Do you bathe your giant dog, only to find that soon after you're done it starts to smell bad again? Does it always smell like a garbage dump? Read on to fix this!
Steps
Step 1. Find a suitable bathtub
It could be the one at home, but if it is hot outside it is often better to wash it outdoors, leaving the bathroom clean. You can use a special dog pool or a paddling pool. They are inexpensive and often sold in discount stores. Or you could go outside and wash it with a water hose without a tub or pool.
Step 2. Put some water in the tub, about 10cm deep, making sure it is warm enough, not hot
If the outside temperature is very high, you could also use cooler water, which may please your dog.
Step 3. Make sure the bottom is not slippery
The best solution is to use a non-slip rubber mat, but a towel on the bottom can also work. If your dog is not used to being bathed, hold him firmly.
Step 4. Get your dog into the tub
It might seem obvious, but it's not always easy. Try everything: with a toy, a treat, a helper. It may take a lot of effort, but if you're lucky you'll be able to get it in. Once he's in the tub, shower him with praise and give him a reward. If the toy isn't waterproof, ask your helper to sneak it away so it doesn't get wet.
Step 5. Bathe your dog, making sure to get it all over his body
Use a shower phone, or pour a bucket of hot water on his back. Try to get your dog to lie down to get his belly wet too. Alternatively, a sponge or washcloth to get them wet, as some dogs are afraid of water. Use a sponge to wet his head, trying not to get water in his eyes. To wash his head and face, use baby shampoo. It won't burn if it gets in his eyes, but you'd still better avoid it.
Step 6. Get the shampoo deep into her fur by rubbing it
Make small circular motions and don't be too rough, but firm. Pay particular attention to the paws. They can be the worst point in terms of bad smell. You would do well to use a soft brush for this part of the body. Pour some shampoo over it and make sure it penetrates to the skin.
Step 7. Rinse off the soap
The shower phone is ideal, as it is very handy and flexible. If you can't use it, you can simply pour a bucket of water over it or use a hose to water. Be careful not to overwhelm your dog by pouring a whole bucket of water on his muzzle all at once, though. You can use a cup and a small towel to rinse his head.
Step 8. The most important thing
Use the conditioner, even for humans, and leave it on for about a minute, this will prevent the skin and coat from becoming dry and itchy. Then rinse it off.
Step 9. Wrap your dog in a warm towel when he gets out of the tub
Do this very quickly, because dogs tend to get jittery as soon as they're free, splashing water all over the place. If you are washing it outdoors, move it away and shake it, but be sure to keep it off the ground while it is wet.
Step 10. Final drying
You could use towels or a hair dryer, depending on your preference. Set the hair dryer on a low heat setting and brush it as you use it.
Step 11. Give your dog a treat, such as a treat, immediately after bathing
In this way, he will understand that if he patiently endures the bathroom, he will eventually receive a treat or a toy. It will help him to associate the bathroom with a reward!
Warnings
- Don't punish your dog if he gets upset. Wet dogs have a strong urge to jerk, just as we are driven to scratch if we feel an itch.
- Do not use regular human shampoo on your dog, as it can be dangerous if it gets in his eyes or if he drinks bath water. The only exception is the baby shampoo you will use to wash his face.
- Do not get soap or water in your ears - it could cause an infection. Use cotton balls to prevent water from entering the ear canal.
- Avoid bathing him too often. Do not bathe him more than once every two weeks, as some dogs may dry out their skin.
- Let your dog lie down on a tablecloth in a warm spot until he is totally dry. Don't leave a wet dog outside in cold weather.
- Don't bathe a dog outdoors if it's cold. A dog that is still damp or wet to the skin will cool easily.
