Pet Haven

Most dogs love water so bathing them isn’t such an ordeal as regards getting them into the bath, but the process of actually getting down to business and getting your dog clean may be another issue completely!

The first thing that you need to do is prepare.The more prepared you are for bathing your dog, the easier it’s going to be.You need to prepare for getting your dog into the bath, then the bathing, and then the “after bath” process.

Before the Bath

Put the water into the bath tub so that there’s enough to cover the top of his paws.Your dog is likely to be more heat sensitive to hot water than you are so be careful to keep it tepid.

Place any items such as dog shampoo, anti-flea preparation, jug with bucket of clean tepid water for rinsing the shampoo off your dog within hand reach of where you’ll be standing when bathing the dog.

Put towels on the floor to protect against excessive water, and also ready to do a quick dry of the dog as soon as you’re finished.

Put down clean bedding for your dog, and add a towel so that when they return there after the bath they have a clean, dry place to rest and you can remove the towel soon afterwards so that their bedding isn’t left damp.

During the Bath

Bring your dog into the bathroom in a controlled way.Keep your voice low and steady when you talk to him.Once you’re both in the bathroom close the door so that he can’t get out before you’re ready to let him out (this stops him from racing around the house soaking wet).

Pick him up and place him so that he’s standing firmly in the water.Use the rinsing jug to dampen his fur.

Follow the directions on the shampoo or preparation that you’re using to clean his fur – being careful not to get any of the liquid around his eyes or in his ear canals.

Rinse off carefully and thoroughly – you may find that using a damp face cloth helps you get the shampoo off his face easier than trying to rinsing with water whilst avoiding it getting into in his eyes.

After the Bath

Depending on the type of coat your dog has, the drying process could be quick or lengthy.If they’ve got quite a lot of fur, and are happy to continue standing in the bath, towel dry the top of their coat, head and tail before lifting them out.

Once they’re out, gently towel-dry the excess water off their fur.Be warned, as soon as they’re out they’re going to shake themselves!Depending on the breed of dog you have, you may want to brush your dog’s fur when it’s still damp, or wait until it’s completely dry (check the grooming instructions for your particular dog breed for advice on what’s best).

When you’re satisfied that there’s not going to be a trail of water droplets in his wake as he runs through the rest of the house, open the bathroom door!

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