Jasper, Lyndsey’s dog
Bath time is either your dog’s favorite or least favorite time. A skittish small dog can be easily handled alone, but how would you cope with a larger dog? Now, you know you have a large dog when you can barely lift him, or when he stands up and is almost at your eye line. These dogs can be difficult to bathe and control when they are soaking wet. However, there are a few easy steps you can take to make bathing your large dog easy and relaxing.
Make it a routine
A large, active dog should be bathed every 4 – 6 weeks. Try to make bath time the same experience every time. Let your dog examine everything you will use and try to make him comfortable.
Prepare for water
Wear old clothes and cover everything that needs to be covered. Also, don’t forget to remove any bottles or containers you keep around the bathtub. These will easily get in the way and get soaked. At the end of the bath, make sure your dog has the space to shake out his fur. It is his natural response to getting wet and will help you when it comes to drying him.
Temperature
Test the water temperature before putting your dog in the tub. It’s a good idea to have a couple of inches of water in the bath before your dog gets in. Let him get used to the water before you start rinsing and shampooing.
Have the right equipment
Make sure you have the right sized towel close by. There’s nothing worse than trying to dry a hundred pound dog with a tea towel. Research all the different dog shampoos to find the best one for your dog’s coat, and never use shampoo meant for people. Your dog’s skin has a different pH balance and the wrong shampoo can cause irritation. You will also need a non-skid mat for the tub so that your dog will feel safe and not slide around. Finally, rinsing will be much easier with a spray nozzle or a pitcher on hand.
After the bath
Bath time is not over when Rover jumps out of the tub. He still needs help drying off and caring for his coat. On a sunny day, a nice walk will help him dry quickly, but you can also turn to your hair dryer for help. If your hair dryer has different heat settings, then it can be switched to the lowest setting and used for your dog’s coat. Make sure there is enough distance between the dryer and your dog and that it is not too hot. If your dog is too startled by the noise or uncomfortable with how it feels, just give up and return to the towel. Brushing his coat will also help it dry faster and keep it healthy. Don’t forget to end bath time with a special treat.
Things to remember
It’s very important to rinse your dog thoroughly. Any shampoo residue can harm his skin. Remember to avoid his ears and be very careful when washing faces. Also, try to keep bath time a positive experience and give your dog lots of encouragement.
Baths are an inevitable part of dog ownership, but they don’t have to be a burden. Using these tips can make bath time comfortable and relaxing for you and your dog.