How to Wash a Dog: A Step by Step Guide for a Newbie

Introduction

Dog washing plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your dog, keeping them dirt-free and clean. Because You don’t want a smelly dog in your house. It can cause an uncomfortable environment especially when you have visitors around; no one wants that type of discomfort. If your dog still smells after a bath, visit a vet. It may be a symptom of an underlying problem like dermatitis or allergies.

Before beginning the washing process, you should first ensure that your dog or puppy feels comfortable and secure. Being a dog owner, you should be able to connect with your dog’s emotions, meaning that you know when your dog is either upset or excited. Dog bathing is an amazing bonding experience. Give your dog treats like their favorite food before and after taking them to the bathroom. Another strategy is talking to them in a smooth and reassuring voice.

How often should you wash your dog?

Most dog owners have little or completely no information regarding this matter. It’s good to make your dog get used to regular bathing at an early age to avoid problems later. Starting young and making it fun helps the dog get used to the cleaning process. Dogs don’t need daily bathing like us. Washing once a month works for most dogs. Regular washing is, however, necessary and just how regularly depends on some factors.

• The dog’s environment – if it’s the cold season, wash your dog less frequently. If your dog lives in the countryside and is very playful with mud and rolling all over the ground, clean them more often.
• The dog’s coat type – dogs with oily coats need frequent bathing like once a week. Dogs with thick, double coats need less washing and more brushing.
• The dog’s breed – smooth haired breeds have smooth coats which require less frequent washing. Breeds with water-repellant coats also need less frequent baths to protect their natural oils.

Precautions to take when washing a dog

• Protecting ears – ears, especially the inner ears, need protection from water when bathing your dog or puppy. Cotton balls are famous for preventing water from entering the dog’s ears. While at it also protect your dog’s eyes from soapy water.
• Always use lukewarm water – the water used in washing your dog should neither be too hot nor cold. Hot water will burn the dog’s sensitive skin while cold water will cause shivering.
• Use the appropriate dog shampoo/conditioner for each coat – this is a no brainer. Different breeds of dogs mean that each dog is distinct from the other. There are several dogs bathing shampoos for different skin types and conditions available for purchase and it is your duty to choose the most suitable one for a grown-up dog or special needs puppy. A wrong choice may irritate your dog’s skin. If you have the challenge of choosing the right shampoo for the job, just consult with your vet.
• Water used for bathing your dog should not come from far distance – your dog experiences emotions just like you. Water from a far distance can be a bit scary for them. Make the shower very close to the dog and wash them gently to make them feel comfortable. Sinks and laundry tubs work just as fine.
• Rinsing correctly – after shampooing, rinsing is the next important step. Do it thoroughly but carefully to make sure you remove all the shampoo and residue from the dog, especially in densely coated dogs. Any soap left behind will irritate your dog’s skin when they dry up. Use a cotton towel or air-dry to dry your dog after rinsing. Don’t forget to get rid of the cotton balls in the dog’s ears.

Conclusion

Washing a dog helps maintain the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Most dogs dislike being washed, but as a responsible and caring dog owner, you should embrace the role of cleaning them properly.

Avoid washing your dog more often than it’s necessary as this will destroy natural oils necessary for making their coats soft and silky. Natural oils protect your dog from being dry which makes them prone to mats, dandruff, and frizzies.

If the whole process looks like a big challenge to you, no need to panic. Lucky for you, some people have made dog washing their business. Some breeds are also hard to clean even if you are a seasoned dog owner. Choose a groomer who is experienced and is reasonably priced to avoid straining your budget. They are experts and will give your dog the good cleaning that they deserve.