How to give a dog bath at home

Or, how to get us dogs contemplate our life choices!

Written by Milo and his hooman dad.

"It is true. It’s not that difficult, you can do it!  It is also true that for most of us dogs it’s not our favorite time with you. You see, baths, at least in the way you hoomans do it, is not part of our hygiene routine so you have to familiarize us with it. 

I’ve heard rumors that some of our kind enjoy it but they are not in my immediate social circle. So, while I’ve now come to tolerate it, even enjoy it at times, I’ve given my dad his fair share of wet bath stories to tell. So, let’s get down to it: Here’s my and my hooman’s Guide to Bathing Your Pooch at Home!" Milo, the energetic Labrador mix.

 

Hey there, fur parents and fellow doggo enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the bubbly world of doggie baths and giving you a rundown on how to do a home dog spa session. Don't worry; it's not as hard as you think. It is just some wet and possibly wild fun! So, let's grab our dog shampoos and let the good times roll!

 

The preparation for a successful and enjoyable Dog Bath

Before we go into the specifics, it is important to talk about training. Training your dog to be comfortable with the bath process is crucial to the success and minimization of the fuss of it. So, grooming should be incorporated into the training routine of your pet. The earlier the better, but it is never too late.

Before you start the dog bath, gather everything you'll need to make this a smooth experience.

What you’ll need:

• Dog Shampoo: Choose a gentle, high-quality, dog-specific shampoo and washing aids that will not irritate your dog's sensitive skin. Don’t use human shampoos, as they can strip away natural oils and lead to skin issues.

 

• Towels Galore: Have a stack of soft, absorbent towels at the ready. Trust us; you'll need them to dry off your furball.

 

• Dog Coat Brush: A pre-bath brushing session helps loosen up any tangles or mats, making the bath time more effective and enjoyable.

 

• Treats: Treats are your secret weapon! Use them to reward your dog before, throughout and after the process to create positive associations with bath time.

 

• Non-Slip Mat: If your bathroom floor can be slippery when wet ( it usually is!), lay down a non-slip mat to keep both you and your doggo safe.

 

• Hair-dryer: You’ll need it to completely dry the coat after towel drying.

 

• Rubber Ducky or a silicon lick pad (optional): Why not add a splash of whimsy to the whole affair? A squeaky rubber ducky or a suction cup pad lick pad to keep them occupied can make bath time feel like a pool party!

 

It is Go time

Choose the Right Spot: Most likely, your bathroom will be the bathing HQ. It's a confined space, so your dog won't have the opportunity to stage a great escape! Your backyard could work on some occasions but only during summer and only if you can control the water temperature of not being too cold or too hot.

Test the Waters: Literally! Check the water temperature to ensure it's lukewarm—neither too hot nor too cold. Imagine you're setting the temperature for Goldilocks – just right!

Coax Your Pooch In: Some dogs might need a little persuasion to step into the tub. Lure them with treats and be patient.  Positive reinforcement works wonders!

Wet 'Em Up: Gently wet your pup from head to tail. Be mindful of their face and ears; some dogs aren't fans of water on their muzzles. It is better to avoid wetting their heads, especially if you are a rookie because you don’t want water to get in their ears. Try washing their face separately, lathering it with your palms and rinsing of by slowly pouring water with your hands. In any case hold their ears down when wetting their head.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat: Apply the shampoo and lather up their coat. Don’t overdo it with the shampoo, you’ll end up spending more time rinsing.  Give them a good massage as you go—like a doggy spa treatment-! Rinse thoroughly, until water comes off clear ensuring no shampoo is left behind.

Drying Time: Brace yourself for the epic shake-off! Once the waterworks are over, wrap your pooch in a towel and give them a good towel dry. Don’t rub the coat and skin too hard. If you have a large dog, you might need to recruit more than 2 towels for the drying operation.

Blow-dry: Now, possibly the trickiest but very important part. Towel-drying is not enough. Not even during summer. You see, leaving a dog coat wet ruins your whole effort for a couple of important reasons; The most important one is that trapped moisture in the coat can cause hot spots (moist dermatitis), and malodor from development of bacteria. Secondly, dogs don’t like staying wet, so if you release them still wet, they will probably go and roll over whatever will help them get rid of the moisture. Carpets, furniture, the floor.

And if they have access to the outdoors, they will do the unthinkable. Roll all over the dirt. So, it is important to blow dry their coat using medium temperature and keep the blow-dryer at a safe distance from their skin.

Post-Bath Treats: Celebrate the successful bath with some post-bath treats. Positive reinforcement seals the deal for future baths!

 

FAQs – Answering Your Howls of Confusion around Dog Bath at home

Q: How often should I bathe my dog?

A: Well, that depends on your doggo's lifestyle and coat type. Usually, once every 4-8 weeks should do the trick. Over-bathing can strip away natural oils and dry out their skin, so don't overdo it! For high maintenance coat types or in cases of skin issues a more frequent bathing schedule, with appropriate for each case dog washing sets and products, might be necessary to maintain healthy coats and skin.

Q: What if my dog hates baths?

A: No worries! Some dogs might not be fans of water. Take it slow, use positive reinforcement, and turn bath time into a bonding experience. If they still don’t enjoy it and show signs of excess stress, don’t push them as it will only create more trauma. Try taking help from an experienced professional dog groomer, having first discussed with them the issue, and making sure you get answers on what is their approach to dealing with bath reactive pups. If your dog doesn’t enjoy it but tolerates it, keep up and always stay true to positive reinforcement and treats. 

 

"So, there you have it, folks! My dad and I can confirm that bathing your furry friend at home is a fantastic way to strengthen your bond while keeping us clean and fresh. Remember, a little patience and a lot of treats go a long way. Now, go forth and try!"

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to bark them our way! Happy bathing everyone! 🐾