Bathing your dog is an important part of pet grooming, but it should be done in moderation. Too many baths can dry out the skin and hair of your dog.

Between scheduled dog grooming appointments, look for opportunities to give your pup a bath at home. If you’re looking to learn more about how best to bathe your furry friend, we’ve got you covered!

Brush Before Bathing

It is important to brush your dog before you bathe them. Dog hair can be very difficult to remove, especially if it has become matted. Not only will brushing the fur help get rid of any tangles that might cause trouble during bath time, but also helps loosen dirt and debris that could end up in the water.

Sometimes, water can make dog fur very heavy, and weighing it down, making the process of brushing even more difficult! If this is happening to you, try adding some conditioner to your brush while you are working on their coat.

Remove Mats Before Bathing

Before giving your dog a bath it’s important that mats in the fur are removed otherwise they will end up weighing down their fur even more. If possible, have someone help you hold your dog while you are brushing them so that the matting does not happen again. If this is not an option be sure to work slowly and carefully through each tangle until it comes out.

You can also use a tool specifically designed for removing mats. They are equipped with sharp blades that cut through the mats, making them easier to brush out. However, these tools should only be used by an experienced dog owner or grooming professional because they can cause injury if not properly handled.

Give Plenty of Praise and Treats

When bathing a dog, it’s important to keep them calm and relaxed. If you own a highly active breed of dog this can be especially difficult. The last thing we want during this time is for our canine friend to shake water all over the bathroom. To help them stay as still as possible while they are getting bathed give plenty of praise and treats.

If your dog does not react well to being given a treat while getting bathed you can do the same thing with verbal praise. It’s important that they feel as though they are doing something right during bath time. If nothing seems to be working, try playing their favorite game or giving them a toy filled with peanut butter and kibble.

Shampoo Choice

Make sure you are using a shampoo that will not dry out their skin further. Even if your dog does have slightly sensitive skin, it’s important to use something formulated for dogs so that they do not experience any irritation or discomfort. A good way of making bath time easier is by applying the shampoo directly onto their coat and avoiding getting too much in their eyes.

If you are bathing your dog at home, try using a spray bottle to apply the shampoo so that it doesn’t take as long. If possible use warm water for bath time instead of cold because cold water can cause discomfort and stress on dogs with arthritis or joint pain.

Have Questions?

Bathing your dog is an important part of pet grooming, but it should be done in moderation. Too many baths can dry out the skin and hair coat causing it to break off at the root which will lead to bald patches on their body. Between scheduled dog grooming appointments, look for opportunities to give your pup a bath at home.

We offer a variety of services from nail trimming and ear cleaning all the way up through full-service bathing packages that include shampooing with conditioner, brushing teeth and nails as well as thorough cleanings around ears or under folds of skin where dirt might hide. Give us a call today at (413) 464-6384 if you have any questions or would like to bring your dog in for an appointment.