Has your dog rolled in a puddle again? If she is pregnant, it is understandable that you may be worried about washing her, for fear of causing her to stress. However, you don't have to be afraid! If she is already used to taking a bath, she will not even fidget in pregnancy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare her bathroom
Step 1. Keep it calm
When a dog is waiting for puppies it is especially important to keep her calm: if she starts to wriggle, you may have difficulty holding her down due to her greater weight. Stroke her with long movements, talk to her softly and do everything you can to relax her.
- Get someone to help you if you are concerned that they might try to escape. They will all be more pampering!
- Do not force her if she is afraid of the bathroom. Make life easier for both of you by brushing her fur and trying to get rid of as much dirt as possible.
- Before brushing it, let the mud dry.
Step 2. Maintain your usual habits
If you are troubled by the idea of washing her while she is pregnant, make sure you do not convey your anxiety, but behave as if it were the usual bath and avoid changing your ritual.
If you usually wash it in the bathtub, keep doing it as normal. Avoid taking it outside and getting it wet with the garden pump just because you are afraid to lift it
Step 3. Collect everything you need
To keep her quiet and get her to get into the tub, have a few treats handy as a treat. You will also need some dog shampoo and some cloths to dry it before leaving it free in the house. You can place a towel on the edge of the tub to at least partially prevent the water from splashing on the floor.
- If you don't want your skin to get irritated, you can find mild oatmeal shampoos specifically for dogs on the market.
- You'll get wet as well, so wear clothes you don't fear getting dirty.
Step 4. Place a non-slip mat in the tub
You know how slippery tubs can get when wet and filled with soap. A non-slip mat will allow your dog to maintain balance while bathing. You can buy one online or in any department store.
Part 2 of 2: Bathing a Pregnant Dog
Step 1. Lift the dog and place her in the tub
Be very sweet and keep in mind that if your dog is large, you may need someone's help. To avoid pain or discomfort, do not lift it by grabbing it under your belly. Put one arm under her hind legs (behind her belly) and another under her neck to lift her off her butt and chest.
If the dog is small, you can bathe her in the kitchen or laundry sink
Step 2. Open the faucet
Make sure the water is lukewarm by mixing the hot and cold water. If you have a shower head, sprinkle the water all over your hair making it evenly wet. If you don't have it, pour water over its fur using a container.
All the time in the bath, caress her and talk to her softly: you will help her to stay calm
Step 3. Fill the tub first if your dog is afraid of running water
Sometimes the sound of the open tap could scare her! For some specimens the moment of the bath is less stressful, if they are placed in a tub already filled with the necessary amount of water. At this point you can gently lift your dog and put her in the water. Use a cup to wet her fur instead of using the shower head.
Step 4. Lather her with dog shampoo
Move from the front to the tail. Start behind your head, work your way down the neck and body, then lather the legs and finally the tail. Touch it gently on the belly and only just enough to make sure it is clean. Never push or rub her abdomen vigorously.
- Avoid soaping her face so that the foam doesn't get into her eyes, nose or mouth: better use a cloth moistened with water.
- Also make sure that no shampoo gets into her ears.
Step 5. Rinse the fur
If you are not afraid of the sound of running water, turn on the tap and rinse your hair with the shower head. If not, it is better to pour the water with a glass or container.
Rinse it until all the foam is gone
Step 6. Get her out of the tub
Use the same method you followed to put her in the water: lift her by taking her from the neck and butt, always being careful not to press her belly. Before letting go, make sure her paws are in contact with the floor so she doesn't fall off.
Step 7. Dry your dog
If you are not afraid of loud noises, you can use a hairdryer - it will allow you to shorten the drying time. Most dogs, however, prefer to be gently scrubbed with a towel. You may need to use more than one, as your dog has a lot more hair than a human.
- There is no need to dry her completely, just keep her hair from dripping all over the house.
- Then let the fur air dry.
Advice
- Proceed calmly and efficiently. There is no rush.
- Choose a light oatmeal shampoo that is gentle on the dog's skin and fur.
- After the bath, give her a small treat.
- If you think you can't safely bathe her, consider getting a groomer to come to your home.
