Dog Washing – Important Doggy Bath Time Tips

We’d like to share with you a few tips about dog bathing that can help you in bathing your dog and making the process more efficient and effective  for you both:

• If  your  dog  goes mad  following  a  bath,  rampaging  through  the  house  in  an attempt to get rid of the water on his or her back, then try bathing in your garden. Using  a  paddling  pool  and  a  hose  in  an  area  that  is  completely  secure  and you will avoid the mess completely. Of course, you should only do this when the outdoor temperature is warm enough. In winter, you could try this in a confined area that is heated. For example, a heated garage or conservatory will work well.

•  Try dealing with anxiety and nerves with toys or treats if your dog displays any signs of either. Use your dog’s favorite toy or ball to keep him or her occupied during shampooing. This may take two people rather than one but it will soon ensure that your dog sees bathing as fun rather than something to be nervous about.

• Never bathe your dog directly after a meal because the likelihood of being sick is  high. This  will  only  reinforce  the  idea to your dog   that  having  a  bath  is  a negative occurrence and ensure that he or she is reluctant to go through it all again.  Leave  at  least 90 minutes  to  2  hours  either  side  of  the  bath  for  your dog to either digest food or calm down to help digestion afterwards.

• Do  not  concern  yourself with  the  routine  that  show  dogs  have  or  any  other information  that  may  be  given  elsewhere.  The  grooming  process  for  show dogs is completely different to that you will adopt when first starting out so do not worry about applying  this shampoo,  that conditioner and  the whole range of  products  afterwards  as  well.  The  average  dog  does  not  need  to  be groomed within an inch of his or her life,  just enough  to be clean, happy and healthy so let’s keep it simple

• Always double check  the water before you put your dog  in  the bath. As with bathing a baby, the water needs to be a few degrees cooler than bath water that the average person has. It has to be luke warm and comfortable enough for them to stand in it or under it. Try putting a little water on his or her paw to begin with and watch for the reaction. If they are just concerned about being wet rather than the temperature then it is ready!

So there you have it – several tips that can help you with dog bath time! It is a lot to  take in  the  first  time around but  the process  is simple the more times you do it.

You just have  to take the time to get it right. Do bear in mind though that it will take your dog as long to get used to it as it takes you to get used to it so just take your time and come up with a routine to suit you. Dog washing will be easier (and more fun) after you do have that in place.