Three Secrets Every Pet Owner Should Know While Bathing Their Pet

Most people know when their puppy needs a bath—their nose tells them! Though it is nice to take your dog to the groom so you don’t have to worry about the mess, sometimes it is just easier to do it yourself in your own home. With a few easy tips and a little planning ahead, you will be able to bathe your dog relatively quickly and easily. But, before you put your pup in the tub, there are generally three things you will need to think about first: 1) the size of your dog 2) the breed of your dog 3) your dog’s temperament.

First, the size of your dog matters, because it determines where you will want to bathe Fido. If your dog is large, you will most likely want to wash him in a bathtub or a shower that has an extendable showerhead. If you have a small dog, a sink or basin should do just fine, and it helps that you won’t have to bend your back or kneel on the floor. Some people like to wash their dog outside with a garden hose, but the water can often turn cold very quickly, and it may cause your puppy to be anxious and uncomfortable.

The second thing to consider is your dog’s breed. This determines their coat and skin type, and it matters when bathing your dog. If your pup has a longhaired coat, you will want to brush them down thoroughly with a doggie brush or comb; as you do this, it will help get out tangles, remedy matted hair, and it will also help your dog relax, making the bathing experience a little bit easier to handle. Sometimes a pet conditioner or detangling spray also helps keep those tangles in line, in addition to restoring moisture to your dog’s skin and coat.

Lastly, you need to think about your dog’s temperament. This is probably the most important aspect of the bathing experience. If your dog is pretty docile, you may not have much need to worry about washing your dog. Docile or older dogs tend to be more receptive to bathing, and though they rarely enjoy it, most have realized that if they stay calm, the experience is over more quickly. Younger, energetic, or nervous dogs are much more difficult to keep a hold on when bathing; they squirm, shiver, and try to escape in any way possible. It helps if you put down a special non-slip mat on the floor of the tub; the sure footing provided helps calm the pup’s nerves, not to mention it adds a degree of safety.

So, before you bathe your dog in the comfort of your own home, you will need to consider your dog’s size, breed, and their temperament. These are all key factors deciding how successful your dog-washing experience will be. The more you pre-plan, the better the events will turn out. Good luck in your doggie-bathing endeavors!