Mistakes That Can Ruin Bath Time For Your Dogs Lifetime

For most of us, going to the bathroom to wash up is a calming experience, but for pets, this is not always the case, especially if their owners lack experience. Bathing can be stressful for pets for a number of reasons, including fear of water, confinement, loudness, and scouring. Therefore, they always try to avoid being washed. 

Even if we don’t like putting our pets through the ordeal, there are many good reasons to keep them clean and well-groomed. It reduces the occurrence of allergic reactions, keeps your pet’s fur in good condition, promotes cleanliness around the house, and protects your pet from illness. Here is mistakes to avoid that can ruin bath time for your dogs

 

Not Getting The Right Shampoo

Many people who own pets assume that their own shampoo is safe for their animals. A shampoo made for humans can be too drying for the special skin of a dog or cat. Anything labeled “pet safe” should be fine for most dogs and felines. If your pet has underlying skin concerns, your veterinarian can advise you on the best shampoo to use, but in general, oatmeal-based shampoos are a safe bet.

Drying Too Hastily

Have a bath towel ready before you begin washing your pet; you don’t want a slippery dog or cat running about the house after being washed. Have a few extra towels on hand in case your dog decides to dry off by rolling around on one after being bathed. Many pet owners make the mistake of only giving their animal a brief wipe when it gets wet, when actually they should be making sure the fur is totally dry. 

Carefully and slowly rubbing the towel over your pet’s skin will help you absorb as much water as possible from the fur. Your pet should just be slightly damp, not drenched.

If you want to be absolutely sure that your pet is dry, and you happen to have the necessary drying equipment lying about, you could use a blow dryer, for example; however, it can be difficult to regulate the temperature of the airflow, so be careful not to burn your dog’s skin. Your pet may be terrified by the noise of the hair drier, which could mar the otherwise calm experience it enjoyed while bathing.

Not Brushing your Pet

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that the only appropriate time to brush their pet is immediately following a bath. Brush your pet before and after you bathe them. Dogs with a double coat that sheds, like golden retrievers, can have the excess hair washed away by brushing them while they are being shampooed. Most dogs won’t mind being brushed with a soft dog brush, and doing so may help reduce any reluctance they would otherwise have.

If your pet’s fur gets tangled because you haven’t been brushing it, it’s best to take them to the groomer before you do anything else. You may go longer between baths, and your pet’s coat will still look clean and shining if you do this. Make sure you do your homework before purchasing a new brush or comb for your cat or dog, as there are many options available. 

Too Much Water Pressure

One of the simplest methods of washing your pet is using a handheld sprayer in a sink or bathtub; however, the sound of flowing water, especially when it is running with too much pressure, might be frightening to your pet. The best approach to avoid this is to let the water flow through your other hand as you brush your pet’s fur instead of spraying it straight on your pet. As the water sprays past your palm, your pet will mistake it for a gentle caress.

Not Protecting Eyes And Ears

First and foremost, make sure that your pet’s eyes and ears are well protected from the water and soap. However much your pet may like splashing around in the water, stray drops of water can quickly ruin a relaxing bath. It’s not just the discomfort of having water there that might be unpleasant; occasionally, it can lead to a serious ear infection. 

You may easily correct this by switching to a washcloth when bathing your pet’s face. Cotton balls are used by some as an extreme measure to keep water out of their ears. Those animals with a more visible ear canal will benefit more from this than dogs with huge, floppy ears.

Poor Handwashing

You should allow the soap sit on its fur for a few minutes to work, but since it won’t be enough to get rid of the oil and filth, you’ll also need to use shampoo to get rid of what’s left. Continue massaging its fur with your hands and fingers for another 5 minutes as the soap dries, starting at the legs and working your way up to the face. Clean its face with a washcloth or cotton ball, being cautious not to get any in its eyes.

Ignoring The Water’s Temperature

In the same way that you wouldn’t want to swim in water that’s too hot or cold, neither would your dogs. If your pet isn’t a fan of water in general, paying attention to the temperature of the water will go a long way toward ensuring a stress-free bathing experience. 

To get soap from the dispenser, you can turn the sink faucet the wrong direction if you’re not paying attention. If you shock your pet with cold water or accidentally burn it, they may become fearful of subsequent baths. If you don’t want the faucet turned on its side by accident, keep the soap and the pet away from it.

The Bottom Line

Even if your pet enjoys getting wet, bath time need not be a chore. The most crucial step is creating a pleasant environment for both you and your pet. Check out the guide on dog coat types and how to groom them.