Does your dog hate bathtime? You’re not alone. The mere suggestion of it can send some pups running for cover under the nearest piece of furniture. We’re here to help. While a full-sized tub can seem like a watery abyss to a small dog, the kitchen sink presents a cozier, less intimidating option. Plus, it saves your back from all that bending over. Let’s get into five tips that make giving your dog a kitchen sink bath a walk in the park—or, at least, less of a splash zone.
Tip 1: Get Your Supplies Ready
Ever tried to hold a wet, wiggly dog with one hand while fumbling for the towel with the other? It’s a recipe for a wet floor and a very unhappy camper.
So before you even turn on the faucet, get everything you need and put it close by. You’ll want these items:
- a non-slip mat
- a gentle
dog shampoo (consider what dog owners should know about bathing with shampoo when making your choice here) - a cup for rinsing
- a few fluffy towels
Having your supplies ready means you can keep one hand on your dog at all times, making the whole process safer and smoother for everyone involved.
Tip 2: Make the Water Warm and Inviting
Nobody likes being shocked by icy water. That’s why you should test the water temperature on your wrist before placing your pup in the sink; it should be comfortably warm, not hot. It’s also a good idea to fill the sink with a few inches of water beforehand. This helps your dog get used to the feeling without the startling noise of a running faucet. On a related note, using a spray nozzle on a low setting can make rinsing much easier and quicker.
Tip 3: Introduce Some Fun
The goal is to make bath time a pleasant—or at least tolerable—experience. You can accomplish this by bringing in some positive reinforcement.
Smear a little peanut butter on the side of the sink for your dog to lick, offer their favorite waterproof toy to distract them, or praise them throughout the process with a happy, reassuring voice. Associating the sink with good things should make future baths much less of a struggle.
Tip 4: Keep Things Safe
Your pup might feel a little scared in the sink, and you can help them feel better by making the experience as safe as possible. We suggest laying down a non-slip mat on the bottom of the sink so their paws have something to grip. Additionally, never leave your dog unattended in the sink, even for a second.
Tip 5: Wrap Up With Cleanup
When you’re all done and your furry friend is clean and dry, you’ll have one last task: you need to clean up. The main task is wiping down and rinsing your sink so that your pet’s dirt doesn’t end up mingling with your dishware. Keep in mind that the process for this is different depending on the type of sink you have. For example, cleaning a fiberglass sink is different than cleaning a stainless steel one. Regardless, just make sure you follow the proper procedures to get rid of any stray hairs and soap residue.
Giving your dog a kitchen sink bath could resolve some of their bathtime anxiety, and we hope these tips make it go smoothly! With a little preparation and patience, you can turn a dreaded chore into a manageable bonding moment.
