Bathing your dog is important to maintain the health of his or her skin and coat. How often should you bathe your dog and how can you make the process easier? These bath time tips for dogs will help you get started.
Start early
For the best long-term results, bathe your dog as a puppy. This is a great way to help your dog get used to bath time and understand that bathing is an integral part of their life. If you have any questions about how soon to start bathing your pup, contact your veterinarian for tips
The ASPCA recommends quarterly baths for your dog. Your dog’s first bath can be around eight weeks old. If your dog’s needs are different, you can speak to your veterinarian. Unlike humans, dogs don’t need frequent baths to stay clean and healthy. Your dog may need a bath more often if he spends a lot of time outdoors or has certain skin conditions.
Look at their fur and skin
Different breeds of dogs have different bathing needs. Some dogs need extra vitamins and minerals to keep their fur healthy and shiny. Long-haired dogs may need conditioning treatment to avoid tangles
Dogs with sensitive or itchy skin may need special treatments. You may need to invest in a shampoo that has soothing ingredients and prevents dryness. Talk to your veterinarian about what breed (s) your dog is and what shampoo and conditioner are best for your pet.
If your dog has white fur, you may need a detergent that doesn’t contain dyes. Using an orange tinted shampoo can cause your dog’s fur to turn orange over time. If the shampoo bottle isn’t clear, unscrew the lid and take a look at the shampoo to see what color it is.
Start slowly
If your dog is a puppy, shampoo and conditioner aren’t that important. Use water and a washcloth or sponge to get your dog used to bath time. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature. Massage your skin and make sure it is tolerated in the bath
A quick bath is fine at this point as your dog is just starting out. If you notice your dog getting too anxious, finish the bath and take him out to dry. Slowly build up longer baths and introduce cleaning products when you feel they are ready.
continuation
Make bath time fun
You may feel stressed out bathing your dog – especially if he is making a big mess – but it is important that your dog is comfortable while bathing. Over time, they may look forward to bathing instead of being scared of it and fighting you
Speak to your dog in a soothing voice and use encouraging words during bath time. Don’t underestimate the power of your words. When bath time is over, wrap your dog in a towel and snuggle up while he dries off. Keep telling your dog what he did well and why bath time is good for him. Even if they don’t understand all of your words, they will understand your meanings.
Gentle is best
Your pup may be fierce, but you should compare his bath time to that of an infant. Don’t scrub her skin too much at this age. Instead, use gentle strokes that follow their fur growth. The same tips apply when it comes time to brush or blow dry your pup’s fur after a bath.
Rinse twice
It is important to remove all of the shampoo and conditioner from your dog’s coat. When you feel the flushing is complete, continue. Detergent residue can irritate your dog’s skin if too much is left behind. Working methodically from your dog’s neck to its tail, massage the fur gently so the water can reach its skin.
dry
If your dog’s fur isn’t too long or too thick, you may be able to air dry it. For thicker or longer fur, use your blow dryer on the lowest and coolest setting. Brush your dog’s fur with the growth pattern and go slowly. Give your dog time to see that the blow dryer is loud but not scary. It can be helpful to start further away from your head and work your way up.
Face and ears
Take care around your dog’s eyes, ears, nose and mouth during bath time. Even if a shampoo says it won’t cause tears, products can be irritating to your dog’s eyes. Taking shampoo or conditioner can upset your stomach. Avoid your dog’s mouth and keep them from drinking bath water
Talk to your veterinarian about bath time tips for cleaning your dog’s ears. Avoid using water and shampoo as it can get caught in the ear canal and cause infection. Instead, look for specific treatments and tools designed for your dog’s ears.
sources
SOURCES:
American Kennel Club: “Bathing Your Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide”, “10 Grooming Secrets From Show Dog Experts”.
ASPCA: “Tips on Dog Grooming”.
VCA: “Grooming and Grooming Your Dog.”
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