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Time For A Dog Bath?
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Learn what you need to know to take the challenge out of cleaning your smelly four legged friend.
Get answers to the many questions, opinions and myths about the best care for different dog types and temperaments.
With the right knowledge, techniques and supplies... the hassles of bathing your dog will be a thing of the past.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
Where’s The Best Place To Bathe Your Dog?
Are You Tired Of Chasing And Wrestling With Your Dog At Bath Time?
Things To Have On Hand At Bath Time
Why You Should Brush Your Dog Thoroughly Before Bathing
A Dog Bath Should Start At The Beginning: Your Dog's Head
How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty.
Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a dog bath. If a dog is bathed too often the skin may be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin.
If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use pet shampoos and conditioners that will not dry out or irritate your dog’s skin.
In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet.
It’s a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water.
Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.
If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.
With Your Pooch At Dog Bath Time?
Then check out the Booster Bathing System. An ergonomically designed dog grooming and bathing tub that elevates your dog to a level that’s comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained... takes the hassle out of washing your dog.
Does your pooch tend to get away from you during a dog bath?
Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It’s funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you to jump into the water at the beach.
If you’re washing your dog in a room with a door... make sure to close it so that your dog will not get very far if he prematurely gets out of the dog bath. This way you’ll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job.
It can be a real challenge bathing a dog that’s wiggling around... but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any and every opportunity to get away from you at bath time... you may want to consider restraining your dog.
Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful
part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.
The best way to restrain your dog and prevent her from slipping and sliding during bath time is by using a Booster Bathing System. Your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give her a quick and hassle-free bath.
Things To Have On Hand At Dog Bath Time
From Our Recommended Merchants
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to choose from at dog bath time.
Before you let your dog in on the secret that "Yes... It's Time For A Dog Bath" gather up all your dog bathing supplies first and let your dog sniff everything. Once she's familiar with the supplies and if she hasn't figured it out already... now's the time to break it to her.
Thoroughly Before Bathing
Depending on the type of coat your dog has... you may need an assortment of gooming brushes and combs to properly care for your dog's skin and coat.
Before a dog bath it's always a good idea to brush your pet's coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don't spend time removing old, established tangles and mats before dog bath time, they just get worse.
If your dog's coat tangles and mats easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.
If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dog’s coat. These are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil.
If you’re unable to remove the tar or gum from your dog’s coat... carefully snip away the affected area. It’s always best to sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to the skin.
Brush your dog thoroughly between dog baths, daily if you can, to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.
Your Dog's Head
A popular dog bathing technique is to start at your dog’s head and work your way toward the tail. This is especially the case if it’s possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you'll want to use a flea & tick shampoo.
Starting at your dog's head forces any fleas to gather away from your dog’s face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of your dog into the tub than your dog’s face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple dog bathing technique.
Prepare your pet for a dog bath by getting her used to the sound of the running water. If you’re using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into the bath.
Starting from the head... thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a pet spray nozzle for this task. If you’re using a spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dog’s face or genitals.
Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructions on the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin.
Be careful not the get shampoo in your dog’s eyes. If this is a concern you can protect your dog’s eyes by putting some eye safe in each eye just before getting your dog into the bath.
Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dog’s coat a thorough rinsing.
Towel drying your pet’s coat in the dog bath will remove some of the excess water before you take your dog out of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle.
When it's time for a dog bath most dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.
