If you would notice, most dogs would rather skip bath time. But bathing plays an important role in the health of your dog’s coat and skin. Keeping your dog clean and free of dirt and parasites may further aid you and your wallet. And of course, there’s the added benefit of making your buddy more pleasant to be around. You wouldn’t want your dog walking around the house smelling awful.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DOG HAVE A BATHE?
While dogs don’t require daily scrub downs like we do, they do need regular baths. The question comes to mind, just how regular? Well, it depends on several factors, such as the dog’s environment and type of coat. Your veterinarian can give you advice on how much bathing is appropriate for your best buddy.
HOW TO WASH YOUR DOG
Once you’re prepared to take on the task (with or without your dog’s cooperation, well that entirely depends on you), here’s what to do:
- Brush your dog before a bath. Matted hair holds water, leaving your dog with irritated skin. (If you can’t brush or cut the mats out yourself, take your dog to a professional groomer.) Put a cotton ball in each ear to keep water out. It helps prevent ear infections and irritation.
- Use lukewarm water. Our dog’s skin is different from ours, and hot water can burn dogs more easily. Bath water should never be hotter than what you’d run for a human baby. Keep it even cooler for large-breed dogs, who can easily overheat.
- Talk to your pet in a calm and reassuring voice. As they say, it eases them and keeps their attention to you. Some dogs will eventually learn that you’re not torturing them and that it would actually be less difficult for the both of you, although others will continue to hide under the kitchen table whenever you get out a towel (Which is a sign for them to take their bath).
- Use dog shampoo. It dries their skin less than people shampoo. Work the shampoo into a gentle lather and massage it all over your dog’s head and body, being careful not to get soap in her eyes.
- Rinse well from top and down under. Any soap left in her fur and gets dried up can irritate your dog’s skin. Rinse, rinse, and repeat the rinse until all is clear.
- Air-dry. Hot air from a human blow-dryer can be too hot for their skin. Make sure to properly check on this. Either air-dry or use a blow-dryer designed for dogs; its lower temperatures won’t cause itching or dandruff.
- Reward your dog. After going through a war and came back victorious, follow up with abundant praise, petting, or play or might as well give him/her some treats.