Dog Bathing Tips
Bathing keeps a dog's presence a pleasant one. To make
the bathing experience equally as enjoyable for dog and dog owner alike, here
are some tips from The Puppy Place.
Your Puppies First Bath
 Give
a puppy its first bath whenever its natural doggie odor becomes bothersome. From
then on employ the same guidelines: When a whiff of your dog makes your wrinkle
your nose, it's time for a bath. Keep in mind, however, that too frequent
bathing will strip your dog's skin of its natural protective oils and may lead
to flaky, dry skin.
Grooming Your Dog
Before dousing your dog with water, always give a
thorough grooming first. If your dog's hair is tangled, it only gets worse when
wet. A creme rinse applied post-bath won't eliminate tangles, and it will be
impossible to rinse out all the soap if your dog's hair is extremely matted.
Dried soap will then make your dog itch, and your dog will scratch itself,
further tangling its hair. For mats that defy the curry or the comb, try soaking
them with a conditioner or detangling spray, which sometimes make them easier to
work through with your comb, brush or fingers.
Bathing Supplies
Once your dog's coat is prepared, gather a towel, a small
bucket, cotton balls, a hair catcher for the drain, a rubber mat for the bath
surface, coat conditioner and tear-free, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Since the
pH levels in human shampoos are different than those required for dogs, never
substitute. If you'll be kneeling next to a bathtub or a washtub, a cushion for
your knees will increase your comfort level.
Ready? Set? Bath Time!
Only when all the bathing supplies are close at hand is
it time to add water. Put your dog in the bathtub, sink or washtub that can be
easily emptied without removing the dog. Allow the water to run slowly so it
will get progressively deeper. A few inches will suffice; any more and you'll be
a perfect target for wayward splashes. Talk soothingly, and move slowly to keep
your dog calm. If your dog has flopped-over ears like a Labrador Retriever, put
cotton in its ears to prevent water from entering its ear canals. Cotton balls
won't stay in upright ears, but short-eared dogs can shake out excess water.
Getting It Right
Get a firm hold on your dog. Starting from the rear, wet
it down using the bucket or a handheld showerhead held close to its body. Be
sure to saturate all layers of your dog's hair through to its skin. Put your
hand over your dog's eyes, and direct the water toward the back of its head to
avoid getting water in its ears. Never spray directly into your dog's face. If
your dog is extremely sensitive to water in its face, a damp washcloth is a good
alternative. Using the same back-to-front method, lather your dog by gently
massaging it all over. For the face, again use a washcloth dampened in soapy
water. Be sure to suds your dog's feet and legs.
Rinsing Your Dog
Rinsing is second in importance only to pre-bath
grooming. Remove all the soap through repeated rinsing, again holding the water
source close to your dog's body and ensuring the water reaches the skin. Then
apply the coat conditioner according to directions, avoiding your dog's face.
Rinse thoroughly. If you left your dog's collar on to give you better control
during the bath, ensure all the soap and conditioner are rinsed out from
underneath it.
Drying
Once you are done with the water, drain the basin and
remove the cotton balls. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible, then
gently towel-dry your dog. If you have a long-haired dog, rubbing too vigorously
can cause more mats and tangles. If your dog starts to shake, place your hand on
the top of its head. Lift your dog from the bathing area, setting it down on the
floor. To prevent your dog from getting dirty, turn it loose in your house to
air dry. On a warm day, put it outside in its crate in the shade. Or use a hair
dryer on a low setting while someone holds your dog so you can dry and brush
simultaneously. If your dog wore its collar for the bath, take it off for
drying.
And Finally...
Perfecting your dog-bathing technique might take a few
tries. But going into it prepared will allow your and your dog to enjoy it as
just another of the many things you do together.
Note:
You should not rely on the veterinary advice or information provided on this
site for diagnosis or treatment of any specific situation. Always consult your
own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or
treatment of your own pet or animal. The Puppy Place disclaims all warranties
and liability related to the veterinary advice and information provided on this
site. Full disclaimer.
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