DOG BATHING TECHNIQUES


Your dog bathing techniques can be the difference between your dog enjoying the bath or not.  Make sure you have your bathing supplies ready to hand - i.e. dog shampoo (do not use human shampoo), towels, cotton balls, face cloth, high value dog treats and if you prefer to blow dry the dog then a dryer.

Brushing the coat prior to bathing will loosen dead undercoat and you can also see if the coat is matted.  Use an appropriate brush for your dog's coat.  Cut any matted coat off as bathing will worsen the matting.


Medium or large dogs will require bathing in a bathtub or in the shower.  During summer a cold outside bath will probably be quite a relief.  A small dog is easy to bath in a laundry sink or basin.  A rubber mat will stop the dog from slipping. 

If your dog is reluctant to get in the bath have high value dog treats available and encourage him/her to get in.  If the dog is treated during the experience it will help to making it a more pleasant experience for them.  Allow him/her to get used to hopping in and out without bathing and when your dog has overcome the fear then start the bathing techniques.

Place a cotton wool ball in each of your dog's ears to prevent water from entering the ear canal.  If water does get down the ear canal wipe the inside of the ear with a dry cloth or cotton ball.  Water which doesn't dry out can sometimes be the cause of ear infections.

Make sure the water is warm before washing. The best technique for bathing your dog is to start at the neck and work down towards the tail.  I prefer to wash around the neck and the ears and then use the cloth to wash the dog's face before the water gets too dirty.  Be careful not to get shampoo in the dog's eyes.  If the dog has fleas then keep an eye out for them around the face area as well as the body.  By starting around the neck and head area first the fleas will run away from the shampoo and move to the back end of the dog.    Then wash towards the back end of the dog.  This is where the fleas usually congregate – around the tail and anal area and under the tummy.  Wash thoroughly until you can’t see any more fleas on the dog.
 
The Rinse Ace Shampoo Mitt is ideal as it produces a rich shampoo lather while gently massaging your pet from head to toe. The soft, fexible nubs distribute shampoo through your pet's coat for a deep clean and healthier skin. Your hands stay protected and dry.  Rinse the shampoo off thoroughly and then dry off with a towel, X-Large Microfiber Towel - dry your pet faster with this ultra-soft, super absorbent, fast-drying towel or maybe use either a hair dryer or blow dryer.

Rub shampoo thoroughly all over the dog and then rinse off thoroughly with warm water.  Dogs will shake when they are wet so be prepared when the dog gets out.  Rub your dog over with the towel to get excess water off and then blow dry.   Don't forget to take the cotton wool balls out of the dog's ears.

Dogs enjoy a roll on the grass or in the dirt after having their bath.  Have a few towels laid out on the ground so the dog can roll and rub himself/herself on those instead.

Bathing Puppies

Do NOT bath a puppy under 12 months of age regularly as this can dry out the skin and coat.  Up until the puppies are 12 months of age they are growing and developing their own natural oils so washing in dog shampoo will wash the natural oils out.  Puppies shouldn’t really be bathed until they are 4/5 months of age and then only once or twice until they turn 12 months of age. 

It is easy to get into a routine by following these dog bathing techniques.