How often you should bathe your dog depends on a number of things, including your dog's breed, body size, coat type, and the activities he is doing. Dogs who are out of the house a lot may need to be bathed more often, while dogs that are confined to the house may only need to be bathed every few months. Bathing can be daunting for dogs, but with a little preparation and knowledge, you can make bath time an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparation for Bathing the Dog
Step 1. Determine the place
If your dog is very small, you can bathe him in the sink or kitchen. You can bathe larger dogs in the shower or tub. If it's not too cold outside, you can even bathe your dog outside.
- If you bathe your dog in a tub or sink, the bottom will feel slippery when wet. To help calm your dog and give him a good foothold, place a towel at the bottom of the tub or sink. You can also use a rubber bath mat or a sticky non-slip pad.
- Choose a covered place if possible. Your dog may feel anxious or upset during bath time, and try to run away. Close the bathroom door if you bathe him in the tub. If you're bathing him outdoors, be sure to choose an area surrounded by a fence so your dog can't escape.
Step 2. Get your dog ready for a bath
Brush the fur before bathing. This is especially important if your dog has thick, coarse, or two-layered coats. Be sure to straighten out any tangled hair.
- If you have fleas on your dog, then you need to see a vet to get rid of them. Or you can get rid of dog fleas yourself.
- If there is something sticky on your dog's coat (such as paint, gum, or pine resin), rub the area with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil and leave it on for 24 hours. Liquid dish soap can also help you deal with it.
Step 3. Trim your dog's nails
If your dog's nails need trimming, trim them before bathing them. This will help prevent them from clawing at you when they are agitated or difficult to control.
Don't cut the nails too short! You can injure the dog's skin, causing it to bleed and become infected. If you don't know how to trim your dog's nails properly, many dog salons and veterinarians can do it for a small fee
Step 4. Prepare everything you need
Once you start bathing your dog, everything you need should be within your reach. You will need towels, cotton balls, dog shampoo, a treat for the dog, and a washcloth or sponge. If you don't have a water hose or removable shower head, you'll also need to provide a bucket or other container for rinsing the dog.
- Open bottles of shampoo and other liquid bottles first, so you don't have to open them when you have to keep an eye on your wet dog.
- If your dog panics easily while bathing, you may need to ask someone for help. This person can help look after the dog while you bathe it.
Step 5. Place a cotton ball in your dog's ear
If it gets wet, the dog's ear can become infected. Placing cotton balls in your dog's ears will help keep the ear canal dry.
Do not press the cotton ball too deep. Just make sure that the position is steady enough so that it doesn't fall into the tub
Step 6. Remove your leashes
To clean the neck, you will need to remove the leash. If you need to grip the leash to control it during the shower, use a nylon leashes. Leather collars can shrivel up if they get wet, and strangle your dog's neck.
Part 2 of 4: Bathing the Dog
Step 1. Set the right temperature
Dogs are sensitive to hot water, just like you. Check the water temperature before bathing the dog. The water should be warm, but not hot. Water that is too cold can make your dog shiver, which is especially dangerous for puppies.
If you're bathing him in a tub or sink, fill him with hot water up to knee level
Step 2. Wet the dog's body with water
It is not recommended to wash the dog's face or head. This can cause water to get into his ears, or make his eyes sting from shampoo. Wet the dog from the back of its neck. Make sure all the fur is saturated with water. You may need some time on a thick-haired dog to do this.
- If you have a detachable shower head or hose, use it to spray water on your dog. Make sure the water pressure isn't too high, or you might startle it.
- If you use a bucket or paddle to wet your dog, make sure to pour water over his head.
- There is also a snap-on sprayer that attaches to your shower head or faucet. The ASPCA recommends the "Rinse Ace Pet Shower Deluxe."
Step 3. Apply shampoo
If your dog's coat is very thick and long, you may need to mix the shampoo with a small cup of water first. This will help you spread the foam over the entire coat. For dogs with short hair, just pour the shampoo directly into it, then massage the shampoo into the coat.
- You don't need to use a washcloth or sponge to apply shampoo. In fact, your hands are better to use because they can lather up the dog's body at the same time. That way, you can also check for any abnormal signs on your dog's body, such as lumps or inflammation.
- Do not shampoo your dog's head or face. If your face is dirty, use a damp washcloth to gently clean it.
- If your dog has very long hair, massage the shampoo in the direction it is growing. That way the hair won't get tangled.
Step 4. Bathe the dog's body
Massage the shampoo all over his body except his head. Wash your armpits, belly, tail and groin, and hands and feet.
Leave the shampoo on your dog according to the directions on the bottle. Some shampoos contain mild flea repellents, and these need to be left on your dog for a while for effective results
Step 5. Clean your dog's face
If your face is dirty, use a damp washcloth to remove the dirt. Do not clean the inside of his ear with a washcloth; because it can get too wet and cause infection.
- Some dogs develop a skin infection on their chin called furunculosis, which resembles red bubbles or small pimples. If your dog has this disease, then you should consult a veterinarian to find out how to properly clean this area. Your vet may suggest using a disinfectant shampoo or ointment.
- If your dog has creases in the skin on his face, be sure to clean between them with a washcloth.
Step 6. Rinse your dog until the water flowing from his coat is clear
It is important to remove all shampoo residue from the dog's fur. However, this step may take a while, especially if your dog's coat is thick or has two coats. Not rinsing the coat thoroughly can cause skin irritation and pH imbalance disorders.
Remember not to pour water over the dog's head and face. If you're using a scoop or bucket to rinse him, pour it so the water runs down his back, not toward his face. Avoid spraying the dog's face if you use a hose or water spray
Step 7. Dry your dog
If you can find a microfiber towel with a high absorbency, you can dry your dog faster. Even so, you can use ordinary bath towels. Wrap a towel around your dog's back and pat him dry. Don't rub the towel against his body, as this can cause his fur to tangle. Keep in mind that a dog's natural instinct is to wiggle themselves dry, so be prepared to get splashed with water.
Some people may use a hair dryer to dry their dog's fur. Choose a low heat or cold setting to prevent your dog's fur from burning. Never point the dryer at your dog's face
Step 8. Comb your dog's hair
If your dog has very long or thick coat, then it's a good idea to brush it while it's wet to keep it from getting tangled. You can also use a detangling spray to help you out.
Step 9. Give your dog a treat
To keep bath time connected to something positive, give your dog a treat after each bath. Praise him for doing well. This way, your dog will understand that bath time is not a bad time, but a fun time filled with praise and rewards.
If your dog is very anxious during the bath, you can even give him a treat during the bath
Part 3 of 4: Caring for Dogs After Bath
Step 1. Clean the dog's ears
Remove the cotton ball from your dog's ear. You should clean your dog's ears of excess ear fluid to prevent irritation and infection. You can use a special ear cleaner such as "Vetericyn Ear Rinse." You can also use witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, or a 1:1 mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and water.
- Put a small amount of ear cleaner on a cotton ball. Do not use earplugs. You could injure your dog's eardrums if you push them too far.
- Rub a cotton ball around the inside of the ear. Check for ear fluid residue on the cotton ball. Once there is no more ear fluid on the cotton ball, then your dog's ears are clean. You can also use a wet cotton ball to clean the outside of your dog's ears (the broad auricles, known as the "pinna").
- Try not to pour or spray the liquid directly into the dog's ear. Many dogs don't like this method, and you should avoid associating your dog with negative bath time as much as possible.
- If your dog has body hair coming from his ear canal, consult your veterinarian. Some dog breeds can have matted ear hair, which can lead to infection.
Step 2. Clean up dog tears
Some dogs have a condition called epiphora. This happens when your dog's tears run down his face. This is very common in brachycephalic breeds such as terriers and chihuahuas. Cleanse this buildup of tears to prevent irritation or bacterial infection.
- Colloidal silver is the preferred choice, as it is safe to use around the eyes. This material is available in the form of a spray or drops. Apply colloidal silver solution to a cotton ball, and rub it into your dog's eyes.
- Applying coconut oil under the eyes that have tear marks can help the surrounding skin from getting infected.
- Many pet stores sell tear stain remover. and even wipes that contain cleaning agents. You can use it very easily. Just make sure that this product is marked "hypoallergenic" and does not contain tylosin tartrate. This antibiotic is not permitted for use in dogs or cats.
- Some dog breeds, such as the poodle and the shih-tzu, have a condition called distichiasis, which is when the eyelashes grow inward and do not come out. This can cause hand irritation and excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog has frequent tear build-ups, consult your veterinarian. This may just be due to the shape of the face, but it's always better to have it checked to be safe.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, makeup remover, human eye drops, or magnesium hydroxide to clean your dog's eyes.
Step 3. Give your dog another gift
Now that he's completely clean, give him the gift back. Give praise for doing well. Caress her body and play with her.
Part 4 of 4: Understanding Good Bathing Habits
Step 1. Avoid bathing your dog too often
There's usually nothing for you to have to bathe your dog unless he has a skin infection or smells bad. You can usually bathe him once a month to keep your dog smelling fresh. If you bathe him more often than that, you can irritate his skin and cause him to scratch more often.
- Brush your dog's fur frequently. This will help keep him clean between baths, and it's also great for his skin and coat.
- If your dog has a skin infection, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to bathe and care for your dog.
Step 2. Get your dog used to bathing
If your dog hasn't been in your house for a long time, he may be afraid of bath time. You can help her associate bathing with a pleasurable experience using a few simple tricks.
- If your dog is afraid of the tub, put him in an empty tub (or wherever you are going to bathe him). Do not open the water tap first. Talk to him in a soft voice and give him a gift or a toy. This will make him associate bath time with things he likes.
- Stand up to turn warm water over him. Every time you bathe your dog, give him a little treat.
- Get your dog into the habit of bathing by bathing him after he is 5 weeks old. Introducing your puppy to a pleasant bath time will help him to be more receptive to this treatment as an adult.
Step 3. Choose the right shampoo
Gentle shampoo formulated for dogs is the best choice. Look for a shampoo that is pH balanced, around 7. Avoid synthetic fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate your dog's skin.
- Never use human shampoo to bathe a dog. Dog skin has a different pH than human skin, so human shampoo can upset the pH balance of dog skin. Disruption of the pH balance can stimulate the development of bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
- Oatmeal shampoo is a great base choice for most dogs. If you're not sure what shampoo to use, then this shampoo is a safe choice to start with.
- If your dog has a skin rash or other illness, he will often scratch, which will further irritate his skin. Tea tree shampoo can help with some skin irritations. Avoid putting this shampoo in your dog's mouth, as tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what shampoo should be used for dogs with skin diseases.
- Some shampoos can help prevent the growth of lice. Look for shampoos that contain pyrethrin, pyrethrum, or citrus oil.
Step 4. Leave the dog's anal sac unless you know how to safely remove it
Your dog has tiny pouches on his bottom, right at the edge of his anus. Some dog salons offer a "extraction" or compression of the anal sac during bathing. If your doctor approves it and you know how to do it safely, then you can do it yourself. But if not, leave the pockets alone.
If your dog's anal sac becomes inflamed or irritated, consult your veterinarian
Tips
- Remember not to put water/soap into your dog's nose, mouth, ears and eyes.
- Talk to your dog to make him comfortable.
- In warm weather, you can bathe your dog outdoors in the children's pool.
- Small dogs can be bathed easily in the sink as well as the tub.
- Your body will get wet! So don't wear your favorite clothes while bathing your dog. You may be better off wearing jeans and old clothes.
- Try to clean his hands and feet thoroughly to get rid of dirt and bacteria buildup.
Warning
- If your dog develops a skin rash, or other signs of an allergy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Don't dye your dog's coat. Because this can cause serious health problems.
