For some reason, dogs are afraid of bathing. However, they have to get used to it to keep them healthy and for us to keep them inside our homes. Although it can be challenging for a dog owner to make their dog love bath time, dogs can be trained to love water. The following article will discuss how to make it less stressful for both of you.
Bath Time: How to make it Easier for Your Dog
Dogs’ fear of water is challenging to manage. Getting them used to bathing can be easy but possible. The older the dogs are, especially those not used to bathing, the harder it is to keep calm than the younger ones.
Indeed, it may not be easy, but it is possible. The following tips below will serve as a guide on how to make the bathing experience stress-free for both you and your pet.
Be Ready with the Bath Supplies
One of the most important things you can do when bathing a nervous dog is to be ready. This means you should have your shampoo, towels, rinsing cup, toys, and treats ready and easy to reach.
Living your dog in the bathtub alone will not help alleviate your dog’s fear if you need to get up and leave them while looking for their bathing supplies.
Be Ready with the Tub full of warm water
Before your dog gets in, you can fill the tub with warm water. This will be less stressful for your dog. Running water is soothing to us but can be very noisy to an already nervous dog.
Use a Nonslip Tubs
You should use non-slip tubs if your dog can’t get a foothold in a slippery tub. If a non-slip tub is unavailable, you can play with a mat or any non-slip material on the tub floor. Thick towels should also do the trick. These non-slip materials will allow your dog to stand upright.
Use a cup for rinsing if necessary
Some dogs are scared of the splashing and the noise a faucet or shower head makes. Although it is easier for us to rinse them, we must consider our dogs’ emotional needs.
A cup is a perfect way to rinse our pets because it is quiet and less imposing.
Be Extra careful in Washing your Dogs Face
Dogs are much more scared of water if they are not careful about putting water on their eyes, ears, or nose. To give you better control, you can use a washcloth to wash their faces while preventing water from splashing into their eyes, nose, and ears.
Use Toys and Treats during bath time
You can use toys and treats to calm your dogs and relax during bath time. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just enough to keep your dog focused on the toy, not the water.
The tips above are just tips. They don’t guarantee that your dog will love bathing time immediately. However, if you follow the tips regularly, you should be able to see some changes in your dog’s behavior during bath time.
