed. Dogs read body language & understand voice tones way more than words (like a year old baby).
I have gotten into the tub or sat on the edge of the tub, I knelt on the floor on towels, finding the best way to wash the dog that keeps them feeling secure & safe.
Use water that is warm, but more cool warm than hot, this is better for their skin. Rinse very thoroughly & remember to put cotton in the dogs ears before you start the water.
I use a shower mat so my dog doesn’t slip https://amzn.to/43dSVD6
I dry the dog off while still in the tub to remove a lot of the water. I pull the shower curtain closed & let him shake.
I take my dog Echo to a self wash place near my home, because he sheds so much. I purchase multiple washes & it saves money. The place I go to has high & low tubs/bays to use, tether ties at each bay, & shampoos & conditioners, plus they provide towels & aprons for me to wear. They also have blowers to dry him, but he is scared of it, so I don’t use them.
I hope you found at least one helpful tip, please comment & let me know. Thanks for reading, please visit & share with your friends who love their pets. Debbie
Echoing Great Pet Care 