Guide To Bathing Your Dog

Some dogs love bath time, others hate it. Yet bathing your dog is important to preserve the coat and skin, as well as making them more pleasant to have around the house!

We explore how often to wash them, the most successful tactics and when to call on a professional dog washer for assistance.

How often to bath your dog

A monthly bath is a good rule of thumb. However, frequency will also depend on:

• Your dog's coat - long, short, oily or thick.
• Your dog's environment - dogs who love rolling in mud and cow pats will need more baths

The sniff test can be also a great pointer. Bath your dog when they start getting smelly! Be aware that over-bathing can strip the dog’s coat of natural, protective oils and make it more prone to dandruff though.

Different breeds have different bathing requirements:

• Oily coats: Basset hounds for example may need weekly baths for their extra-oily coats.
• Smooth coats: Beagles, weimaraners and basenjis have easy-care coats, usually requiring fewer baths.
• Water-repellent coats: Golden retrievers and Pyrenean mountain dogs need less bathing, to preserve the oils in their coats.
• Thick double coats: Samoyeds, malamutes and other cold country breeds require extra brushing rather than baths, to distribute the natural oils through their coat.

Where to bath your dog

Small dogs can be bathed in kitchen sink or laundry trough, while larger breeds can often be comfortably bathed in the bathtub.

Some dog owners hop in the shower with their pet, washing them with a detachable nozzle.

Using a garden hose on low pressure can be useful for an outdoor bath, in warmer weather. You can also buy a variety of portable dog baths, to be used inside or out.

The essentials of bathing your dog

A few simple steps will keep bath-time as smooth and enjoyable as possible - for both of you!

1. Brush your dog before bathing

   Once the hair is water-logged, it’s harder to brush out knots and tangles. Give the dog an all-over groom before immersing in water. A cotton ball in each ear will keep the water out.

2. Use Tepid Water
   

   Lukewarm water will ensure you don’t burn or freeze your pet. Remember they can’t tell us if it’s too hot or cold! Aim for a temperature to suit a human baby. Large dogs can over-heat in warm weather, so run a little cooler for them.

3. Use a reputable dog shampoo
   

   Choose a good quality dog shampoo and follow the instructions carefully. Some scented varieties can irritate dog’s sensitive skin. If in doubt, a gentle, low-irritant brand is a good way to start. Don’t be tempted to use human shampoo – it’s not designed for doggie coats and skin. Check out PetLife's 2 in 1 conditioning shampoo designed to give your dog healthy looking skin & coat while keeping it moisturized.

4. Chat to your dog while bathing
   

   Your dog may be nervous around water or may simply hate the experience. Talk gently to your pet as you go, reassuring them and keeping them calm. They still might hate it - but at least they know you’re on their side!

5. Avoid the eyes
   Try not to get soap in your dog's eyes. They hate it as much as we do.
   
   
6. Rinse Carefully
   

   Make sure you remove all the soap from the dog’s coat. Otherwise it may irritate the skin when it dries.

7. Towel and air dry
   

   Give your dog a good towel-rub when finished. This removes excess water from the coat. If possible, keep your animal in a warm place to dry naturally. Never use a human hairdryer, which can burn the skin. Low-temperature dog blow-driers are available to assist drying.

8. Make it worthwhile!
   

   When it’s all over, reward your dog with a pet, play or treat. Hopefully that will sweeten the deal for next time!

9. Call in the big guns
   

   If none of this works for your dog, don’t worry. Experts can do the hard yards for you. A professional dog washer can wash and groom your dog as well as clipping the nails.

If you have any concerns about bathing your dog, chat to your local vet before you go ahead!