Let’s face it, Fido gets dirty! Whether you’re in-between grooming sessions or if they had too much fun at the dog park, giving your pup a bath at home is a common task that may not always be the easiest to complete. But don’t worry, to help make bath time a smooth experience, we’ve got 9 tips and tricks that will leave you happy and Fido fresh and clean!
Before we get started, let’s start with the most common question, how often should you bathe Fido?
This depends on how active they are, whether they have any skin and allergy conditions, and their coat length. Plus, if your dog is active outdoors, they might need a bath more frequently, especially if they have a longer coat! That’s because dirt and skin irritations from grass could leave them itching or get trapped in their fur, which could require more frequent bathing.
We recommend a bath once a month if your dog has normal skin. Their skin produces natural oils, so bathing too frequently can cause irritation and dryness. If you’re unsure of how often you should bathe your furry friend, we encourage you to reach out to your veterinarian.
9 Tips for Fido’s Bath Time
- Use a dog friendly shampoo! Not only will it prevent soap suds stinging in their eyes but will also protect them since they tend to lick their skin. We suggest using a dog shampoo with ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe to help soothe and moisturize skin. If your dog has skin and allergy conditions, it might be best to inquire about a medicated dog shampoo from your veterinarian.
- Prep your dog and space before turning on the water. Give him a brush through before you start to remove extra hair and tangles, grab a towel, cup for rinsing (or set up your handheld shower sprayer), and any necessary treats for bath time.
- Bath time can be scary for some dogs, and if this proves true for your pup, we recommend a calming support treat to help them relax before bath time.
- If you find your pup is slipping around, try using a non-slip surface such as a rubber mat or just place a towel down.
- Distract your dog with a slow treat dispenser so you can get them clean while they focus on getting those delicious treats!
- Pay attention to the water temperature. Lukewarm water is always your best bet.
- It’s important to keep your dog’s eyes and ears safe; and to do this, you’ll want to start washing from the face and neck down to their paws. Take your time, be gentle, and be aware of sensitive areas.
- When bath time is over, air drying is the preferred method since regular blow dryers can be too hot for their skin. However, if you prefer blow drying, consider a dog specific blow dryer since they have low temperatures that won’t cause itching, dry skin, or discomfort.
- A great trick for blow drying your dog’s hair is to grab a few treats and hold on to one at a time while your dog tries to get it. This is helpful in getting your pup to sit still and keeps them distracted while you handle the blow drying.
Bath time doesn’t have to be hard and we hope these tips and tricks will make it even easier for you and Fido! If you have any bath time tips and tricks to share, please comment below!
