11/30/2022
8 Tips for Bathing Your Dog This Winter
1. Brush and Comb Before Bathing
Before you get your dog wet, make sure all of the tangles are out. "Getting tangles wet will make them tighter, larger, and harder to brush and comb out, leading to matting that often results in shaving a dog".
2. Pick a Bathing Spot
Your dog's size—and what you have available at home, given that you'll probably have to bathe inside—will largely determine where you'll bathe your dog. If your dog is tiny, a sink may work. If you have a large mudroom sink, a small dog might fit there. Otherwise, a bathtub or walk-in shower is perfect. Place a mat or towel on the floor if it's too slippery. Pro tip? "Leash your dog and have a place to hook the dog to the wall so that he/she doesn't try to jump out," Bissantz says.
3. Choose Your Shampoo Wisely
Before you buy a shampoo, consider if your dog has allergies, Bissantz says. Next, think about the purpose of the bath. Is it to remove odors? Treat a skin condition? Do general cleaning? "Knowing this will help determine what the best shampoo/conditioner is for your dog," she says. Just check that you're choosing a shampoo made for dogs, as human shampoos can cause irritations.
In general, look for a non-detergent shampoo like one with colloidal oatmeal and a conditioner with shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera to add moisture back to the skin, Attas says. What about dry shampoo? Bissantz has never had success with them and warns that if they don't soak in or blow off, the dog could lick and ingest the shampoo.
4. Dilute First
Shampoos and conditioners should be diluted before using them to make them easier to rinse out, Bissantz says. While a small dog will need about a half-ounce of shampoo per 12 ounces of water, a larger dog will need about one to two ounces per 12 ounces of water.
5. Get the Temperature Right
The best water temperature is about body temperature. Dogs' body temperature is slightly higher than humans, which means the water should at least be warm, Rhoades says. If, though, a dog has a heart condition or is difficult, Bissantz will use a slightly cooler temperature to calm them. Check the water on your own skin first.
6. Distract Your Dog
To prevent your dog from moving around, slather peanut butter on a clean surface at mouth height so your dog can lick it as you bathe.
7. Watch for Easy-To-Miss Spots
Make sure you clean the paws, elbows, behind and under the ears, and under the tail, Bissantz says. Because many dogs don't like getting water on their face, Rhoades suggests using a washcloth on their face.
8. Dry Your Dog Thoroughly
"Drying is the most important part of grooming," Bissantz says. "Allowing a dog's skin to remain damp can cause skin problems. Plus, damp hair mats faster than dry hair, and your dog might get cold faster in winter. Let your dog shake to help remove some water and then towel dry him or her. Just avoid rubbing your dog with the towel, as this can cause matting," Rhoades says.
If you're concerned about the messiness of water splashing, try a bath coat to keep your pup cozy while eliminating water, she adds. Then use a hair dryer on low heat and speed. If your dog is scared of the dryer, get them used to it first—use treats to help desensitize them to the noise, and hold him or her on a leash as you use it,
