Let’s be honest. Dogs can get very smelly very fast. That’s why they need baths pretty often. However, the idea of giving a dog a bath is pretty daunting. You can just imagine a half soaped-up dog running around the house getting all the furniture wet!
But it doesn’t have to be that way. We have some tips on how to wash your own dog…and avoid the potential mess, as well as a trip to a dog groomer.
How to Wash Your Own Dog
1. Train your dog to like the bathtub. One thing you can do to help prevent your dog from running around the house at bath time is to train him or her to like going into the tub beforehand. Put your dog in a tub without water, give him or her a treat, and then take him or her out. Do this a few times in the days before the bath to get him or her used to the idea of being in the tub. This will make a trip to the bathroom less intimidating for your dog.
2. Gather all the materials you need right by the bath. That means dog shampoo, plastic pitcher, clean towels, treats, and a dog brush. Having everything you need ready to go before you bring your dog in will save you the trouble of gathering it while trying to corral your dog.
3. Brush out your dog to get all the shedding hair or fur out before the bath, and trim the nails so that you won’t be scratched. This will make the bath much more effective, leaving your dog even cleaner.
4. Take off your dog’s collar and tags so that they will not be in the way during the bath.
5. Get the bath started. Turn on the water and try to avoid getting your dog’s head wet.
6. Use a small amount of shampoo on the dog’s hair. Make sure to rinse it out either using the plastic pitcher filled with water or a showerhead!
7. Dry that puppy dog off thoroughly with those towels!
Additional Help
Since your dog is really important to you, you want to make sure you know how to properly care for him or her, and that she or he has a good veterinarian! Use TalkLocal to find professional dog groomers or veterinarians in your area. We will connect you with up to three high quality professionals within minutes.
