Would you like to know how to bathe a dog for the first time? This is a task that is not usually easy, especially when it is a nervous and / or restless animal that does not like water too much. But it is very, very necessary, since during walks and outdoor play sessions dust adheres to her hair, causing it to lose some shine.
Therefore, once a month (you should never do it more often, since we would remove the protective layer that your skin has) we must bathe it. The question is: how?
What do you need to bathe your dog?
First of all, it is good to prepare everything that we are going to need, which in this case is:
- Specific shampoo for dogs that we can find in any store of products for animals.
- One or two towels -depending on whether it is small or large, and / or with short or long hair-.
- Dryer, very important especially if we are in autumn-winter.
- Brush and Furminator. The latter is a comb with stiff bristles close together that what it does is eliminate practically all the dead hair.
- OPTIONAL: Cologne for dogs.
How to bathe it?
Let me see and smell the bathroom and the bathtub
This step is very necessary, but we often skip it in our rush, which is a mistake. The dog, to feel safe and confident, must be able to satisfy his curiosity about the room where he will be for a while. You have to smell everything you want (furniture, towels, shoes, etc.).
So that you are more relaxed you can play slow or instrumental music (be it classical, American Indian, or otherwise). In case you see him very nervous, put 10 drops of the rescue remedy (from Bach flowers) in a dish with water and make him drink. You will see how in a moment it feels better.
Lure him into the tub with treats
Bathing should be a positive experience for him, since you also have to think that we will have to bathe him once a month throughout his life. Therefore, your way of moving and speaking to him must be cheerful, calm. Get by the bathtub and show him some doggie treats while you call him.
Once you have it by your side, offer them and give him a few caresses while you say "good boy", or comments like that 🙂.
Bathe him, but do not rush
Now that you've caught their attention turn on the tap and give him treats. This will prevent them from getting nervous about the sound of water. Once it starts to come out warm (about 37ºC), cover the drain and introduce the animal in it. It is important that the water only covers the legs or even less, since otherwise problems could arise (more than anything, you may feel anxious which is just what we do not want).
Wet all your hair well, taking care that no water gets into your eyes, ears or nose, and then put some shampoo on it that you will distribute throughout your body by massaging it in order to clean it. Go talking to him so that he is relaxed. When finished, remove all the foam and dry it, first with the towel and then, if necessary, with a hairdryer.
Comb it so that it looks handsome
Finally, you will only have to comb it. For this you can use the »classic» card, but if you have short hair, a comb may be better. Of course, regardless of the length of his hair, I recommend passing him the Furminator. You will see that he will be much more handsome 🙂.
I hope it has been useful to you.