Does your canine companion run and hide as soon as he hears the dreaded B-word? While we suspect that many dogs enjoy feeling soft and clean, most of our furry pals are definitely not big fans of bathtime. We can help! Here, a San Leandro, CA vet offers some helpful tips on giving Fido baths.
Fido’s Bathing Needs
Every dog has slightly different grooming needs. Fido’s coat will be the biggest factor that influences how many baths he needs, but his age and activity levels will also play important roles in determining his beauty treatment schedule. Needless to say, if your pooch has a penchant for rolling around in mud puddles, he’ll probably need frequent baths. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Basics
When bathing your four-legged pal, always use warm, not hot, water. It’s also important to stick to products made for pets: human shampoos can strip the oils from Fido’s fur, leaving his coat looking dry and frizzy. You don’t want to get suds in your dog’s eyes, nose, or ears, so just use a washcloth on that adorable furry face. To make bathtime a little easier, get a pitcher for rinsing.
Hacks
Do Fido’s bath sessions leave both you and your bathroom soaked? Get a clear shower curtain, and cut two slits in it, going from the bottom up. The cuts should be about two feet apart and four feet high. If you hang this up and use the holes as arm slits, you probably won’t get splashed as much.
Training
Does Fido really hate baths? Try this: call your furry buddy into the bathroom, and have him hop into the tub. Then, instead of giving him a bath, offer him a tasty treat and let him go. Choose something extra yummy to really get that cute tail wagging. After a few rounds, you may find your dog much more willing to jump into the tub!
The Afterbath
As soon as your canine friend puts his paws on the floor, he’ll probably start shaking to get the water out of his fur. If it’s warm enough, immediately take Fido for a walk to help him dry off. Once your furry friend is dry, you get your reward: cuddles from a clean, fresh-smelling dog!
Please contact us, your San Leandro, CA vet, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
