Tips to make bathing your dog easier
Dogs never seem to mind getting dirty; in fact, you could even say they love it and seek out the dirt to roll around in! But as their owners, I’m sure we’re less than thrilled to let them back in our cars, house, and especially our beds with them covered in mud! Not to mention the smell! Unfortunately, for some the act of getting our dogs clean can be quite the laborious task as not all dogs love the act of bath time. Here are a few tips to help you out so you can keep your sheets a dirt free environment.
1. Associate bathing with good things. If they could, I’m sure most dogs would tell you bath time is far from their favorite activity. And who can argue with them? It ususally means being restrained, having water poured over the heads, and unfamiliar scents being lathered on them. But if you start to show your dog there’s a reward at the end of this activity, they’ll start to make the connection that if they just get through this activity, something good is waiting on the other side. It could be new chew toys, playing their favorite game or even something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood. You can even help them out along the way with things that may be particularly difficult for them – does putting them in the tub or turning on the water frighten them? Offer them a small treat afterwards. Practice makes perfect, so be consistent with whatever positive reinforcement you choose and with time, your pet will learn that bath time is fun!
2. Don’t rush it. While it may be frustrating for you that this isn’t as easy as it could be, your pet is trying to tell you they’re uneasy with what’s happening. It’s best to listen to them and take it slow in the beginning.Start out with getting your dog comfortable in the bathroom. Try taking them in the bathroom and placing them in the tub. Getting them used to the environment and showing them the room is a safe place will go a long way. Eventually you can graduate to turning the water on (but don’t bathe them yet) and let them become familiar with the changes. These are different sensations for them and can be quite scary. When you feel the time is ready and your dog is comfortable, go ahead a try a bath!
3. Pay attention to your tone and body language.Your dog is taking their cues from you; if you’re comfortable and calm, your pet will be comfortable and calm. If you’re nervous, they’ll pick up on that emotion as well and react accordingly.When you lather your dog up, give them a gentle massage and carefully handle their paws, Being gentle will go a long way in easing any emotional discomfort in your pet.
Seasonal Advice
Flea and tick season is upon us! Especially in our local area, this is a real concern for these summer months. While it may make sense at first to make applying any topical treatment to your pet as part of his/her bath time routine, please always follow the manufacturer’s instructions! Frontline Plus, a popular topical treatment for fleas and ticks, advises letting the treatment dry for 24 hours before bathing your pet or letting them swim.(source: Frontline Plus) If directions are not followed, you run the risk of washing off the treatment and it will become ineffective. As always, please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation or ask your local veterinarian on bathing and using topical treatments!
I hope you find these tips helpful! What tips do you have for making bath time easier?