Bathing a dog can often be a challenge for pet owners. As we all know, our canine companions don’t always enjoy getting wet, and the question of whether they prefer a bath or shower is often raised. It’s important to note that not all dogs have the same preferences, but there are certainly some general guidelines that pet owners should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of baths and showers for dogs, while also discussing the best methods for helping your furry friend adjust to being washed. From the type of water used to the frequency of bathing, we’ll delve into the specifics of what it takes to keep your pup squeaky clean and happy. So, if you’re wondering whether your four-legged pal prefers baths or showers, read on and find out!
Every dog is unique, and that includes the different ways they like to take showers or baths. While some dogs enjoy getting wet and will splash around, others exhibit extreme anxiety when it’s time for grooming. In general, anxious dogs prefer the relatively quiet, subdued bath to the comparably loud, high-energy shower. If you want to introduce your dog to showering, start out slowly. For example, rinse him off after giving him a bath with an extendable showerhead.
No matter how cold the water is, your dog will get chilled in a cool room, probably to an uncomfortable level. Make sure the room is warm and draft-free before getting ready for the shower or tub. Even if the water is warm, your dog will be susceptible to losing body heat once his skin and fur are wet, so shut the window and any vents that may be blowing cool air.
The water should be lukewarm, not extremely hot or cold, whether your dog is taking a shower or a bath. While hot water might unintentionally burn his skin, cold shower water is just as uncomfortable for a dog as it is for you. Hot water also raises the possibility of overly drying out your dog’s skin, which would result in discomfort and itching for a long time. Because washing a dog removes its moisturizing natural oils, you shouldn’t wash him more frequently than once a month or so. Washing him with hot water only exacerbates the problem.
Although not all dogs enjoy showering, the water should be at a comfortable temperature whether they prefer the shower head’s spray or a bathtub that has already been filled. Make sure that the water and surroundings are ideal for your dog. Water that is too cold or too hot can cause discomfort or even pain. You might discover that he doesn’t mind cleaning up as much as he used to when you do.
Giving your dog an outdoor shower from a garden hose is typically not preferred because dogs should be bathed or given showers with warm water in a warm environment. This kind of water typically isn’t heated, so even on a warm day, your dog might find the icy water uncomfortable. Resist the urge to simply take your dog out back and hose him down if it’s a windy day because the combination of the cold water and the wind could make him dangerously cold.
Just because your pup likes to swim, doesn’t mean he’ll be a fan of the tub
Many pet parents are all too familiar with it: the paws out in protest, the wriggling and squirming as soon as they step inside the bathroom, the shaking or panting as soon as they hear running water.
Nothing can make some dogs more anxious than taking a bath, aside from going to the vet. Getting your dog clean if he is adamantly against baths can be difficult for everyone. But after smelling those dog odors, pet owners quickly realize they have no choice but to wash their unhappy dog with tear-free shampoo.
So why do dogs hate baths so much?
Here’s why your dog might loathe taking a bath and how to make even the most reluctant canine actually look forward to cleaning up.
Even dogs who love to swim can be just as traumatized by baths as dogs who won’t go near the beach, notes Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in New Jersey.
“Dogs are in charge of themselves when they decide to swim; no one is controlling them.” Levine tells The Dodo that “it’s totally different things; it’s not just being wet.” “Swimming is more enjoyable than taking a bath, where they are forced into a situation and have water thrown all over them. ”.
Force is never the answer because it can negatively impact your dog’s attitude toward getting clean during the bathing process.
Baths can bring back scary memories
Levine observes that some dogs associate taking a bath with a traumatic past event, which causes them to feel fear or anxiety each time they approach the shower.
The water being too hot, for example, may have hurt your pet in the past, but that isn’t always the case. Even the most responsible pet owner might be unaware that your dog can be deeply affected by something as simple as struggling to maintain his balance in the bathtub.
Slipping is actually fairly typical, says Levine, because “a lot of times people forget to put something on the bottom of the bathtub floor or the sink to ensure that the dog gets [his] footing.” Traumatic events really come from the perspective of the animal because animals like to feel in control and know that they won’t trip and fall. ”.
In these circumstances, placing a non-slip rubber mat in the bathtub or shower and checking the water’s temperature to ensure it isn’t too cold or hot can make all the difference.
It’s perfectly acceptable for some dogs to dislike being held and cuddled, but it can be problematic when it’s time for a bath.
Levine observes that “a dog may not like to be handled for a lot of different [reasons], such as having ticks removed, going to the vet, or being picked up to be given a bath.” Bathing your dog can be traumatic if he exhibits overt symptoms of anxiety, such as panting or shaking whenever he is picked up or handled. This should be done with caution and consideration.
FAQ
Do dogs like getting bathed?
Many dogs tolerate baths although they probably don’t love them. Although many dogs get stressed out during bath time, they do a good job of trusting us and remaining still throughout the entire process. When you are in a stressful situation, your mind is constantly racing as you wait for it to end.
Do dogs feel better after a bath?
For a variety of reasons, including relief, happiness, and an innate desire to return to a more familiar scent, dogs go crazy after baths. Post-bath hyperactivity—also known as a FRAP, the crazies, or the zoomies—is a real thing.
Do you shower or bathe a dog?
Healthy dogs typically only need to be bathed if they smell. Unless the dog is filthy, there is no particular reason to bathe them, according to Dr. Hilton.
Do dogs like warm or cold baths?
For older and smaller pets who are less tolerant of the heat, the temperature can be lowered. Similarly, avoid using cold water (such as that from a garden hose) as pets dislike it just like people do. In general, most animals do best in lukewarm water.