Bath time is stressful for many pets. Whether it’s a fear of water, restraints, or loud noises, grooming can be challenging for even the most experienced dog owner.
The good news is that it’s easy to make baths more enjoyable. Don’t let your pup stink up your place; use these tips for improving your dog’s bath time routine, so your furry friend always looks and smells fantastic.
Use the Right Supplies
You can’t build a sturdy house without the right tools. The same is true for your dog’s bath time routine. Using the right tools will ensure that you have everything you need to start on the right foot.
Get a gentle shampoo to soothe their skin and rinse with lukewarm water. Softened water is safe to drink and has some amazing hair benefits, so consider adding a water conditioner to your system. Other tools you can use to make the experience better include:
- A detachable nozzle to help with comfort
- Rubber brushes to massage hair product
- Happy hoodies to reduce loud noises
Don’t Stop at the Body
You might think that washing your pooch’s body is enough. However, there are way more spots that you’ll need to clean for them to look their best. If you want to improve your dog’s bath time routine, don’t stop at the body.
Make sure you clean out and thoroughly dry their ears to avoid any nasty infections. You should also brush your pup’s teeth regularly to practice good dental hygiene. If your furry friend has crusty eyes, take a flea comb and carefully remove any gunk to refresh the area.
Reward Good Behavior
Much of what makes bath time so terrible is nervous behavior. It’s natural for your dog to act out when they feel scared or uncomfortable. Rewarding good behavior will help ease their nerves and make future grooming more pleasant.
Use plenty of praise during the bath to comfort your pup. You can also keep small treats nearby to give during periods of calm and cooperative conduct. Dogs respond best to neutral and positive reinforcement, so reward what you want and ignore what you don’t.
Stay Calm, Cool, and Collected
Our pooches feed off of our own emotions. If you’re anxious or frustrated during the grooming process, your dog will reflect that. The only way to make bath time better for everyone is to stay calm, cool, and collected.
Keeping your composure takes practice. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the bathing process, and take breaks when you feel yourself losing control.
Over time, you and your furry friend will learn to love bath time and enjoy the experience. Use these tips to make some changes in your own habits so that your pup will always feel fresh.
