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Got a muddy pup? Does your dog need to freshen up? Then this dog bathing guide is your new best friend!
We’ll reveal all the inside tips on turning your dog from a mucky pup to a sparkling pooch in a few simple steps. Including all the dog bathing equipment required for a flawless finish. Let’s get started!
Be sure to use warm, not hot water, and fill your bath to about knee height, or one-third full. Gently place your puppy in the bath, easing them in very slowly if this is their first time.
Be sure to use warm, not hot water, and fill your bath to about knee height, or one-third full. Gently place your puppy in the bath, easing them in very slowly if this is their first time.
If you are using a shower instead, use warm water to wet your dog's coat, remembering to keep the pressure low and the temperature comfortable.
To get those harder-to-reach areas like the neck and below the muzzle, you can use a small sponge. You’ll be more successful and your dog will be more comfortable than if you attempted spray or pour water on these areas.
It’s always a good idea to give them a treat at this point,to remind them they are doing great. Some owners even smear peanut butter on the bath rim to keep their dogs occupied!
Once the coat is damp, it's time to get scrubbing.
Using a dog-friendly shampoo,apply to the base of your dog’s skull, carefully avoiding the eyes and ear canals. Gently massage and create a lather,working your way down the body.
It’s important to avoid human shampoo, especially if your dog has sensitive
To get those harder-to-reach areas like the neck and below the muzzle, you can use a small sponge. You’ll be more successful and your dog will be more comfortable than if you attempted spray or pour water on these areas.
It’s always a good idea to give them a treat at this point,to remind them they are doing great. Some owners even smear peanut butter on the bath rim to keep their dogs occupied!
Once the coat is damp, it's time to get scrubbing.
Using a dog-friendly shampoo,apply to the base of your dog’s skull, carefully avoiding the eyes and ear canals. Gently massage and create a lather,working your way down the body.
It’s important to avoid human shampoo, especially if your dog has sensitive skin, as these can be too drying for your pup. Your best bet is to look for products with limited ingredients, no alcohol and soothing properties like oat or aloe vera.
skin, as these can be too drying for your pup. Your best bet is to look for products with limited ingredients, no alcohol and soothing properties like oat or aloe vera.
If your dog is really mucky,or has been rolling in something unpleasant, you may want to rinse and repeat this processfor extra freshness.
It’s important to rinse your dog thoroughly to get all the shampoo out, so keep going until the water runs clear.This can help to avoid a build up of products or any irritation of your dog's skin.
Top tip - use your fingertips to part the hairs, especially in harder to reach places. As we mentioned above, using a sponge for the sensitive areas will work well too.
If your dog is really mucky,or has been rolling in something unpleasant, you may want to rinse and repeat this processfor extra freshness.
It’s important to rinse your dog thoroughly to get all the shampoo out, so keep going until the water runs clear.This can help to avoid a build up of products or any irritation of your dog's skin.
Top tip - use your fingertips to part the hairs, especially in harder to reach places. As we mentioned above, using a sponge for the sensitive areas will work well too.
A conditioner that is specially formulated for dogs can be a good addition for hair that is on the dry side, or if you want your dog to look extra silky for a special occasion!
Apply the conditioner smoothly, running a comb through any longer sections of hair to ensure full coverage. Be sure to avoid the ear canals and eyes with these products too.
You can likewise choose to let the conditioner sit for a few minutes,so the hair follicles absorb some of that lovely moisture. You can even throw in a little massage here, to help work out those stick-fetching kinks!
Again, be sure to rinse out any product thoroughly before moving on to the next step…
A conditioner that is specially formulated for dogs can be a good addition for hair that is on the dry side, or if you want your dog to look extra silky for a special occasion!
Apply the conditioner smoothly, running a comb through any longer sections of hair to ensure full coverage. Be sure to avoid the ear canals and eyes with these products too.
You can likewise choose to let the conditioner sit for a few minutes,so the hair follicles absorb some of that lovely moisture. You can even throw in a little massage here, to help work out those stick-fetching kinks!
Again, be sure to rinse out any product thoroughly before moving on to the next step…
While regular bath towels work fine, a microfibre towelis a lightweight and simple way to dry off your pooch. Gently rub and wick the excess moisture from your dog's coat, ensuring to keep them warm and comfortable during this stage, as dogs can catch a chill if they are damp for too long.
Some owners like to use a hairdryer to finish off their work, and to prevent their dog feeling too chilled. Be sure to use a low heat setting at a safe distance, as dog’s can’t regulate their temperature as well as us humans. Some may also find the noise a little scary at first, so start gently and build up their tolerance.
Once they are dry, you can also apply a moisturizing paw balm. This can help promote skin health and keep paws from getting chapped.
While regular bath towels work fine, a microfibre towelis a lightweight and simple way to dry off your pooch. Gently rub and wick the excess moisture from your dog's coat, ensuring to keep them warm and comfortable during this stage, as dogs can catch a chill if they are damp for too long.
Some owners like to use a hairdryer to finish off their work, and to prevent their dog feeling too chilled. Be sure to use a low heat setting at a safe distance, as dog’s can’t regulate their temperature as well as us humans. Some may also find the noise a little scary at first, so start gently and build up their tolerance.
Once they are dry, you can also apply a moisturizing paw balm. This can help promote skin health and keep paws from getting chapped.
Your doggo definitely deserves another treat here too! This will help them to associate bathing with a positive experience, making both your lives a lot easier in the long run.
If you’d like to add a little indulgence to your dog’s bathing experience, you can incorporate some essential oils. Lavender, cedarwood and patchouliare often associated with having a calming influence on dogs, just like our own bath salts or oils can.
A few drops of oil can be added to shallow water at the bottom of the tub, or mixed in with your shampoo. You can also rub a few drops between your palms and apply them directly to the coat before bathing, as a calming treatment. Less is more with oils, especially as your dog’s nose is far more sensitive than yours!
Whilst it can be an enjoyable and luxurious experience for your dog, bathing too often can strip healthy oils away from their coat and skin. This could cause itching, scratching and irritation.
If you’d like to add a little indulgence to your dog’s bathing experience, you can incorporate some essential oils. Lavender, cedarwood and patchouliare often associated with having a calming influence on dogs, just like our own bath salts or oils can.
A few drops of oil can be added to shallow water at the bottom of the tub, or mixed in with your shampoo. You can also rub a few drops between your palms and apply them directly to the coat before bathing, as a calming treatment. Less is more with oils, especially as your dog’s nose is far more sensitive than yours!
Whilst it can be an enjoyable and luxurious experience for your dog, bathing too often can strip healthy oils away from their coat and skin. This could cause itching, scratching and irritation.
Therefore, it’s recommended you bathe your dog only as needed,if they are dirty or have rolled in something a little stinky!
Brushing dailywill help keep them clean between baths also, as well as maintaining coat condition.
There you have it, a simple bathing guide for a fresh dog. We’re sure your pup will come away smelling like roses. You might need a bath of your own afterwards, however...