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#AskNHV​: How To Give My Dog A Bath

Pet Care Tips 2 min watch
#AskNHV: How To Give My Dog A Bath

Giving your furkiddo a bath can be a tricky task, often with more water ending up on you and the floor than inside the tub!

If your pooch is not a big fan of taking a shower, it can be quite hard getting them inside the bath and keeping them calm while they’re in there.

In this episode of #AskNHV, we’ll give you some handy tips that will make bath time a breeze for both you and your dog.

Before the bath

Brush your dog – Brushing your furkid’s coat before a bath helps the shampoo get into the coat and works out mats before they get set in by the water. Gently pick apart or cut out any mats before the bath, because adding water will make them impossible to remove.

Gather your bath essentials – It can be super frustrating to start the bath only to realize the shampoo or towels are on the other side of the room. Unless you enjoy playing tag with a soaking wet pup, get your supplies together before you bring in the kid.

One towel is not enough – Get a towel to use as the antishake —drape it over your furkid (between washes or before rinsing) to prevent from shaking and soaking you and the walls. A second towel will be the drying towel. A big pup might need more than one drying towel

Block the drain – This one is for you and your bathroom tub care. Put a plugin on the drain to catch the dog hair and prevent it from plugging your drain.

Non-slip surface = less stress – This can be a non-skid rubber mat. Few things stress out a dog more than not being able to stand without slipping. Giving something to sink the toes into will help ease the anxiety about baths.

Lukewarm water – Make sure the water temperature is comfortable – not too hot or too cold. Fill the tub before bringing your dog. The sound of rushing water adds to their stress if they’re not enthusiastic bathers.

Calming touch – You can put some lavender in your hands – the calming smell helps ease them down.

During the bath

Don’t lose your cool if your dog resists

Make it fun – Lead your dog to the water offering good cheer along the way. Don’t lose your cool if your dog resists — if they already dislike bathing, an association with your angry voice won’t help. Put them in the tub with as little drama as possible and get to work.

If they have skin irritation use neem oil – you can buy at any health food market – put a few drops in the bathwater.

Step by step

  • Wet your dog completely, down to the skin
  • Start shampooing at the neck and work your way down their body to tail and toes
  • Keep the praise coming for your dog and keep your attitude upbeat
  • When every little bit of your dog has been washed up, open the drain to let the dirty water out
  • Rinse, rinse and rinse some more, using clean water from the tap

After the bath

Throw a towel over them like a horse blanket and use another one to dry the face, then the ears, and then the feet. You can use a blow-dryer to speed things along if you like and if your dog isn’t afraid of the noise.

If you do use a blow-dryer, set it on the cooler setting to avoid accidentally injuring the skin. After you’ve towel-dried them the best you can, put them in a “shaking allowed” zone, and let them have at it.

Use NHV Coco Furcare to help improve coat shine and coat health.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: January 21, 2020

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