7 Tips for a BFF (BETTER FASTER FUN) Dog Bath
7 Tips for a BFF (BETTER FASTER FUN) Dog Bath
Dogs don’t require daily scrub downs like we do, but they do need regular baths especially to maintain healthy skin and Yes, smell good. To know how often depends on several factors, such as the dog’s environment and type of coat. Short-haired breeds with smooth coats such as the American bully and the French bulldog do fine with less frequent baths (maybe twice a week).
However, outside dogs require more baths than inside dogs so here are some quick tips to make bath time better, faster, and fun.
Make time for it. Get rid of the 5 minutes – last minute baths. You need to get mentally ready to give your dog sufficient time to learn that being clean feels good and makes her irresistible to others. Schedule set day(s) and time(s) on your calendar with a 1 day reminder and a 1 hour reminder.
Get the right shampoo. Dog shampoo (not human shampoo) is most beneficial because it protects the ph levels in dog skin. Work the shampoo into a gentle lather and massage it all over your dog’s body. Just like us, be careful not to get soap in the dog’s eyes.
Brush your dog. Brushing before a bath helps the shampoo get into the coat and works out mats(tangles and knots) before they get set in by the water. Gently pick apart or cut out any mats before the bath, because adding water will make them impossible to remove.
Use lukewarm water. Doesn’t warm water feel good to us – you betcha! Fill the tub or sink with water before you bring in your dog. The sound of rushing water can be stressful especially if he’s not yet enjoying bathing (like some humans…lol).
Rinse well. Any remaining soap in her coat/fur can cause skin irritation. So RINSE, RINSE, RINSE.
Air-dry. DO NOT USE HUMAN HAIR DRYERS. Hot air from a human blow-dryer can be too hot for their skin. Either let air-dry or use a blow-dryer designed for dogs to avoid itching or dandruff.
Reward & Treat Time. Follow up with abundant praise, petting, play and treats. Many damp dogs love to take out their frustration from bath time by playing tug-of-war with the bath towel or just running away with it–when it’s all over. Seize the moment and you will experience a BFF Dog Bath!
Happy Bathing!