When it comes to bath time, dogs and humans are pretty much alike – if your pup hates it, you probably don’t enjoy bathing her either.
The sensation of getting wet can make your dog panic and run away.
However, it’s possible to turn the tables and make bathing your pet something you both enjoy very much, or at least keep the pooch calm until that pesky foam is washed away.
No rush
It’s sometimes hard to stay cool and relaxed if you have limited time to get the bathing done.
If you’re in a hurry today, bathe your pup tomorrow. They can feel when we’re in a pinch and can get upset.
Also, take a long walk before bath time begins, as your dog might enjoy splashing around a bit after it feels hot and exhausted.
This way you can use their natural instinct to your advantage.
Source: Pixabay
Keep a positive attitude
Try to approach the bath with calm, assertive energy, and you may be surprised to find how much of a difference it makes.
One of the ways to do this is to think of a bath as playtime for both of you.
Bring some of your dog’s favourite toys into the tub to get her thinking about the time you play together.
Start young
Getting your dog used to bathing when it’s still a puppy will make bathing much easier down the road.
If you’re as inexperienced at bathing as your dog, this can be a good time to learn all the tricks as your dog will be smaller and easier to handle.
A bathtub can be an intimidating place, so let her explore the bathtub when it’s dry.
Image Source: Pixabay
Learn how to do it
These tips are all about bathing your dog more easily, but before you start, make sure you actually know how to wash a dog.
It’ll keep the bathing time short and effective, with minimum stress.
Before you get your dog into the tub, make sure you have everything you need at hand.
This includes a tear-free shampoo, a sponge, towels, a brush and some treats. We like to use Paws & Pals Natural Dog Shampoo & Conditioner on our dogs.
Make it comfortable
What feels like a perfect bath temperature for you, may not be what your pet likes.
Water that is too warm can be as shocking to your dog as a cold splash. Keep it lukewarm to take the temperature issue out of the equation.
Many dog mums make a mistake in trying to shower from the head downwards.
Instead, use a sponge or a shower headset at low to wash her chest first and then move to washing the rest of the body.
Don’t chase your dog
For many dogs, a chase is the ultimate game you two can play.
If for some reason your pooch dashes out of the bath and you go after her, she will do this every time you try to give her a bath. Instead, try to win her over with treats.
When I need to make my pup Joey take a bath, I always tell him, ‘Who loves bath time?’, and I let him smell his favourite treats.
After the bath is over, I never fail to reward him. It’s very important for pups to relate bath time to a positive or pleasant experience.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
A bonus drying trick
No matter how much you love your pup, no one likes to get soaked by their dog shaking the water off.
Gently hold her muzzle with your thumb and forefinger and towel-dry her the best you can. Dogs start to shake from the head back to the tail, and if she can’t rotate her head, she can’t rotate her body either.
After you dry her, put her in a ‘shake free mode’ and let her have her time. As a final reward for well behaving, Joey always gets chewable flea prevention Comfortis for dogs.
I’m lucky that he loves the flavour, so that way I kill two birds (or two fleas) with one stone.
With these tips, a doggy bath time needn’t be fear and loathing anymore.
While some breeds will be more receptive to the idea of getting wet, for others it’ll take more time.
Make sure to consult your vet on how often to wash your breed.
Blog post by “Zara Lewis is a regular contributor at Highstylife.com. Zara is a full-time animal lover. Passionate about creating a better world for the generations to come, she is a mum of two, raising them inseparably from their furry family members.
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