Washing your dog: tips and tricks for getting the job done

As with toothbrushing and nail trimming, it is recommended that you introduce bathing to your dog at a very young age, to get used to it. It is important that bathing not cause your pet any undue stress.

Introduction

There are several good ways to proceed. Try them out and see which one is best suited to your dog and your environment.

• You can fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and place your dog in it, provided the dog is not too heavy.
• You can also coax your dog into the empty tub, and then slowly fill it.
• Lastly, you can use the shower and wash the dog directly under the running water.

Throughout the process, be sure to reinforce with treats, gentle and encouraging words and petting. Never leave the bathroom. Remain by your dog’s side for reassurance and safety. Remember that the goal is to make bathing as positive an experience as possible.

Main steps:

It is preferable to brush long-haired dogs beforehand to loosen knots and remove fallen hair.

1. Wet the entire coat with lukewarm water, being sure to avoid the ears and eyes. Use a washcloth to delicately moisten the head and muzzle.
2. Never use shampoo for humans, which is too irritating. Shampoos specially formulated for dogs are gentle and help maintain their skin’s natural balance. If your dog has problems with sensitivity or allergies, you will need an adapted product prescribed by your veterinarian.
3. Apply the shampoo everywhere and massage gently, which will please your pet and create an enjoyable bathing experience.
   • For short hair: a soft silicone brush or plastic brush works perfectly well. Brush in the direction of the hair’s growth and then against the hair to dislodge any dirt and dead hair.
   • For long hair: use your fingers to massage the fur in every direction, as you would your own hair.
   • If your pet is quite dirty, rinse and reapply the shampoo, letting it sit on the dog for about five minutes. During that time, massage your pet and offer treats.
   • If using a shower, turn off the water and let the shampoo sit for five minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly. It is very important to avoid leaving any soapy residue behind. Rinse your pet with clean water, using either a bowl or the shower. Take care to avoid getting water in the ears and eyes. Use a washcloth, if necessary.
5. Apply conditioner. This product is used mainly for long-haired dogs. Dog conditioner can be especially useful for untangling hair. It nourishes the coat, leaving it well hydrated. Although this step is optional, if conditioner is applied, additional rinsing is required.
6. Towel-dry a short-haired dog’s coat by rubbing it vigorously to remove excess water, and let it dry naturally. If your dog has a long-haired coat, pat it and remove as much water as possible without rubbing too much, to avoid creating knots. Then, comb and dry the coat with a hairdryer. Choose the lowest heat setting and keep moving the dryer across your dog’s fur.

Other quick tips:

• It is recommended that you wash your pet at most every four weeks, since baths too close together can damage your dog’s skin. Normally, a bath every two months, or as needed, is enough.
• Cleaning your dog’s ears after a bath is strongly recommended. This will eliminate any residual moisture, which can cause earaches.

• Some areas of your pet’s body are more sensitive to moisture. Be sure to thoroughly dry the base of the ears, armpits, groin and base of the tail. Persistent moisture in these areas can cause skin infections. Moist skin causes itching, dogs scratch and lick themselves, and the hair then forms a festering scab that can create a very painful spot. A visit to the veterinarian is vital to treat this type of condition.

If you lack space at home, Mondou offers a free Doggie Wash service in many of its stores: a quick and easy way to wash your pet. All the products you need (e.g., shampoo,conditioner, brush, comb, treats) are also easily available to purchase.