Your dog hates bath time? You’re not alone! Baths are often stressful for both dogs and their owners. Even if dogs dislike baths, they are essential. Keeping your dog well-groomed isn’t just about appearances. Grooming is actually opportunity to inspect your dog’s skin. As you groom, take note of any bumps or lumps that might need to be looked at by your veterinarian. Regular bathing also keeps your dog’s skin and coat healthy and prevents dirt and debris build up. Bath time doesn’t have to be stressful and upsetting for dogs. The following tips will help create positive relationship with bath time.
Why do dogs hate baths?
Although a bath or shower is great for humans, baths are unpleasant for many dogs. Many dogs are uncomfortable with the new sensations of baths. Other dogs may find being wet or in water unpleasant. The slippery flooring of our showers or bathtubs can be stressful, frightening, or even painful for dogs. Essentially, dogs may struggle to keep their feet under them.
Getting Comfortable with Handling
Dogs may be uncomfortable with being handled and touched during the bath. Ideally work on exposure (and positive associations) with your puppy as soon as they come home. If you have adopted an older who doesn’t have a lot of handling experience, you can still improve the handling associations. To start, develop confidence with handling outside of the tub and separate from bath time. Create positive associations with being handled all over their body the same way you will when washing your dog in the tub, pair the experience with high-value treats. Lickable treats like dog-safe peanut butter spread on a lick mat work well for this. While your dog licks their special snack, gently touch their body all over. Keep your sessions short so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Getting the The Bath Ready
As your dog becomes comfortable being handled, get ready for a bath. Before putting your dog in the tub, prepare the bathroom area for your dog. Lay bathmats or towels down that will prevent slipping on the floor. Consider laying a bathmat, yoga mat, or even a towel on your tub/shower to provide your dog with traction. Helping your dog feel secure and preventing slips helps shift a dog’s perspective on baths. Before putting your dog in the tub, set the water temperature. Start with lukewarm water (unless your veterinarian has indicated a specific water temperature is right for your dog’s baths). Many dogs don’t enjoy the warm water and cold water can also be shocking and unpleasant for dogs.
Start Small with Bath Time
If your dog is still getting used to the bath, start small! For example, make a habit of feeding a treat in the bath (even if you don’t turn on the water). Another way to start small is to have short baths at a time: for instance, wash just the paws after a muddy day at the park. Slowly, your dog’s confidence will grow and bath time will get easier and easier.
During Bath Time
Gently lower your dog into the tub. If you have a large dog, lure them with a treat to get into the tub or shower. The key to an enjoyable bath time is lots of positive reinforcement. For this you’ll want to use dog-safe peanut butter, spray cheese, or other spreadable dog treats your dog loves. Spread the treat directly onto the wall of your tub or shower or use a slow-feeding lick mat with suction cups. The high-value treat takes a long time for dogs to lick and serves as a continuous reinforcer. You can even spread the treat on different areas of the tub. This encourages your dog to change positions and allows you to wash a different part of them.
Bath time doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your dog. With a little preparation, you can help make the bath area more comfortable and less stressful for your dog. By focusing on helping your dog be more comfortable with being handled you’ll be able to prepare your dog for the sensation of being washed. Then, adding in high-value slow-release treats can help your dog form positive associations with bath time.
