How to Bathe Your Dog Easily At Home
by dogtoyadvisor | Last updated on November 18, 2020
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Does your dog hate bath time?
Has he always hated baths or is it something that has gotten worse over the years?
The truth is…
It’s easier for dogs to hate baths than to love them, and most of the reasons why has to do with us!
So, if bath time turns into wartime in your home, don’t despair!
We’re here to tell you all you can and can’t do to change that.
Why Baths Are Important For Your Dog
Even though dogs don’t need to bathe as often as humans, it’s still a pretty important part of grooming and good hygiene.
While not all dog breeds need the same amount of baths, bathing your dog only when he’s dirty is not the right way to go about it.
Baths are good for cleaning your dog, of course, but they are also important for keeping parasites away.
Last but not least, baths are the perfect occasion for a good full body massage.
One that will allow you to check your dog’s body for lumps, bumps and sores without the fluffy coat getting in the way.
Where to Bathe Your Dog
Well, it depends mainly on the size of your dog.
If you have a small dog, the best place to bathe him would be the kitchen sink or laundry tub.
If your dog is bigger than that, we suggest the bathtub or the shower to accommodate him.
If you prefer to do it outdoors and your don’t doesn’t object if, you can use a garden hose during those warm months where the water comes out warm.
For the winter, you can get a collapsible tub or swimming pool and bathe your dog in the garage or laundry or mud room.
10 Dos and Don’ts For Bathing A Dog
Here, you’ll learn what you should and shouldn’t do when bathing your dog.
Not only to do it properly, but also to do it in a way he’ll love and not be frightened of.
Do you want your dog to stop fighting you whenever it’s time for his bath?
This is how you (do and don’t) do it.
1. DO Get Everything You Need Beforehand
Get everything ready before you start.
That means dressing in the right attire (something you won’t mind getting soggy, dirty and hairy).
Also, gather everything you’ll need, like the brush or the dog shampoo.
Last, but certainly not least, get the absorbent towel to make sure you’re able to dry your dog as much as possible before he begins to shake it off.
A regular towel will do but, if you’re looking for something more effective, we recommend these great (and cute) absorbent towel that are super quick to dry.
2. DON’T Bathe Your Dog Too Often
Like we’ve mentioned before, the frequency that your dog requires a bath depends on his breed and the size of his coat.
For most dogs, once a month or even once every two months will do, unless he particularly likes to get dirty.
Dogs with oily coats, like Basset Hounds, require weekly baths.
Your dog’s vet should be able to tell you the right amount.
If you bathe your dog too often, you’ll cause serious damage to his coat and skin, because he will loose the natural oils he needs to keep them healthy and dandruff free.
3. DO Brush Your Dog Before His Bath
Brushing before bathing is done for two major reasons.
First, it will remove all the dead hair upfront which can sometimes clog your drain.
Also, brushing helps with matted hair, which is not only very painful for your dog, but it also holds water and causes skin issues.
If your dog’s hair has become to matted and you don’t feel comfortable with solving the issue yourself, take him to a professional groomer, they’ll know what to do.
Personally, we use this brush for all our pets. It’s comfortable for them and easy to clean.
4. DO Use Lukewarm Water
Dogs have more sensitive skin than humans, means they’ll burn easier.
But they also hate the cold.
So use lukewarm water to bathe your dog.
Also, make sure to rinse well to make sure you don’t leave any soap on the skin that could irritate it.
5. DON’T Use Just Any Product
We’ve already established that dog skin is very sensitive and its balance hard to maintain.
So, when you’re bathing your dog, you need to be careful with the products you use.
Human shampoo is a big no no, unless you want your dog’s skin to dry.
But there are a lot of dog products available that can also damage your dog’s skin, due to their low quality.
Pick a shampoo that’s organic, chemical-free.
Also, make sure the scent is soft, so it won’t bother your dog.
We use this one, it’s filled with vitamins and great ingredients, the scent is lovely and durable.
Best yet, our dog’s hair is shinny and soft.
6. DO Keep Your Dog Calm at All Times
Keeping your dog calm during the bath is crucial.
Ideally, you’ll be able to get him to relax.
You do this by talking to him in a calm, soothing voice.
Also, make gentle and relaxing movements are you wash him, like you’re giving him a massage.
Last but not least, be careful with the water pressure, make sure it’s not to strong or noisy to make sure it doesn’t frighten your dog.
7. DON’T Wash Your Dog’s Ears and Eyes
It’s a common mistake, one that not only stresses dogs during the bath, but also can cause ear and skin issues.
You don’t need to wash your dog’s ears and eyes during the bath, in fact, avoid washing the face altogether.
Water in your dog’s ears may cause infections and excess moisture can lead to bacterial issues as well.
You can wash the face with a soft, damp cloth and the ears with cotton balls or gaze and alcohol or another ear cleansing solution of your liking.
Related: 10 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Your Dog’s Health
8. DO Dry Your Dog Well
The only way to stave off bacterial skin infections after bathing your dog is to make sure he’s properly dry afterwards.
Use the towels, go for a walk and let him shake it all off.
If the weather allows it, let him sleep somewhere sunny with a small breeze to dry it off.
9. DON’T Use a Human Blow Dryer
Hair dryers are a big no no for dogs.
Not only will the noise scare them, but they’re also just too hot for their sensitive skins.
Even if you keep it at the lowest option, you’ll still dry your dog’s skin and cause dandruff to appear.
If you’re dead set on blow drying your dog, then use one meant for pets.
Our Winters are pretty cold and wet, so drying our dogs was a nightmare.
That’s why we decided to buy this pet blow dryer and we’re pretty pleased with it.
It’s very silent when compared to human hair dryers, also you can choose the setting you use it on.
It gets our dogs dry in no time.
10. DO Reward Your Dog Once You’re Finished
Nothing says a job well done for your dog like a tasty treat.
After all is said and done, the only thing left to do is reward your dog for being such a good boy.
Tasty treat, lots of cuddles (now that he smells so good), praise, play, whatever motivates your dog is what you’ll give him.
That will allow him to associate bath time with reward and that’s just what you need to make him like it.
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