Bathing is an important part of your dog’s regular grooming routine. Aside from keeping your dog clean, it also helps reduce shedding. Here are a few tips on how to go about bathing your furry friend.
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary supplies within arm’s reach:
- Towels
- Shampoo
- Brush (the type will depend on your dog’s coat type, ask your veterinarian or groomer for a recommendation)
- Blow dryer (if using one)
- Ear cleanser
- Non-slip mat for the tub
When choosing a shampoo, ensure you chose one specifically designed for dogs. They are gentle and pH balanced for their skin. If your dog has any skin dryness, itchiness, or other skin conditions, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on which shampoo to use.
You can bathe your dog in the bathtub, the sink (for very small dogs), or outside on very warm days. Start by wetting their entire body with lukewarm water. Be very careful not spray water in the eyes, or get water in the ears. When wetting the face and head, it is best to use a cloth. Once wet, shampoo the whole body (except the face as it is recommended to avoid using shampoo on the face and simply clean with a wet cloth), ensure you get into all the folds of the skin and in between the toes. Take special care not to get any soap in the eyes, mouth or ears. Once lathered, allow the shampoo to sit for as long as indicated on the bottle.
Rinsing is the most important step when bathing your dog. Any residue left from the shampoo will irritate the skin and make your dog itchy and uncomfortable. Take your time rinsing and be sure to get into all the skin folds and along the underside. Continue rinsing until the water is clear without any suds and then rinse one more time. Once finished allow your dog to shake and then towel dry. You can use a blow dryer on a low setting only if desired. However, use cautiously as it can burn the skin if too hot or left on the same location for too long.
Once the body is fully dry, use an ear cleansing solution from your veterinarian to clean and dry the ears. These drying solutions help decrease chances of otitis (ear infection). They can be used anytime your dog gets wet (bathing, swimming, playing in the snow, etc.). Never use water inside the ears as this will leave the ears moist which could lead to an otitis. To find out how to perform a proper ear cleaning, please visit http://cahospital.ca/general/how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears/.
If your dog is reluctant to be bathed, take him/her for some exercise to drain some of their energy before you start. You may need two people if your dog is particularly difficult to bathe. It is recommended to bathe your dog once a season. However, certain pets require more or less frequent baths.
Dr Theoret and her staff at Centrepointe Animal Hospital will be happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding bathing your animal.