May 11, 2012
Posted in How to, Pet Supplies

Now that summer is here, many owners can rejoice in the ability to bathe pets outdoors. If you have a hose, bathing your dog is easier than ever when the weather starts to warm up. Here are some tips to make this experience as pleasant and painless as possible for you and your pooch.

Check the weather

Anyone who lives in the Northern region of the States knows that summer does not necessarily mean hot, dry temperatures. Before you hose down your pooch, make sure it is warm enough outside. The best way to let your dog dry is to let it run around outside after the bathing session, so you should make sure it won't get too cold with a wet coat while it dries.

Gather your supplies

Before you even bring your dog into the equation, make sure you have all the pet products you need at the bathing site. You should have the pet shampoo and conditioner you are going to use handy, as well as the hose, treats and a leash, which might help you keep your dog from sneaking away from the bath. If you recently applied topical flea and tick preventative pet drugs, you might want to hold off until a later date so as not to wash away the medicine. If you gave your dog an oral medication like Sentinel, you should be all set.

Calm and reward your pooch

Being sprayed with a hose is not among the most cherished experiences a dog has, so you should expect a bit of a challenge. It might be helpful to hold the dog's collar or leash while you are spraying it and lathering it up, or have someone else hold these while you do the scrubbing. Make sure you constantly reassure the dog with verbal praise in a happy tone. You should also reward your dog with treats like Greenies Dental Treats throughout the bath to create a positive association with bath time.

If your dog is extremely anxious during the bath, it might beneficial to give it a natural calming aid like Be Serene, which has soothing flower essences that help animals cope with emotional stress. After the bath, give your dog plenty of praise and reward it with food and perhaps even a nice long walk. 

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2. How to give your dog or cat pet drugs
3. How to bathe a cat
4. How to give Fido eye medication
5. Introducing your kitten to water