All dogs need a bath now and then. And it can often feel overwhelming and annoying — both for the dog and the owner. But it doesn’t have to be as terrible as you might imagine. It can actually turn into something quite cozy.
Here are some tips for before you even start bathing your dog:
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Put on some cozy, calming music — it helps both you and your dog relax more.
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Take your socks off and wear short sleeves. No matter how careful you are, everything is going to get very wet.
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Tie your hair up if you have long hair. Otherwise, that’s going to get soaked too.
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Make sure you're in a good mood and have set aside enough time. Dogs pick up a lot on their owner's emotions, so if you're already stressed or in a bad mood, the dog will feel it too.
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Make sure the dog's basic needs are met beforehand, like having eaten and gone for a walk.
When you actually start bathing your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind to make it easier and more pleasant:
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Start by washing the body, and save the head for last. Dogs generally don’t like having their faces wet (fair enough!), and they’ll stay much calmer if you leave that until the end.
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When you do wash the dog's head, gently support the head, tilting it slightly upward so water doesn’t run into their eyes. Don’t hold the dog tightly — just lightly support its snout.
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Try to keep the dog's nose dry. Dogs really hate getting water on or in their noses.
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Remember to use conditioner. It helps protect the coat and keeps it from becoming dry.
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Be very careful not to get soap in the dog's eyes.
Extra Tip:
It makes the whole process so much easier if you have a showerhead that can reach all the way down to the dog — or even the floor. It makes rinsing out the shampoo and conditioner so much faster.
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