Dog grooming

How to wash my dog

How to wash my dog

Grooming your dog or puppy should be a weekly affair, and often daily depending on the breed and physical characteristics.

Bathing is at the top of the list of most important grooming habits that every dog owner must adhere to. It doesn’t matter what breed of dog or what coat type – every dog needs a thorough washing on a regular basis.

Despite what the experts say, I personally believe that dogs really do like to be clean. Every time I give my Chihuahua a bath there is an obvious happiness and buzz that comes over him.

You can tell once you are done as they run, frolic, play, and in general have a blast after getting all clean. They can even be hams and like being told they look great. Besides, you will enjoy working with your dog more if your hand isn’t stinky or dirty every time you get it back!

How often should you give your dog a bath?

In general, how often you bathe your dog will depend on its environment. Is he an inside dog or an outside dog? Does he get dirty eating? Does he have an odor?

A dog’s skin and fur vary from breed to breed, just like humans, so if he smells then definitely give the pooch a bath. If he is an outside dog then the weather and parasites will have something to decide in the matter as well (bathing more often).

What is the easiest way to bathe a dog?

It’s always better (and easier) to use the bathtub to wash your dog because the water can be warm and he will be able to get a full soak. Not only that, but shampoo comes out a bit better using a combination of water temperatures.

Things you need in the tub:

  • Rubber anti-slip mat
  • Spray attachment for faucet or shower head
  • Gloves (optional)

When you shampoo your dog it can be helpful to mix some water and shampoo in a separate bottle just for that bathing. It goes into the coat easier that way and comes out better. After the scrub, have a heavy towel or rug on the floor and dry him with big towel. Let him go directly out to a grassy area to shake. No dirty sand pits please.

Note

Small dogs can sometime go in the sink for their bath but beware of the disposal and use caution with dogs that like to jump.

How do you get a dog to enjoy being washed?

If you get your pet as a puppy, the sooner you teach him that they will get a bath the better. The goal is to help the pup to grow into a dog that knows when to stay in the tub and how to help you by getting out when the bath is over.

Over time, the dog will learn to get in and out on his own if he isn’t too small. Give the dog a treat after a bath to make it a more pleasant experience.