How to Make Bath Time Less Stressful for You and Your Dog!
- February 07, 2018
- By VetShop
- 0 Comments
We all known a dog who hates baths, the ones who make a break for it
and run to hide under the bed the second they hear the water start to run.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make bath time less stressful for
your dog — and you! We have come up with 4 tips to help bath time become a
worry of the past.
Prepare (A Lot!)
A stress free bath time doesn’t happen overnight, let’s be honest.
You’ll have to start teaching your fur friend individual behaviours, that when
put together, will make bath time successful and more enjoyable for the both of
you.
Some key tricks that will come in handy during bath time are teaching
your dog to jump in and out of the tub; as well as teaching them to stay still
while the water is running.
Most importantly, you want to teach your dog to not be afraid of
water. Doing this in a low-pressure place, like a small lake or a kiddie pool
is ideal. This will allow your dog to enjoy the idea of being in the water; making
bath time fun.
Exercise before the Bath
Many dogs naturally enjoy a dip in the water when they’re feeling hot
and exhausted after exercise, so use those natural instincts to your advantage.
Walking your dog ahead of time
is a great idea as it allows them to use their pent up energy; making them more
relaxed and tired when bath time rolls around. Although you’ll need to block
off more time this way, it will make the overall bathing process much
easier.
It’s best to find an exercise that both you and your pup enjoy that
will guarantee to wear them out. Not only will this make bath time more
pleasant, it offers exercise to both you and your dog.
Brush before and after the Bath
Brushing your dog before their bath will make brushing them afterward
much easier! This will help to remove any dirt or dead hair they’ve been
carrying, and prevent you from pulling on wet, matted tangles while they’re in
the tub. If your dog enjoys being brushed, this is also a good way to help
relax and soothe them before the dreaded bath time.
You can also remove your dog’s collar at this time, or leave it on to
use, as a gentle handle to steady them while in the bath.
Offer Treats & Praise
To keep your dog calm, teach them to associate bathing with good
things. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way. Combine your dog's
bath with tasty treats, plenty of praise, and maybe even a fun game or toy
that's reserved especially for the tub. With treats, offer the first one once
your dog has hoped into the tub; helping build positive associations.
Sometimes we get so caught up in scrubbing and rinsing that we forget
to talk to our dogs through the process. Throughout the entire bath, give your
dog praise. Talk to them in a calming, gentle voice explaining what you’re
doing. By helping your fur friend associate baths with goodies and attention,
you can do a lot to change your dog’s attitude about the whole bath situation.
If you’d like more vet approved pet health advice, sign up to our monthly newsletter here, or visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au/Pet-Health.
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