Giving your dog a bath sounds fun until you realize you don’t have all the grooming essentials. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, you need this bathing checklist –
Bath Supplies
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary supplies at hand. This prevents any interruptions and keeps your pet comfortable throughout the process. You need:
Warm water
Water shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. But how do you know that?
Spray some water on your elbow or forearm. If you feel a sudden shock post spraying the water, it’s either too hot or too cold.
Remember, your dog’s skin is more sensitive to water temperature. So adjust accordingly!
Dog shampoo
Get a shampoo that suits their concerns. You can also use a regular shampoo to cleanse the coat & get rid of dirt.
P.S. – Do not use a human shampoo on your dog’s coat.
Brush or comb
If your dog has –
Short, smooth coat – Use a soft bristle brush or grooming glove
Medium-length coat – Use a slicker brush or pin brush
Long-length coat – Use a de-shedding brush
Use the appropriate brush to brush out any tangles or matting before the bath. You can also brush their coat once they are completely dry post-bath.
Non-slip mat
Wet floors can mean slippery dogs & accidental injuries. You can easily avoid that by placing a rubber, non-slip mat on the floor.
If you want your dog to enjoy their bath time, the easiest way is to give them treats.
Now of course your hands will be occupied during the deed. How do you give them treats?
Simply place a licky mat on the wall & spread their favourite treat (Peanut Butter or Paneer) on it. While they are busy licking it, you can groom them!
Cotton balls
Place cotton balls in your dog’s ears to prevent water from getting inside. This reduces the risk of ear infections.
Post Bath Supplies
Towels
Use a micro-fibre towel to absorb all that water gently. Based on your dog’s size, you might need two!
More Treats!
Reward your pup for their good behavior during the bath. Offer hugs, treats and cuddles to create positive reinforcement.
Keep An Eye Out For Zoomies!
Yep, it’s true. Zoomies are for real. And post-bath zoomies happen more often than not.
Prepare for a flying floof in your rooms destroying everything that comes in their path. Don’t worry, it’ll subside in a few minutes (we hope!)