A squeaky clean dog is a happy dog but often the process of getting him there is not so easy! Here are a few reasons why your precious bundle of wet fur may be bath-time reluctant! Hopefully by taking these into consideration you can solve what may be making Fido so anti-bath!
Harsh Spray
Instead of spraying the water jet straight on to his fur, try to keep your pet calm by letting the water hit the back of your hand first as you move the nozzle across your pet’s body, Robles says. Your dog or cat will feel your comforting touch as opposed to the pounding of the water.Wrong Water Temperature
Shoot for lukewarm water, says Jocelyn Robles, a professional groomer at Holiday House Pet Resort, a veterinarian-owned pet resort and training center in Doylestown, Pa. Water that’s too hot or too cold will create a negative stimulus for your pet, which may turn them off of bath time for the long haul.Poor Soap Application
Actively massage the soap into your dog or cat’s fur with your hands and fingers for four minutes. Start with your pet’s legs and work your way up to his face (the most sensitive area), Robles says. Clean his face with a cotton ball or washcloth and be careful to avoid his eyes.Bad Brushing Technique
You should brush your dog or cat before and after a bath, but only if you regularly brush him at least three times a week, Robles says.Hasty Drying Technique
Use a towel to gently squeeze the fur and pull out as much water as possible, she said. By the end, your pet should be damp but not dripping wet.
Bathing Too Often
Dogs and cats naturally groom themselves, so you probably don’t need to bathe your pet more than once a month, Robles says. Too many baths can actually strip away the natural oils in your pet’s coat and cause skin irritation.
Wrong Shampoo Selection
Your veterinarian can help you with product recommendations, but you’ll generally want to look for brands that are specifically formulated for cats or dogs and follow the directions for shampooing on the label. Oatmeal-based shampoos are a gentle option. Medicated shampoos are an essential part of treating many skin conditions. Ask your veterinarian which might be right for your dog or cat.
Number seven was a surprise to us! We thought all dog shampoos were adequate for all fur types but it makes so much sense that one brand of shampoo, while good for some dogs, simply may not be right for your pooch!
We hope the above was helpful and goes a long way in encouraging people-dog harmony. Keeping a doggie clean and happy can happen. Good luck to you and your dirt-free fur baby!
For more tips on how to help your pooch have a happy bath time that's drama free, check out PetMD.
