Master the Bath: Step-by-step guide to a cuddle-worthy dog
Not only is keeping a dog clean better for her health, she'll look and smell better, too. However, even the idea of a bath can cause hair to stand on end - for both the human and the canine. Yet by following some easy step-by-step directions and, keeping in mind some hints and tips from professionals, bath time can be easier and more fun for both you and your dog.
Location, Location, Location
Depending on the size of your dog, chose either a kitchen sink or your tub. In either place it is important to keep the dog safely contained within the location by using a collar and leash.
“Keep them hooked by [a collar and] leash and wrap the leash around the faucet,” says Rachael Campbell, a dog groomer for over nine years and a teacher at the New York School of Dog Grooming.
In the sink, you have the benefit of the water sprayer, however in the tub you will most likely need to bring in a cup (use plastic, not glass which could fall and shatter) to help wet down the dog. What about an outdoor bath? Unless you have a big dog and it is a very hot summer day bathing your dog outside is not recommended. Especially using water from a hose which is generally too cold for a dog's skin.
Step-By Step How-Tos
1.) Brusha, Brusha
“Dogs should be brushed and combed before the bath,” says Campbell. “Combing is important since the brush sometimes doesn't get down to the skin,” she says. Short-haired dog owners don't have to be as quite as diligent with the pre-bath grooming as long-haired dog owners. Water can tighten the hair or fur on long-haired dogs causing it to mat, says Campbell. Even if it doesn't mat will make the later brushing-out difficult and more painful for the dog. If you have a long-haired dog, start off by going over your dog with a brush and then a comb. However, even short-haired dogs benefit from a pre-bath brush since it will remove excess fur.
2.) Wet n' Wash
Place the dog in either the tub or the sink and completely wet it down using warm water. How warm? “Not as warm as you would shower with since dogs have thinner skin,” says Campbell. Then either use a shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs or baby shampoo. “Dogs have a different PH balance than humans,” says Campbell, and many shampoos for humans are too strong for dogs.
Lather her up with shampoo. How much shampoo to use and how many times you wash her depends on how dirty the dog is.
“If the water doesn't run clear when you rinse, do it again,” says Campbell. Be careful not to get any shampoo in her eyes, or water in her nose or ears. If your dog has sensitive ears, Campbell suggests placing cotton balls in the dog's ears.
Make sure you gently rub and massage the shampoo all over the dog's body. “People tend to forget to wash under their dog's tail and paws,” says Campbell. “Under their tail because the dog tends to put it down.”
If you want to, use conditioner, although it isn't necessary on most short-haired breeds of dogs. Long-haired dogs will benefit more from the conditioning. Brushing them out after the bath will be a lot easier.
3.) Rinse, and Rinse Well.
Thoroughly rinse the dog. Run your hands through the fur to make sure no bubbles from the shampoo remain. “Shampoo will leave residue and the dog's skin will get itchy and flaky,” says Campbell. “People tend to forget armpits and in between legs,” she adds. Make sure the water going down the drain is clear and without bubbles.
4.) Toweling off.
Don't forget the bring in the towel. Actually, Campbell suggests having two at the ready. “The more water you get off with the towel the faster the dog will dry,” she says. When the first one is soaked, use the second one.
A good toweling off is the end of the road for most short-haired dogs. “Just let them run around for a bit,” says Campbell, and they will air dry.
5.) After-Bath Brush
Long-haired dogs need to be brushed and combed after the bath, and often blown dry using a hairdryer. Hairdryers can be dangerous and precautions need to be taken. First, keep them away from water at all times. And, although it will take longer, use only a cold tempature setting - not warm or hot. “The fur will dry faster on a warm or hot setting, but it could hurt the dog,” says Campbell. “You could burn them,” she says.
Baths can be time-consuming, certainly for owners of long-haired dogs, and the amount of time dedicated to bath time should be considered before the bath starts.
“If you only have ten minutes to wash your dog before you leave for work, wash your dog later,” suggests Campbell. Bathing your dog, especially a long-haired dog, can take about an hour. “It can be a long process if you do it the right way,” she says. However, when all is said and done a clean dog is a great reward - for the both of you.
A version of this piece originally published in Dog Fancy, January 2005
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