Having a dog is fun, but it also means having to bathe them now and then. Dogs are smelly; their fur gets everywhere and can be pretty hard to brush. It will keep your dog healthy, but dogs do not enjoy taking baths, and it can be hard to get them clean if you don't know what you're doing.
Not sure how to bathe your dog? Below you will find some excellent tips!
Essential Products And Tools
The location of the dog wash will likely be your first consideration. Your canine companion's size will probably play a role in your final decision. A small dog could be washed in the kitchen sink, but a large dog would need a lot more room.
If you have a dog and don't want to take it to a professional groomer, you may consider getting a dog-only bathtub like the flying portable dog tub for your home or finding a DIY dog wash. A dog's fur and dirt shouldn't end up in the family's tub, so a designated dog bathing area is a good idea. However, you can certainly use the household bathtub for this purpose. Pick a location where you won't have trouble getting your dog into and out of the bathroom.
Then, have everything you need close at hand before you flip on the water. You won't have time to look for conditioner while chasing a dripping dog around the house. Towels, shampoo, and conditioner should top your list of must-haves. Additionally, you can keep an Art Natural eye wash and nonslip bath mat on hand.
Choose the Right Conditioner And Shampoo
Be sure to use a dog-friendly shampoo like PetAg. The skin pH of dogs and humans is different. That means dogs have a higher pH value. Hence, human shampoo can be too harsh for some pets' sensitive skin.
It's suggested to use shampoo designed for puppies, like Burt’s Bees, when washing a puppy. Puppy shampoo has a pH similar to a dog's eyes so as not to irritate them.
Next, applying a high-quality conditioner such as Buddy Wash after shampooing your dog is crucial. Because shampoo removes the skin's and hair's natural oils, you should always use a conditioner after using it for at-home grooming. So, your conditioner does double duty by rehydrating the skin and sealing the hair shaft's cuticle.
Proper Technique For Dog Washing
It's not fun until you've picked the right location and stocked up on the right products. Next, you can follow the following bathing routine:
You can coax your dog into the tub or wash station or place it yourself. Begin the process on the right foot with some tasty treats.
To increase the foam and spreadability of shampoo, diluting it is recommended. So try mixing it with water in a bowl or use a shampoo dispenser containing water.
Soak your dog in warm water. It's completely acceptable to use your hand to gauge the temperature first.
Wash the dog with shampoo twice. When used for the first time, shampoo binds to dirt and aids in its removal. This second time, you'll give your dog's skin a thorough cleansing and squeeze out any remaining oil or dirt.
A loofah sponge is ideal for evenly dispersing shampoo throughout the hair. The soles of the feet, under the arms, and the stomach should not be left out.
Remember, make it fun for everyone involved.
Condition your hair and wait a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Rinse thoroughly until no trace of the product remains on the fur. That's crucial because soap residue can irritate the skin if it's left on for too long after washing. You might as well not bathe them at all.
Post-Bath Essentials
Start by giving your dog a thorough towel bath. Then, using a human hairdryer set to medium, style your dog as usual. Experts suggest brushing as your dog's drying off. If your dog doesn't get too cold or shiver while drying off, you can let him air dry.
Every 10 or 15 minutes, while your dog is air-drying, pass a brush through its coat to avoid mats and separate existing mats.
Conclusion
It can be a messy, time-consuming affair if you have ever bathed a dog. If you're looking for a product to make the experience of bathing your dog easier and more pleasant, we'd recommend going with a dedicated dog bath kit such as those covered in the article above. They offer great value for money, so feel free to choose whichever one you find more convenient.
