5 Ways You Can Make Your Dog’s Bath More Enjoyable
Most humans look forward to taking a bath, especially after a tiring day. Unfortunately, the same usually does not apply to dogs, which is why fur parents need to be extra careful during their pet’s bath time.
Here are some things you can do to make bath time more enjoyable for your dog.
1. Use the Right Water Temperature
Some dogs may put up a fight during bath time if you don't adjust the water temperature. If the weather is freezing and you use cold water, you risk upsetting them, so it's best if you take the time to check the water before bringing your pet into the bath.
In that case, the right temperature should be lukewarm, even for baths that occur during the hottest days. You can spray the water on your arm and elbow to see if the water is perfect. Should you be surprised by the temperature, then you know that you need to adjust it, especially since your dog's skin is more sensitive than yours.
2. Spray Water Gently
Intense sprays are another reason dogs grow scared or agitated during bath time. As much as possible, you want to ease your pet into the process, even if it's not their first time bathing.
Now, you probably use a hose or a showerhead during your dog's bath. You can bring a toy into the bat and turn on the hose or showerhead at the lowest setting. Check the intensity with your hand. Following that, you can spray an area near your pet or their feet, giving them time to get used to the water before you use it all over their body.
3. Purchase Suitable Grooming Products
A dog's skin has a specific pH balance, so you should never use human grooming products on your pet. It doesn't matter if the formula is extra gentle, moisturizing, or for babies since these products will undoubtedly affect their skin negatively. In most cases, your dog may suffer from dry skin.
If you can, consult with a veterinarian or an experienced dog groomer to learn more about appropriate grooming products for dogs. You may also want to check out your local pet store for shampoos and conditioners. If your pet is suffering from a skin condition, you definitely need to meet a vet because your pet may require special grooming products.
4. Take It Slow
You wouldn't rush through your bath time routine, would you? The same idea applies to your dog's bath time. It would help if you took it slow when washing them at home since rushing through the routine may result in some mishaps, making your pet hate bath time more. First, you need to apply shampoo or soap to their fur.
You may let it soak, but it's best if you gently knead the product into their coat and skin for at least five minutes. Doing so helps remove the dirt and grime buildup. You need to start with their paws and legs before slowly moving up and use a soft cloth to wash their face, taking care not to get anything in their eyes. After that, rinse their coat and only stop when the water runs clear.
5. Always Dry Your Dog Thoroughly
You should dry your dog thoroughly to prevent them from developing an uncomfortable skin condition that can cause irritation. As much as possible, you want them completely dry so they won't get cold.
In the beginning, you don't need to use a dryer since your dog's fur isn't used to it. Instead, you can use a towel and rub it gently to dry them. If you have time, you can even skip the towel and let them spend some time outside to dry their coat completely.
Conclusion
Dogs are like family members, so you need to do what you can to care for them, including washing them often. If your pet is terrified of bath time, you need to make it as enjoyable as possible.
To do so, you should use the proper water temperature and groom products that are safe for your dog. You should also reduce their agitation and make sure they are comfortable with the process by going slow.
If you're looking for an experienced dog groomer in Bentonville, we've got you covered. At Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville, we offer extensive pet grooming services for cats and dogs, including coat care and other grooming needs. Schedule an appointment with us today.