Bathing your dog can be a stressful experience for you both! However, with the right approach, you can turn it into a calming and (maybe even) enjoyable routine.
Here are our tips for creating a calm bath experience:
Prepare the Bathing Area
Start by getting organised! Gather all necessary supplies before you begin so there’s no waiting around once your dog is in the tub.
Use Pet-Friendly Products
Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for pets. Human products can irritate your pet's skin and fur. DotDotPet’s conditioning shampoos come in 5 different coat finishes and are developed to care for the coat and skin. Their signature scent Shine Bright is designed for, approved & loved by hundreds of dogs, helping keep your dog calm whilst being washed. It is also hypoallergenic making it kind to dogs even with sensitive skin.
Gradual Introduction to Water
Introduce your dog to the water gradually to prevent anxiety. Start by wetting their paws and legs before moving to the body. Use a gentle stream of lukewarm water, as sudden changes in temperature can cause stress. Don’t forget to use a calm and gentle voice to reassure them!
Gentle Handling and Massaging
During the bath, handle your pet gently and avoid sudden movements. Use slow, circular motions to massage the shampoo into their fur. Be mindful of sensitive areas like the face and ears, and use a damp cloth to clean them instead of direct water.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Ensure all shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent skin irritation. After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water from your pet’s fur and wrap them in a soft towel like DotDotPet’s Bamboo towel which dries fur quicker than a standard one. Pat dry rather than rub, as rubbing can cause tangles.
Post-Bath Comfort
After the bath, reward your pet with a treat and some extra affection - keep them cosy and let them unwind!
Keeping your dog calm and confident starts before bath time though. Packaged up into a tasty daily drink that couldn’t be easier to serve, PAWD Calming contains 100% Natural Ingredients including melissa and passionflower, which have been scientifically tested to relieve stress in your dog throughout the day.