Some dogs love water and baths. Others dread them, and will do anything to escape them. They hide when they see you holding their shampoo bottle. They squirm, nip, bark, and hurl their entire weight against you. And when you’re done (and drenched yourself) they will high-tail out of the bathroom, roll on the floor, and get filthy again.
But giving your dog a bath is an essential part of your responsibility as a dog owner. (And it’s still easier than cutting the dog’s nails.) Here are some tips on how to make it easier for your dog, and for you.
Build familiarity
Your dog may be comforted and assured if he is able to become familiar with the process of taking a bath. Try placing him first in the dry bathtub, no water or soap yet, just to get used to the environment. Give him a treat and then take him out. Do this three or four times, so he doesn’t associate the bathtub with anxiety and discomfort.
Set things up
Now that you’ve prepared your dog, it’s time to prepare the bathroom. Since you’ll have both your hands full trying to control a slippery, soapy, squirming dog, keep all your bath essentials within reach. This includes soap and shampoo, towels, brush, and a handful of treats. You may also want to move out any breakables or racks that he may topple over.
Brush before you bathe
Ready to start the bath? After you remove the dog collar, the first step should be brushing your dog’s coat. This removes any tangles and (for thick-haired dogs) excess hair.
Time for the soap!
Wet your dog with lukewarm water. Some dogs don’t like being sprayed, so you may want to try using a pail and a cup. Then, reach for dog shampoo (don’t use human shampoo, which can remove the natural oils that your dog needs). It’s best to first apply the dog shampoo on the shoulders, moving on to the back and undercoat, then the legs. Wash the dog’s face last. Naturally he doesn’t like being touched there, so if he gets nervous or anxious—and wants to jump out—at least you’re almost done. Rinse of the shampoo. (Tip: to prevent tangles, you can add pet conditioner and rinse this off again.)
Dry
Rub the dog dry with a towel, then brush. You may want to blowdry the hair of long-haired dogs. Since not all dogs like the sound of blowdryers or the feeling of warm air, you may want to put on the collar and leash and secure it to a heavy chair. If you have a small dog, you can also put him on a table so he can’t easily run off.