It’s a part of their routine, and they either love it or loathe it. How often should your dog be bathed? And how can you make bath time more fun for dogs who don’t enjoy baths? Continue reading to find out the answers.
How often should you give your dog a bath?
It is best to bathe your dog once per month. Regular bathing helps keep your dog’s coat clean and removes any dirt or debris buildup. It also keeps doggo smelling fresh.
It is tempting to give your pup a bath more often in order to keep him clean. However, it is best to resist the temptation. Over-bathing can cause skin irritation and strip pup of its protective fur oils.
There are other factors that can affect how often your dog should be bathed.
Coat length–doggos rockin’ long hair tend to get dirty faster and may need baths more oftenHealth conditions–woofers with skin allergies may require bathing at more frequent intervals with special shampoos, but make sure to consult your vet if pup seems extra itchyLifestyle–adventurous pups who spend a lot of time outdoors, swimming in lakes, runnin’ across sandy beaches, or hikin’ through the woods get dirtier much quicker and might need more post-playtime baths
How to make bathtime more fun for dogs
Here are some things that you can do to make bathtime more fun for your friend who hates baths.
Make your tub a happy space
Try to get the smol fry to associate bath time with happy memories. Fill the tub with toys and treats, and let your pup have fun.
LickiMats are a great option.
Bribes work! LickiMats are great for preventing fren from jumping out of the bath tub. LickiMats encourage endorphin release by encouraging licking – and you can even smother them with delicious snacks to distract you while you scrub away.
How to bathe your dog
Now that you have a few tricks to calm your buddy, it’s time to move on to the main event: The B-A-T–H.
Your dog’s fur should be brushed. For long-haired dogs, this is particularly important. Make sure the water temperature is checked. Do not take cold baths, and your puppos won’t! Use lukewarm water to thoroughly coat your fluffer. Lather up. Use the shampoo to work your dog’s hair into a thick lather. Be careful where sensitive areas are concerned like the eyes and ears. To make the experience even more enjoyable, give your dog a gentle massage while you apply the shampoo. Rinse the shampoo. Make sure you rinse out all shampoo. It can cause skin irritation if shampoo is left on dogs’ coats. Dry them well. Dogs tend to run and shake as soon as they get out of the tub. Dry them with a towel. Dogs with thick or double-coated coats should take extra care to dry them off. Damp spots can cause hot spots.
How often should your dog be bathed? It all depends on how often you bathe your dog, but it is usually recommended to bathe once per month. Do you have any ideas to make bathtime more enjoyable? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Don’t forget @SidewalkDog when sharing your adorable bathtime photos!
Featured photo: Darren Richardson
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