Have you mastered bathing your dog?
Only use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Human shampoo (even if called natural or shampoo for babies) is not the correct pH for your dog’s skin. If you have a pooch with sensitive or itchy skin there are a few different kinds available and it may be a matter of time before you find one suitable for his regular wash.
When bathing your dog indoors, a towel or rubber backed mat placed on the bottom of a bathtub provides a non-slip surface that helps avoid injury to him and makes him feel more secure. Please place a secure mat on the floor directly outside the bath too for when you are finished or in case he jumps out. Have you drying towels for afterwards ready before you begin.
It is kindest to get dogs used to a bath over time. Let’s face it – The less he likes it, the less you will like it. A helper dispensing treats is handy.
Use luke warm or blood temp’ water, test it on your forearm like you would for a baby’s bath. A hand held nozzle is marvelous and just let the water drain away, there’s no need to fill it up like a human bath. Start with the feet and work your way upwards or the neck and work back. You can also let the water run over the back of your hand. Use your hands to activate the soap. Try to hold his head upward as you rinse down his neck, otherwise soapy water run get into his eyes or ears. His face is best not lathered up but wiped carefully with a wet face washer.
(If you are concerned about any water/lather getting into his ears you can pop some cotton wool in there to prevent water running into the canal).
A sink drainer or a piece of steel wool placed in the plughole can catch fur and make it easier to clean up afterwards. Long-haired dogs should be brushed regularly so that detangling is not such a chore.
He’s going to shake off at some stage so be ready to turn your head. Placing a towel on him when he’s done will keep less water from being shaken around the room.
How often should you wash your dog? How long is piece of string? It all depends on your dog, his coat type, his skin type, his lifestyle and his environment. We don’t recommend washing your dog more than is necessary and once a month would be plenty for most dogs
Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)