Bathing your dog is an essential part of their grooming routine, but it can be a daunting task if you're not sure how to do it properly. Well, now you don’t have to worry because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks on how to bathe your dog and we'll also recommend some key products to help you get the job done, including some of our favourite dog shampoos and conditioners which you can find on our website, Duke & Milo!
How often should you bathe your dog?
Most dogs only need to be bathed once a month, unless they've been rolling around in mud or have a longer coat that requires more frequent grooming. Bathing your dog too often can strip their skin of natural oils and cause irritation. However, if you’re unsure, it's always best to consult with your vet or groomer to determine the best bathing schedule for your dog.
What's your dog's coat type?
The type of coat your dog has is a significant factor in how often they require baths. Hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli, require weekly baths, while long-coated breeds, such as the Maltese and the Collie, may need a bath every four to six weeks. Dogs with medium-to-large coats are somewhere in-between, depending on how well their coat is generally maintained. For example, a breed with long hair that is corded, such as the Puli, may not require as many baths as other breeds.
Key products and tools for dog bathing:
Before you start bathing your dog, you'll need to gather some essential products and tools to help you bathe properly. Another important thing is, make sure you dress in comfortable, casual clothes which you don’t mind getting dirty and soaked!
Stock up on these products and tools:
- Absorbent towels: Have plenty of towels on hand to dry your dog after the bath. Duke & Milo offers a range of soft and absorbent dog towels that are perfect for drying your furry friend.
- Shampoo and conditioner: Look for products that are specifically formulated for dogs, as their skin has a different pH than humans. Duke & Milo offers a range of natural and gentle dog shampoos and conditioners that are free of harsh chemicals.
- Combs and brushes: Choose combs and brushes that are appropriate for your dog's breed and coat type. If you have a sensitive dog, opt for fine-teeth combs and brushes.
- Non-slip bathmat: This will help prevent your dog from slipping and sliding in the tub, making both yours and their lives a lot easier!
- Eye wash: In case any shampoo or water gets into your dog's eyes, you should have some eye wash handy to soothe their discomfort.
Where should you wash your dog?
Just as important as having tools handy, is choosing the right location to wash your dog. Consider the size of your dog to ensure you have enough space to work with; you can even wash them outside if needed. For small dogs, a sink might work best, while larger dogs may need a bathtub or a dedicated dog wash area. If you're bathing your dog outside, be mindful of water temperature and pressure, and make sure the water is lukewarm so that they don’t get cold outside.
How to bathe your dog properly:
Now that you have your products and tools ready, and you know where you will wash them, it's time to start bathing your dog!
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bath them properly:
1. Get your dog into the tub or wash station. To help them be excited for bath time, use treats as a little reward.
2. Dilute the shampoo with water. As most shampoos are thick and concentrated, diluting them will help them sud and spread better. Try adding some to a bowl full of water or put the shampoo in a dispenser that contains water.
3. Wet your dog thoroughly with warm water, making sure to avoid their eyes and ears.
4. Shampoo the dog twice. The first time around, the shampoo binds with the dirt and helps get rid of it. The second time around, you're really washing the skin and pulling out all the remaining dirt and oil in the hair. It’s best to use a loofah sponge to help spread around the shampoo and scrub them properly.
Be sure to not overlook places like the pads of the feet, armpits, and bellies. The main thing is to make this an enjoyable experience for your dog. Massage them as you wash using warm water and it should be a fun experience for the both of you.
5. Apply conditioner to your dog's coat, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. This will leave their coat extra soft and them prepared for living their best life.
Even if you're using a puppy shampoo that's designed to be easier on the eyes, shampoo can still hurt them, so you'll want to avoid the eye area as much as possible. If shampoo does get in your dog's eyes, have an eye wash on hand that you can use. If your dog has eye goobers, Easton suggests wetting them and then using a toothbrush to softly remove them.
6. Use a washcloth to clean your dog's face, being careful to avoid their eyes and nose as these can be quite sensitive.
7. Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water, until there is no more product on the fur. If you don't get all the soap out, then the soap will stay on the skin and irritate it. It's worse than not giving them a bath so make sure to scrub properly.
What should you do post-bath?
1. First, towel-dry your dog as best you can to remove all excess water and help them heat up as quick as possible.
2. Then, use either a dog-specific hairdryer or a human one on a medium or cool setting. If you don’t have a hairdryer, you can air-dry your dog, as long as they don't get chills or shiver too much.
3. We recommend that you brush your dog as your blow dry them. If you're air-drying your dog, then every ten to fifteen minutes, run a brush through them as they're drying to prevent mats from forming.
Finally, you can enjoy your reward for bath time - a dog that looks and smells fresh, and the knowledge that you've done something nice for your pooch's health and handsomeness!
Safety tips for bathing a dog:
To keep bath time safe and secure, consider the following tips:
- If your dog is fidgety, you can tether your dog to avoid them escaping mid-bath.
- Never leave your dog unattended during the bath so that they don’t accidentally get water into sensitive areas and hurt themselves.
- Thoroughly wash off any leftover shampoo to prevent contact dermatitis or hot spots.
How to wash your dog if they hate water?
If your dog is afraid of water, we’ve got some tips to help you get them through bath time:
- Try to make the experience as positive as possible by using treats and praise.
- It can also be helpful to have a partner hold your dog while you're bathing them.
- If possible, start giving your dog a bath when he's a puppy to help him get used to bath time.
- If your dog still hates water, consider taking them to a professional groomer who can help them feel more comfortable.
In conclusion,
Bathing your dog doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With the right products and techniques, you can make it a fun and bonding activity for both you and your furry friend. So why not check out Duke & Milo's range of natural and gentle dog shampoos and conditioners today? Your dog will thank you for it!