Did you know that Americans own dogs in 48 million households?
Dog bathing 101 is not as easy as it seems. Chances are your dog doesn’t react well to being dunked underwater, and they aren’t want to sit still while you scrub them down.
However, if you follow some essential bathing tips, you can make the process painless for both you and your pup.
Keep reading to learn how to bathe a dog without becoming a wrestling match.
Choose the Right Shampoo
Before bathing your dog, it is important to choose the right dog hair shampoo. There are a variety of shampoos available, each designed for a different type of coat.
For example, if your dog has a sensitive coat, you will want to use a shampoo that is designed for sensitive skin.
Once you have chosen the right shampoo, you will need to gather a few supplies. You will need a large cup or pitcher, a towel, and a brush. It is also a good idea to have a second person help you with the bath.
Shampoos are specifically formulated for dog care, and using the wrong kind can cause irritation or even skin allergies. Ask your veterinarian which shampoo is best for your dog when in doubt.
Avoid Getting Water in Their Eyes
Put a cotton ball in each of their ears to keep the water out. Wet their coat, apply the shampoo from their neck, and work your way back. Be sure to avoid their eyes and face. Rinse their coat thoroughly. You may do this several times to ensure all the soap is out.
When you’re done, remove the cotton balls from their ears and let them shake off the remaining water.
Be Careful With Their Ears
Be careful with its ears. Water can quickly enter their ear canal and cause infections. To avoid this, use a cotton ball to clean the inside of their ears before and after the bath.
Also, use a mild shampoo on your dog’s coat and avoid getting water in their face. When you’re done, thoroughly towel dry your dog and brush their coat to remove any knots or tangles.
Don’t Forget to Rinse
Wet the dog down thoroughly, then start lathering from the neck. Dogs have sensitive noses, so avoid using anything that is too heavily scented.
Rinse thoroughly, making sure that all of the soap suds are gone. Be sure to work the shampoo into the nooks and crannies, including the legs, belly, and tail. Avoid getting soap in the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose.
Towel, Dry, and Brush
It is important to towel dry and brush your dog after a bath to ensure its coat is clean and healthy. Start gently patting your dog’s fur with a towel to remove excess water. Be sure to avoid rubbing the towel roughly against their skin, which could irritate them.
Once their fur is primarily dry, use a brush to remove any knots or tangles. Begin at the head and work your way down the body, using long, gentle strokes. Finish by giving your dog a good rub down with the towel to remove any last bit of moisture.
By towel drying your dog, you will help to prevent its coat from matting. Be sure to use a brush designed for your dog’s coat type. To properly brush your dog’s coat, start at the head and work your way down the body.
Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Ideally, trimming your dog’s nails every two weeks would be best. They are too long if you hear their nails clicking on the floor. Start by getting your dog used to you handling their paws, then Clip the tips of the nails with dog nail clippers.
Be sure not to cut the nails too short, as this can be painful for your dog. Trim the pins a little bit at a time to avoid overcutting. You will want to avoid the pink part of the nail, as this is quick. You can also file the nails if you prefer.
Put Cotton Balls in Your Dog’s Ears
Bathing a dog properly requires using cotton balls to clean its ears. The cotton balls should be soaked in warm water and placed in the dog’s ear canal. This helps to remove any wax or debris that may be present and prevent infection.
Gently massage the area around the cotton balls to loosen any dirt or wax. Finally, remove the cotton balls and rinse the area with clean water.
The Right Time
The right time to bathe a dog is typically every three to four months. However, if your dog swims frequently or gets particularly dirty, you may need to increase the frequency of baths. You also may need to Bathe more often during shedding season.
The key to bathing a dog properly is to make sure the dog is thoroughly wet before applying shampoo, working the shampoo into a lather, and then rinsing thoroughly.
Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid getting water in the dog’s ears. Towel dry your dog afterward and brush to remove any tangles. If you’re considering dog health, look for skin and coat supplements.
Understanding How to Bathe a Dog
You should have a better understanding of how to properly bathe a dog after reading this article. Bathing a dog can be daunting, but following these simple steps will make it much more manageable.
Dogs need to be cleaned about once a month, so if you keep up with their grooming, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Keep reading our blog for more tips and tricks.
