How to bathe your dog at home
Before the Bath
Things to prepare – mild pet shampoo, towel, blow dryer (could be a specific for dog ones or human hair dryer), brush. Brushing out your dog's coat before bathing them helps remove excess fur that prevents the shampoo from penetrating all the way down to the skin. Hates water? Treats are a great way to get the process off to a positive start!
Generally, little dogs are easier to bathe than larger dogs. Choose an appropriate space large enough depending on your dog's size.
During the Bath
- Wet your dog using warm water and make sure the water pressure is low. Checking the temperature with your hand is just fine.
- Shampoo your dog, taking care to avoid sensitive areas including his eyes and face. Not only is it uncomfortable for them, it's something that can actually cause health problems. Work the shampoo into a lather, adding water as necessary. Massage your dog as you rub in the shampoo.
- Rinse well.
- Shampoo your dog twice, why? The first time, the shampoo binds with the dirt and helps get rid of it. The second time, you're really washing the skin and pulling out all the remaining dirt and oil in the hair. Massage your dog and leave it for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse well until there is no more shampoo on the fur.
After the Bath
Towel-dry your dog and use a blow dryer on a medium setting. They will be at risk of fungus growing on their skin if we leave it damp. Never hold the blow dryer very close to the skin. Move the dryer quickly back and forth over the dog's coat and do not hold the dryer on one spot for more than a few seconds so that you do not burn the dog's skin. Don't forget the post-bath brushing! Brushing your dog after their bath will help remove any extra dead fur and detangle their coat. You can start brushing while blow drying your dog.
Finally, praise is good, treats are even better! Give a treat as a reward. Repeat this behavior every time you bathe your dog.
What about Cats…
Baths can be scary for cats, stay tuned with our article on "How to Bathe Your Cat". With these little knowledge and tips we hope you can make bathing your cat a good experience.
