Bathing a pet might be the least favorite thing pet owners do with their furry friends. Pets don’t like it, and they might make you aware of that with their claws. But even though they can clean themselves, pets still need help bathing. Use these tips to make bath time easier on you both.
Get ready to get dirty…and wet
You need to prepare for what could be a very wet battle between you and your pet. This means you should dress accordingly and clear a way into the bathroom or kitchen. Put on clothes you don’t mind getting wet (long sleeves aren’t a bad idea), put down towels on the floor and pick up anything you don’t want knocked down or splashed.
You might want to go ahead and set up the bath before you let on that you intend to give your dog, cat or other pet a good scrub down: Fill the tub or sink with a few inches of water, put your grooming supplies out, and open and seal off possible escape routes. Have either the detachable shower head or spray nozzle ready to go to rinse them off, or a large cup or measuring bowl.
Trim first, then trick
Whether you have a dog or a cat, you’re likely to get clawed if you don’t trim that possibility out of the equation from the get go: Nab your pet and trim their nails. Once you’ve got that done, you can get your pet to the already prepared bathroom or kitchen: Small dog or cat? Pick them up, walk into the bath and shut the door. Large dog? You might have to trick them with treats to get them to the bathroom or kitchen. They’re not stupid. They know what lies ahead for them in that room.
Heavy lifting
More than likely, your pet is not getting into that water willingly. Make sure the water’s not too hot or cold, and test it with a paw before you dump them in. But chances are, you’re going to have to lift them up and force them into the water. You’ll also probably have to hold them down with one hand while you bathe your pet, which makes the previous preparation important. Gently shampoo your pet to untangle fur, but be mindful of their eyes. There’s no reason to make this even worse for them.
Towel off, brush down and let them go
Obviously you don’t want a dripping wet dog running around your house, so once you’ve finished, drain the tub and start toweling off your furry friend. You may have to use a blow dryer on low heat for pets with longer hair, but it’s important to get them as dry as possible. Once you’ve done that, you should brush them to free up tangles, and then let them go. They’ll happily run out of the bath. Just be sure to give them a treat once you’re done. And don’t let them outside until they’re fully dried.
Pay someone else
You may not want to deal with the hassle of bathing your pet, but it is important to do so. Licking their fur will not undo damage matted fur has caused, and many animals need their fur trimmed during the hotter months to help them deal with the summer heat. Don’t be afraid of taking them to a professional groomer who’ll do the dirty deed for you.
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