In the summertime, dogs can get into a lot of mischief – and come home covered in mud, debris, dirty water, and even bugs. While giving them a bath is definitely the best option, we all know that most dogs hate taking a bath. The sensations associated with bathtime – warm water, loud sounds from the faucet, scented shampoo, and a slippery tub – are uncomfortable and scary to your pet. But this doesn’t have to be the case. While your bath-dreading dog may never learn to love bathtime, there are ways to make the process more enjoyable and easier for you both. Here are some easy bath tips.
- Many people assume that washing a dog outside with the hose is easier (and certainly less messy) than bringing them into the bathroom tub. However, indoors you can control the water temperature and make it more comfortable, and you give your dog less opportunity for escape.
- When using an indoor tub, try to reduce the stimulants around your dog that can cause anxiety. Place a non-slip pad in the bathtub so that they don’t feel like they are slipping and might fall into the water. Resisting your restraint while sliding can cause your dog to experience muscle strain, and falls can cause bruising or worse. If you don’t have a mat handy, you can lay down a wet towel for the same purpose.
- Use a cup or pitcher to pour water over your dog. A cup is easier to manage than running water or a detachable showerhead. This will prevent water from accidentally getting in your pet’s eyes or ears. If the sound of running water causes fear, fill the bath with water before bringing the dog into the bathroom.
- Choose a shampoo with no scent if possible. While you might think that fragrance might cover any “wet dog smell,” remember your dog has an exceptionally sensitive nose, making scents distracting and irritating. If your dog has allergies, you can also find soaps and shampoos that moisturize and help their skin feel better. Make sure whatever product you choose is specifically manufactured for dogs.
- To distract your dog from the anxiety of bathtime, offer other positive things to get their attention, such as a favorite toy or a rubber feeder that sections onto the tub and provides snacks while the bath is taking place.
It may take a few tries before your dog is willing to accept the idea of bathtime. In between cleanings, offer ample positive reinforcement and encouragement to help them overcome their stress and fear. Provide highly desirable treats to coax them into the bathroom (this treat will be unique to your own dog’s preferences). Do this until they come into the bathroom of their own volition when you call them. Once you are successful in getting your pet into the bathroom, utilize those treats to get them to climb into the dry bathtub voluntarily. This may take several tries as well, but with enough encouragement and reward, they should be able to conquer their aversion. Then, keep providing treats while you gently turn the faucet on and off or pour a small amount of water over them with a cup. If this is still too overwhelming for them, act out the process of washing them first without water–run your hands over their body in a scrubbing motion and use an empty cup to pretend you’re pouring water. This helps them to understand and anticipate the process so there are fewer new stimulations to surprise them.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training provides professional dog training and obedience classes for dogs and their owners in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas.
