Few things are as rewarding as owning a dog. They’re adorable, happy, and they keep you company when no one else is around. On top of all of that, they’re a huge boon to your mental health.
For all the benefits they bring, they also come with a lot of responsibility. You have to feed them and ensure they get enough exercise. You also have to make sure that they stay clean.
You don’t have to pay a groomer to bathe your dog, though. Read on to learn how to do it yourself!
1. Find the Right Spot
The first thing you need to do when you’re ready to bathe your own dog is to find the best spot to do it. The first thing you need to consider is the size of your dog. If you have a small chihuahua, then you can probably get away with bathing him in a deep sink.
Larger dogs should be bathed in tubs or outside. Ideally, there’d be a spot to place a restraint to keep your dog from bolting mid-shampoo. If you don’t have a great spot to do it, check around local vets and grooming salons. Many have DIY grooming stations.
2. Help Them Feel Comfortable
Getting a bath isn’t a normal thing for a dog, so you might need to take additional steps to make them feel comfortable. For example, you can acclimate nervous dogs to tubs in the days leading up to a bath by taking them to the tub and giving them treats and praise. Slowly incorporate water until they can calmly be bathed.
If your dog has a hard time staying still during the bath, be sure to have something to keep them busy. Some groomers apply peanut butter to the wall in front of a pet’s mouth to keep them occupied while they’re getting their bath.
Finally, watch the water temp. Water that is too hot or too cold is not going to feel good.
3. Get the Right Shampoo
Shampoo for dogs is just like shampoo for humans. It comes in a wide variety to suit a number of different issues.
Dogs with sensitive or dry skin should utilize a shampoo that contains calming ingredients like oatmeal. Follow up with a nice conditioner to help their fur and skin stay soft and moisturized. Be careful not to get water or shampoo into their eyes or ears.
Dealing with an especially stinky situation like a skunked dog? You’ll need an entirely different plan. Check out https://unionlakepetservices.com/blog/smelly-situation-how-to-get-skunk-smell-out-of-a-dog to learn how to get the stink out.
Now You’re Ready to Bathe Your Dog!
Learning how to bathe your dog is a great way to save money and bond with your sweet pup. The only catch is that you have to make it an enjoyable experience for the both of you. If your dog isn’t used to baths, be sure to reward them throughout the bathing process so they look forward to it in the future.
Are you interested in learning more great ways to bond with your dog and keep him healthy? You’re in the right spot! Check out the rest of our blog for tons of great dog advice!