Bathing your dog is good for their health and wellbeing. Regular baths help keep their coat shiny, skin healthy, and can prevent common ailments. However, for many dog guardians, bath time can be a stressful experience.
The key to a successful bath is to make it as calm and pleasant as possible for both you and your furry friend. Let’s explore how to set the stage for a stress-free dog bath.
Awake Organics Natural Dog Shampoo is a biodegradable dog shampoo, with organic coconut milk and colloidal oatmeal (relieves rashes and itching). Just brush fur then sprinkle a small amount of powder onto a soaked coat and massage to activate lather, using more water if needed.
Use a gentle stream of water beginning at hindquarters, and avoid getting water in a dog’s ears, nose, mouth or eyes. Rinse well and towel-dry. Check for allergies before purchase, as some ingredients are packed elsewhere.
Experts suggest to use warm water around 37 °C. Pop a mat or tub in the bath/sink, to avoid wobbles (walk-in showers, paddling pools or outdoors may be easier for large secured dogs).
It’s good to rinse paws after snowy walks, to remove rock salt which can burn inside at higher temperatures. EcoGrit recommends safer alternatives.
Never use human shampoos on pets (skin PH is different, unscented is better as essential oils can be toxic to pets, especially cats). For this reason, never use scents or candles near pets (air rooms after use, and avoid if pets sleep in bedrooms).
Kind2 also offers a fragrance-free dog shampoo, which is PH-balanced for dogs. Easier to use than juggling bottles of shampoo while holding a wriggling dog, this is soap-and-sulphate-free to create a gentle lather that’s easier to rinse out. It contains shea butter (not for latex allergies) to nourish and moisturise, kaolin and a gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent.
Preparing for the Bath
Before you start, gather everything you’ll need. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Dog Shampoo: Choose a gentle, dog-specific shampoo. Human shampoos can irritate their skin.
- Towels: Have a few towels handy for drying your dog. Microfibre towels work wonders.
- Non-Slip Mat: This helps prevent slips and keeps your dog comfortable in the tub.
- Brush: A good brush helps to detangle and remove loose fur before washing.
Think about where to bathe your dog. The bathroom or a laundry room usually works best. Look for a spot that has enough space for you and your dog, plus easy access to water. If your dog is small, a sink might do, whereas larger breeds may need the bathtub or even an outdoor area on a nice day.
Creating a soothing atmosphere can make bath time more enjoyable. Ensure the space is free from distractions, so your dog can feel secure. You want it to feel like a safe haven, not a scary area.
Bathing Techniques
- Wet your dog gently with a handheld showerhead or cup, then apply shampoo from the neck down. Massage it into fur, avoiding the eyes and ears.
- Rinse to remove shampoo using lukewarm water, until fur runs free of bubbles.
- Wrap in a dry towel, and gently rub your dog dry.
- Reward with playtime or treats, to associate baths with good things!
- Brush the dry coat to remove loose fur and distribute oils. This is also a good time to check for lumps and bumps, to prevent problems.
- Calm nervous dogs with gentle words and a soft touch. Make it a game.
- For dogs with thick matted fur (or if rolled in something nasty!), use a brush to untangle before washing. Consider pre-soaking before applying shampoo.
