But it’s a job that needs done, particularly if your pooch has rolled in something smelly, and online searches have doubled recently on how to do it properly.
To help out the thousands of people who have recently welcomed pets into their homes over the global pandemic, the experts at online shower retailer Showerstoyou.co.uk have researched the top tips for bathing your dog at home.
And for those who find their dog hates the idea of hopping into the bathtub Martin Smith, owner of Showerstoyou.co.uk, has some specific advice, explaining: “For those dogs that hate being bathed, it is important to normalise the bathtub. Many of us wash dogs very infrequently to the point that dogs feel nervous about being bathed. However, you can attempt to use the bathroom and tub when it's dry as a feeding location - creating a positive association with being in or near the bathtub. Another tip that works well is to place a Licki mat in the bathtub so that the dogs can have a treat, and are distracted while in the bath.”
So, here’s how to correctly bathe a dog.
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5. Avoid getting water in the nose
It is important to tenderly wet your dog’s face, but avoid getting water near the nose. The best way to do this is by tilting the head up, and closely monitoring the nose. If too much water enters they are at risk of choking. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Tearless shampoo is a great option, especially for young puppies
Dog shampoo isn’t always vital, you can obpt for tearless shampoos. These are usually sulfate and paraben free, making them the perfect tear-free formula to wash your dog with. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Scrub the hair in the direction you want the hair to grow
It is important to scrub your dog’s hair in the direction that you would like it to grow in. This simple step will help to avoid ingrown hairs, which could lead to bumps in the skin. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Avoid spraying your dog with full force water
It is imperative that the water pressure is low, as using a harsh water pressure can be quite a traumatic experience, especially for younger dogs. In using a lower water pressure, you are also saving yourself from splattering dirty water all over your bathroom. Photo: Canva/Getty Images