Knowing how to bathe a dog is vital for all dog parents. It is essential, even if you usually take your pup to a professional groomer. No matter their size, kind, or hair length, all dogs want the infrequent bath to keep them happy and strong. The good news is that bath time doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be entertaining for dogs.
This article will give you professional dog grooming tips for bathing, including keeping your pup comfortable.
Choose the Right Spot
If you have a puppy, you can bathe it in a sink. Bigger dogs will require more space, so selecting somewhere like a shower or bathtub can work well. Make sure you offer your dog some grip. Put a towel or rubber bath rug on the bottom of the tub or sink. Not all dogs like baths, so it’s also a good idea to pick a place where your dog feels safe and protected.
Brush Before Wetting the Dog’s Hair
Most dog owners make the mistake of washing their dog before removing any matted or loose hair with a brush. Shampoo is a surface-cleaning product that only gets rid of dirt it comes into contact with.
You’ll never wash the dust surrounding the tangled coat by not brushing first. You may also be tightening the hair, making it more challenging to eliminate the next time you bathe your dog.
Use Shampoo
Use a shampoo designed specifically for dogs. Stop using human shampoos, as they have high acidity, which harms your dog’s skin and coat. The pH balance of human skin is different from that of your dog’s skin. Human shampoos can dry out your dog’s skin and coat and cause irritation from aromas and other chemicals. Avoid dish soaps unless recommended by your veterinarian due to specific reasons like grease, oil-based toxins, or sap.
Wash the Dog
Wet the dog from head to toe, saving the head, face, and ears for last. Ensure to shampoo his tail and hind legs and the “you-know-where” areas. Proceed to shampoo the front legs, chest, and body.
Using additional care, wet the dog’s head, face, and ears. To keep water out of his ear canal, cup your palms over his ears. Lather these parts carefully because even dry-eyed shampoo is painful for the eyes.
Rinse carefully, and when you notice you’ve completed a good rinse work, rinse and rinse again.
Prep the Dog Ears
Keeping shampoo and conditioner away from your dog’s face will prevent eye irritation. It’s also wonderful to confirm that the insides of your furbaby’s ears are kept dehydrated, which will help prevent future ear infections.
Moreover, you can put a cotton ball inside your dog’s ears to keep them dry during his bath. At the Lounge, you should use facial and ear wipes instead of shampoo to clean your dog’s face.
Remove the Cotton Balls
Remove the cotton balls from your dog’s ears if your dog still needs to push them away. If your dog needs an ear cleaning, now’s an excellent time to pull out the ear cleaner. Consult your vet if you’re insecure about cleaning your dog’s ears, as each dog’s health may differ, potentially causing harm.
Do you have a dog with thick nails? They’re weaker and more accessible to cut when wet, so after bathing and before drying is an ideal time to cut them.
Drying the Dog after the Bath
Drying is a vital part of the bathing process, keeping your pup relaxed and healthy. Once you give your dog a wash, don’t forget to dry it off.
Regardless of where you bathe your dog, it’s essential to dry him with a towel. Dogs with heavier coats should be dried carefully to avoid moist spots in the undercoat, which can cause hot spots. This is a famous dog skin condition also recognized as acute moist dermatitis; it causes lesions and pain.