Our loveable fluffy friends really can get themselves into a mess. The moment you open that door they are going to find the dirtiest puddle they can find and claim it as their new favourite spot. Plus, what about the mud patch next to it? The perfect play area.
Keeping on top of keeping your dog clean can feel near enough impossible when your dog themselves have zero interest in the same goal. Therefore, more often than not; baths are a must.
This piece is going to look at some top tips for bathing your dog, so you can get them in and out as quickly as possible while keeping them calm.
Let’s get into it.
How Often Should I Wash my Dog?
How often you should wash your dog will very much depend on how often they get dirty or smell. There is no need to wash them every day unless they make a habit out of rolling around in animal excrement or they antagonise a skunk.
However, a general rule on how often to wash your dog if they are not a mucky troublemaker would be around every 4 weeks or so. This can also boil down to your preference of scent as well, as some dogs do tend to smell much more than others.
That being said, if you do not think your dog needs a full-on bath, but just freshening up, head over to christiesdirect.com for some great fragrances for dogs.
Get the Treats Out
Bribery for food-motivated pups is usually the best way to get them to behave, so do not forget to bring the treats to the bathroom. If you have a puppy, they can get particularly nervous the first couple of times they have a bath, so patience will go a long way with them. For those who have dogs that have been having baths for a little longer while but still are not 100% keen on them, treats will help keep them where you need to be and provide a ward for them letting you do what you need to do.
Focus on Gentle Products
The last thing you want to do when washing your dog is to use strong products designed for humans. These can be irritating to dogs, which will only make the bathing process more uncomfortable. Make sure you use products that are designed for animals so it suits their skin and only use a tiny bit at a time so you can work out which products are suitable for them.
Along with this, make sure that the bath water is lukewarm, and not hot. Test it as you would for a baby and let them adjust to being in the water before you start scrubbing them.
Invest in other accessories that can help bath time go easier, such as toys and a dog wet brush to help you get everything clean. This will make the process much easier for both you and your furry friend.
