Tips for Bathing a Dog

The old saying, “a dog is man’s best friend” is so true. We would do anything for our dogs. Therefore, it is of no surprise that we spend lots of time and money keeping our pets happy and healthy. While most people understand the importance of taking their dog to the vet on a regular basis, they are not always aware how important bathing can be for the health of a dog. Baths are necessary not only to remove dirt and grime from a dog’s skin, but also to wash away any allergens or chemicals that may have settled there. For best results, most dogs should be bathed at least once per month. Keeping some tips in mind while bathing your dog can make the process simpler and pain-free for both of you!

Prepare the Bathing Area

Preparing the area in which the dog will be bathed is essential for good results during this process. Make sure that you have the shampoo that will be used to wash the dog, and a towel that can be used to dry him or her. Also, make sure that the shower curtain or door has been opened before bringing the dog into the bathroom. This makes the area feel less enclosed, and will be less stressful for the dog getting bathed.

Use Two People

Regardless of how well prepared you may be, washing a dog can still be a difficult process-especially if he or she does not enjoy the process. Using two people to wash a dog makes the bath much easier and faster. One person can hold the dog, stroking him or her and speaking comforting words, while the other actually does the dirty work. Make sure to buy your friend or family member a slice of pizza or cup of coffee to say thanks after the bath has been finished.

Use the Right Type of Shampoo

Using the right type of shampoo to bath your dog is essential for good health. Historically, dish soap was often used when washing a dog. While it may have been effective at removing dirt, dish soap is also considered to be quite harsh, especially on dog’s skin, which has been found to be as sensitive as a baby’s. These days, specific shampoo used to bath dogs can be found in most home goods or grocery stores. Remember to start off with just a small amount of shampoo when using a new product for the first time. You want to make sure that an allergic reaction has not occurred before pouring large amounts of the shampoo over his or her body.

Be Sure all Water has been Removed

Finally, make sure all of the shampoo has been rinsed from your dog’s fur before releasing him or her from the bath. Shampoo that has not been rinsed will dry in the dog’s fur-and not only will it cause the fur to feel rough, but if the dog licks the fur, the chemicals from the shampoo will be ingested and can cause serious health risks. Rinsing the dog until the water runs clear ensures that all shampoo has been removed.


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