Our canine friends come in all shapes and sizes, and they have a wide variety of personalities. One thing that most of them have in common, however, is the fact that most of them hate being bathed. Fido may happily jump into a pond, and he may think rolling around in mud puddles is the best thing ever, but he may still try to hide when he hears the dreaded B-word. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, a Cy-Fair vet offers some advice on bathing pooches.
Form Pawsitive Opinions
Doggy bathtime will become much easier if your canine pal thinks he is getting a yummy treat—or better yet, a treat and a toy—after his beauty session. You’ll want to do a few dry runs. Call your pup into the bathroom, and have him get into the tub. Once he hops in, offer him a snack. Use something extra delicious, like a steak or burger. Give Fido his treat, and let him go. Before long, you’ll probably notice a miraculous change in your dog’s opinion about baths.
Prep Work Is Everything
The day before you bathe Fido, give him a good brushing and clip his nails. This will help keep him from scratching up the tub. It will also remove a lot of the dead fur from his coat.
The Process
Always use warm, not hot, water, when bathing Fido. You’ll also need a pet shampoo. Try to avoid heavily perfumed ones. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Limiting The Mess
The easiest way to reduce messes is to bathe your furry pal outdoors, in a kiddie pool. If that isn’t an option, get a clear shower curtain, and cut two slits into it to serve as armholes. Attach a few rings at the top, so it’s easy to put up or take down. You don’t need it to hang perfectly. Reach your arms through the slits to bathe your pooch. No more splashes! A cheap poncho will also work. It’s also a good idea to put a rubber mat down in the tub to protect it from scratches. Finally, be ready with the towels for that inevitable wet dog shake when Fido gets out of the bath.
Please contact us at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic, with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. We’re here to help!
