Safety For You And Your Dog Is Important
Safety is one of the keys to bathing your pet with the minimum of fuss, so be sure you are in a safe environment. If you are putting your dog into a tub or sink while you bath them, be certain that neither you or they will not slip. The use of a non-slip rubber mat in the tub or sink will help ease your pet’s worries and give him confidence that he is not going to get hurt. If he is unsure of his footing, it may cause panic and either you or he may get hurt. If you have a rubber door mat, this could be used very successfully to stop the slipping. An extra rubber mat on the floor for you to stand on if water gets splashed on the floor will also give you secure footing. If hosing your dog outside is the way you want to go, then ensure that you have a leash on your dog, so that if he pulls away from you, then you still have control and he won’t be able to escape from you. This, in particular will apply if you are not in a secure area and he may be able to run out into traffic.
Before starting to bath your dog, ensure that the shampoo you will be using is very mild. Shampoos that are specifically targeted at dogs are best because they keep the oils in your pets coat that are necessary to maintain a healthy skin. If you have to use shampoos or soaps meant for human use, use one that is intended for small children. Do not use shampoos or soaps that ’smell pretty’. This kind of smell will encourage the dog to find whatever disgusting smell that is available and have a good rollin it to cover this ‘pretty smell’. These types of ‘pretty smelling’ shampoos and soaps may also cause the dog’s sensitive skin to become dry.
Thoroughly brush your dog’s coat before you begin bathing him. There are 2 very good reasons for this. The first reason is that your pet will become relaxed. Secondly, this brushing process will remove the loose and dead hair. This will keep the hair out of your plumbing system and prevent blockages.
Luke warm water is best to use for bathing. Hot water, as with people, can burn your dog’s skin. Cold water or hose water should only be used in the warmer months of the year as it can chill your dog. The bathing experience must be kept pleasurable for your dog, else it will become increasingly more difficult the next time. If you are using a tub to bath your dog, do not use anymore water than necessary. If the water is too deep, it may cause uneasiness and panic in your dog as well as increasing the amount of splash on the floor, and of course, on you.
Bath time! Me! Want to bet.
Image: Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Avoid getting water into your dog’s ears. Especially be very careful when using a hose. Spraying water into their nose and mouth should also be avoided. Your dog will remember these unpleasant experiences, and will make them more likely to be unwilling to go through all of this again in future. The bathing experience must leave your dog in a happy, or at worst, in a neutral frame of mind so that next time it will not be ‘panic time’ when he senses that bath time is close.
When applying the shampoo to your dog’s coat, begin behind his ears and move towards his tail. Rub the shampoo into his coat in a circular motion. After you have rubbed the shampoo in and have a good lather, thoroughly rinse the shampoo out of the coat with the hose or a spray attachment on you tap. All shampoo must be removed, so ensure the rinsing water is running clean off your dog. If any shampoo is left on your dog, it may cause itchiness and the dog will start scratching which may cause further medical problems, if severe enough.
If the dog is inside the house, use a towel to dry him off. If outside, you may chose to towel him off or let him do his own thing by rolling or rubbing in the grass. This is also the ideal opportunity for the dog to find something unpleasant to roll in. So be alert.
Well that completes the bathing process. It is my experience that dogs’ energy levels are increased after bathing, and they will be looking for a game or at least a cuddle afterwards. This will be another confirmation to them that bathing can be good fun, or at least the rewards outweigh the any minor unpleasantness.
