Some dogs love their baths, whereas others hate them. No matter their feelings about bathing, all dogs need a refreshing shampoo and rinse regularly. While a regular bath is a must, it’s not the easiest. 

Here is a quick guide to mastering safe and successful dog bathing, whether it's your first time or you haven't bathed a dog for a while. 

1) Find the Right Materials

Before you start, make sure that you have the right supplies. You need a dog-safe shampoo, a towel, and a cup to help rinse his coat. If your dog has a long coat, you may also need a brush to remove knots and tangles.

If you bathe your dog in your sink or tub, always put a special drain screen over the drain to catch loose hairs. This will prevent your drains from getting clogged.

You can give your dog a bath using a small, medium, or large tote made of sturdy plastic or rubber. If your dog is very dirty, you can use a clean, rust-free livestock tank. There are also rigid dog pools and expanding dog baths available for large-breed dogs that can be used outdoors.

2) Prepare the Bathing Area

Find a location where you can bathe your dog with ease. You may want to bathe him in your bathtub, shower, or outside with a garden hose. If you bathe him in the tub or shower, you can use a nonslip bath mat to keep him from slipping.

If you're looking for a more luxurious bathing experience for your dog, consider a platform or folding bath. These elevated baths are usually mounted on legs, making them easier to use and prevent you from having to bend over. Folding dog baths are also portable and ideal for those who travel or have small apartments.

3) Protect Your Dog's Eyes and Ears

To protect your dog's eyes from soap, rinse a clean cloth in warm water and gently apply it over his eyes. You can also use cotton balls. Make sure the water doesn’t get in their ears.

4) Use Canine-Compatible Products

When choosing a shampoo for your dog, look for a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs. Human shampoo can be too harsh for your dog's skin and coat. When choosing a conditioner, choose one that is designed to detangle your dog's coat.

The best way to determine what type of shampoo or soap is best for your dog is to speak with your vet. They can help you identify any skin or coat issues your pup may have and recommend the best type of product to help. 

5) Make Preparations for after the Bath

Once you have finished bathing your dog, make sure you have everything you need to dry him off. A dog-specific towel can help dry your pup off quickly and evenly. You can also use a hairdryer on the cool setting to help dry your dog's coat.

If you have a small breed dog, it is important to make sure he is completely dry before letting him go outside. Small breed dogs are more prone to getting hypothermia if they are not completely dry. Once your dog is dry, you can brush out his coat and give him a treat for being a good boy!

Conclusion

Bath time doesn't have to be a nightmare. With a little preparation and patience, you can give your pup a bath that they will enjoy! And if you really can’t give your dog a bath, whether they’re too unruly or you’re quite busy, know that there are grooming services to help you out.

Make doggy bath time more fun with The Ruff Life Mobile. We offer mobile dog grooming in Massapequa to help keep your furry friends clean. Get in touch with us today to get started.