In America, there are 69 million households that own a dog as of 2022. Dog ownership continues to increase but some new owners are more prepared than others.
For example, not everyone realizes how important dog grooming is to a pet maintenance routine. Also, washing a dog might feel a little overwhelming if you're a first-time owner.
The following guide will explain several different dog wash tips you can try at home. Read on to discover the best dog bath methods for the newest member of your household.
Dog Wash Preparation
First, determine the best area in your home to give your dog a bath. You might only need a kitchen sink for small breeds, while larger breeds might require a bathtub or dog-only tub. Consider using a self-service option at a doggie spa if you don't have enough space.
Next, make sure you have everything you need close to the tub or sink. Keep items such as shampoo, conditioner, and towels close enough so that you can reach them at all times.
Keep in mind that should only use pet-friendly dog shampoos and conditioners during the bath. Using products for humans can irritate your dog's sensitive skin. There are even products designed specifically for puppies so that their eyes won't get irritated.
You can dilute the shampoo with water to help increase the foam and make it easier to spread. Either mix the shampoo and water in a separate bowl or add a little water to the shampoo bottle.
Finally, make sure to have a few treats on hand to give your dog before, during, and after the bath. Some dogs love getting washed, but others take a little convincing with a snack.
Standard Bath Technique
Fill a tub with warm water and test the temperature with your hand to make sure it isn't too hot for your dog. If you want to be precise, use a thermometer to ensure that the water is between 98 to 104 degrees.
Next, soak your dog in warm water and wash them with pet-friendly shampoo two times. The first round of shampoo attaches to dirt and oil while the second round cleanses any remaining dirt and oil.
You can use a loofah to spread the shampoo evenly throughout your dog's hair. First-time owners often only wash the top of their dogs but don't forget to also wash their paws, underarms, and bellies.
Apply some conditioner after washing the shampoo from your dog's hair. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes (this might be a good time for a treat) and then rinse off completely so that it doesn't irritate their skin.
Drying and Brushing Techniques
first, use a towel to start drying your dog's hair and remove excess moisture. You can let your dog air dry after that as long as they aren't too cold and shivering. You can use a hairdryer set to medium heat to speed up the process if you wish.
If you use a hairdryer, brush your dog's hair as you blow dry them. If you choose to let them air dry, brush their hair every 10 to 15 minutes. Brushing their hair as it's drying helps separate mats a prevent new mats from forming.
Keep in mind that different breeds benefit from different drying and brushing techniques. For example, dogs with long hair or undercoats might mat easily or get hot spots from air drying.
In Between Baths
Consider using dry dog shampoos in between bathing your dog in the water. They help keep their fur from tangling and keep their skin healthy.
Brush your dog's fur before applying dry shampoo to remove any loose dirt from their coat. Next, sprinkle the dry shampoo over your dog's coat except for on their face.
Rub the dry shampoo into your dog's coat so that it gets down to its skin. You'll want to let the shampoo sit for a few minutes and you'll need to prevent your dog from licking it off.
After a few minutes, brush the shampoo out of your dog's coat and pat them down with a towel. Now you can apply a small amount to your dog's face if you wish, but make sure to avoid the eye, mouth, and ear areas.
You can also use a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch if you're in a pinch and don't have dry shampoo. The baking soda deodorizes your dog's fur and the cornstarch removes oils from the fur to make it softer.
Washing Away From Home
After hikes and walks, you might find that your dog needs an on-the-go bath before heading home. Wet wipes are an excellent way to remove mud and other filth from your dog after an outdoor adventure.
Make sure to use pet-friendly wipes just like with shampoos and conditioners. Start with their paws and get in between their toes and pads. You can use the wipes on their entire coat if necessary, just start at the neck and work your way down.
Wipes are safe for your dog's face as long as you're careful around their eyes and mouth. Try keeping a pack of dog wet wipes in your car to prevent muddy paw prints from ruining your ride.
Dog Grooming Made Easy
Now you have dog wash techniques for full baths, in-between baths, and on-the-go grooming. Feel free to pamper yourself and your dog with a professional full-service cleaning once in a while as well!
You can contact us at Bubbly Paws for more information about our locations and services. We hope our tips and tricks help you keep your new friend clean, healthy, and happy.