Shampoo Your Dog: Turn On The Water
Jodi Webb
As you get ready to bath your dog remember that most canines like the water. It’s all in the way you present it. So let’s try to make bathing a happy event.
- Use an old washcloth to clean your dog’s face. No dog wants the showerhead spraying in(or threateningly close to)his eyes and snout. And he isn’t supposed to get the inside of his ears wet anyway. If your dog is an unwilling bather, you don’t even have to do this in the bathroom.
- Your order of attack should be to first turn on the tub spigot and get the water to the correct temperature—you can do this while your assistant bather is washing his face in the living room. Then get your dog into the tub and turn on the showerhead. Make sure the showerhead is pointed away from your dog when you finally turn it on! Does your water temperature often change? Constantly re-check the temperature to make sure it isn’t too hot or too cold for your dog.
- Wet your dog thoroughly then lather him from front to back with a pet shampoo. Remember that the feet, rear, and tail are the spots that pick up extra dirt. Don’t fool yourself into thinking a quick rinse will finish your bath. You need to rinse head to toe at least three times to get out all the soap(watch to see if the water going down the drain is still sudsy—also check to see if any fleas or ticks are circling the drain). If you don’t rinse thoroughly today you’ll regret it next week when you have a dog with itchy, dry skin.
- Avoid “the shake” by trying to get your dog as dry as possible with your towels. Still, keep on the lookout for signs of an impending shake—most dogs will shake their head slightly before doing a body shake. You can also try pulling the shower curtain and encouraging your dog to shake behind it. Don’t forget to remove the cotton balls from his ears.
- When you finally set him free, having an assistant bather take him outside for a quick shake is another idea. Also, keep an eye on him indoors. No matter how dry you get them many dogs feel the need to dry themselves by rubbing against upholstered furniture.
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