Does Your Dog Hate Baths Here are 5 Tips That Will Help
Are you a happy paw parent? Does your dog struggle with having even a semi-decent relationship with baths? If you nodded your head, this post is tailored for you to give you all the guidelines for stress-free dog bathing.
While keeping a dog is a pleasure, bath times can prove to be very difficult as you might already know. Let’s dive right into the tips and tricks that will make your dog hate bath times less and easier for you to manage.
1. FOR WATER TEMPERATURE, USE THE GOLDILOCKS THEORY
The basic rule of thumb is, not too hot and not too cold!
If you ever jump into the shower when the water is ice cold, you probably jump right out despite the fact that UAE weather is not really cold itself. Cold water is not fun for dogs either. It can shock them, which is why they try to escape. Just like humans, dogs don’t like discomfort either.
No ice-cold water doesn’t translate to hot water. Blistering hot water is dangerous for your pet and can cause a shock as well.
So what water temperature is best for a dog bath? Lukewarm! This will let your furry friend have a calm bath. Just make sure that you keep checking the temperature frequently so you know in case the running water has turned to any extreme temperature.
2. APPLY TRACTION TO SLIPPERY SURFACES
Baths are supposed to be relaxing. If the tub is slippery and your dog’s paws are slipping constantly, they won’t like the feeling of having no control of their body. So, as a natural response, they might try to come out of the tub onto firmer ground.
Try using a non-slip silicone mat on the bottom of your shower/tub. This will enable your pooch to stand firmly without slipping. Also, it will catch any hair that sheds from your doggy, so the clean-up will be easier for you. Isn’t that a bonus?
3. DON’T OVERSTIMULATE
Baths are already overwhelming for dogs, with the water, confined space, application of shampoo, etc. You can help them feel more at comfort by avoiding overstimulation. You can do this by cutting out whatever can cause your dog anxiety during the bath. For example:
The sound of water running: Once your pup is in the tub, turn off the tab.
Strongly scented shampoo: Use a gentle, mild-smelling dog shampoo for your furry friend.
The feeling of water itself: Avoid pouring a lot of water on your dog directly. Instead, start off by rubbing them with a wet washcloth and slowly move towards using a pet shower sprayer attachment for gentle water flow.
4. OPT FOR A DESENSITIZATION STRATEGY
Who doesn’t like rewards? You can use treats or rewards to help your dog understand that the bath isn’t something they need to fear. Rewards can be as simple as verbal, and physical appreciation like clapping for them, giving them some kisses, and you can always use treats.
You can use the desensitization strategy in the following stages:
Bring your pup near the bath area, and reward them for approaching calmly.
Place your pup in a dry tub or dry shower area, and reward them for not fighting the movement. Run the water for a few seconds when your dog is in the tub and reward them for not reacting.
You can gradually use this method to build up to full baths. Persistence is key, as such training can take multiple sessions, but the effect is long-lasting.
5. TRY TO KEEP YOUR DOG ENGAGED
We all know how well a distraction works to divert your focus from one thing to the other. Use the same technique with your pet. You can give him something engaging. This will help in taking their mind off the bath and will soothe their anxiety. It will also hopefully keep them still and focused on the distraction.
You can use a toy or a lick mat. A lick mat reduces stress, engages the dog’s brain, and is a delicious way for your dog to endure bath time.
You can top the lick mat off with your doggo’s favorite treats, maybe some peanut butter, or yogurt. Pro tip: Keep the lick mat in the freezer for a few minutes before giving it to your dog. This makes the toppings last longer.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will build a more comfortable relationship between your dog and bath times. However, if during a bath, your dog seems to be distressed, stop what you are doing because that’s your dog’s way of telling you that they don’t like what’s happening or it’s stressing them out.
You can always consult your veterinarian in case something keeps troubling your dog because it might be an injury or skin issue causing the discomfort.
Here’s to happy bath times for your dog!
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