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Proper dog bathing involves several steps to make the experience is safe, comfortable, and leaves your pup squeaky clean and smelling great!

Preparation supplies

  • Gather Supplies: You’ll need dog safe shampoo, conditioner, towels, a brush, a non-slip mat, and a lick mat or treats to make it a positive experience for your dog.
  • Brush Your Dog: Use a brush to comb through your dog’s fur in small sections, ensuring there are no tangles or matts. This makes bathing easier and more effective.
  • Choose the Right Location: Use a bathtub, shower, or a large sink appropriate for the size of your dog.

For your convenience Dogtopia offers great bathing and wellness products that you can get through Amazon.

Proper dog Bathing

  • Water Temperature: Ensure the water is lukewarm, as dogs just like people, dogs are sensitive to water that is too hot or too cold.
  • Wet Your Dog: Use a handheld showerhead or a cup or small pitcher to wet your dog’s coat thoroughly. Be careful to avoid pouring water directly into your dog’s ears. For this first section avoid your dog’s face.
  • Apply Shampoo: Always use a dog-specific shampoo. Other shampoos can disrupt the pH balance of a dog’s skin and cause irritation, dryness and flaking. Start from your pup’s neck and work your way down to the tail, lathering well as you go.
  • Clean the Head and Face Last: Gently wash your dog’s head with a damp cloth or a small amount of water and shampoo. Be very careful to avoid getting soap in your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Rinsing

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo, as any residue can cause skin irritation. Repeat the rinsing process until no suds or residue remains.
  • Conditioner: Apply conditioner after the shampoo and rinse until water runs clean.

Drying

  • Towel Dry: Gently squeeze out excess water.  Next, use a towel to absorb as much water as possible. You may need more than one towel if your pup is fluffy.
  • Blow Dry : Use a dog-specific blow dryer on a low, cool setting. Hold the dryer at a safe distance and keep it moving to avoid overheating any part of your dog’s skin.

Post-Bath Care

  • Brush Again: After your dog is nearly dry, brush their coat again to remove any remaining loose fur and prevent tangles which can lead to matting.
  • Clean Ears: Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner to gently clean your dog’s ears, ensuring they are dry, clean and free of moisture.
  • Treats and Praise: Make bath time something pups look forward to by offering treats and extra encouragement.  Reward your dog with treats and praise during bath time to create a positive association.

Tips

  • Frequency: Keys to proper dog bathing include knowing how frequently to bathe your pup.  Baths can happen as needed. The best timeframe is usually every 4-6 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type, and lifestyle.
  • Desensitization: Have a dog that is nervous for bath time? Ensure you take time to gradually introduce them to the process.  Using treats and positive reinforcement can be the key to making sure they grow to love tub time..
  • Safety First: Additionally, never leave your dog unattended in the bath, and always make sure there is a non-slip surface for them to stand on.

By following these steps for proper dog bathing, you can ensure that bath time is a positive and fun experience for both you and your dog.

 

If you’d rather leave bath time to the pros, book a spa appointment at Dogtopia of Viera. Our dog spa is fully stocked with hypoallergenic shampoos, conditioners, and products designed specifically to be safe and gentle on a dog’s skin and coat. Dogtopia’s spa attendants are highly trained at handling dogs of all sizes and breeds and know how to put your pup at ease during any treatment.  

Unquestionably, pet parents want to treat your beloved dog to the luxurious spa experience they deserve during their daycare or boarding stay or as a standalone treatment. Book an appointment with us today by calling 321-294-4102 or using our convenient online general inquiry form.