Bathing your dog: When brushing isn't enough

Bathing your dog: When brushing isn't enough

For dog breeds that require special coat care, bathing sessions are recommended to make it easier to groom the coat afterwards. Bathing your dog—what should you keep in mind? We have compiled the most important information, tips, and tricks for you.

How often should you bathe a dog?

As a general rule, you should only bathe your dog when it is really necessary. Their coat dries slowly and bathing can upset the delicate balance of their skin. When bathing your dog, make sure you use a gentle, well-tolerated dog shampoo. In some cases, you may just need a little patience until the wet dirt has dried and can be combed out. However, a cleansing, nourishing bath is sometimes unavoidable, for example:

• if the coat is very dirty (especially in long-haired dogs),
• if the dirt can no longer be removed with a comb, brush, or curry comb,
• in cases of extreme odor,
• flaky skin, or
• illness or parasite infestation.

If a bath is necessary for medical reasons, your veterinarian will be happy to advise you.

When can I start bathing my dog?

You should only bathe your puppy in an emergency, as it is still developing and bathing could damage its sensitive skin. But when can you bathe your dog for the first time? You can bathe your pet from the age of three months. With special puppy shampoo, lots of patience, and love, your dog's first bath will be a wonderful experience.

Which shampoo should I use for my dog?

It is important to note that only shampoo that is tailored to the specific needs of dog hair and skin should be used, whether it is special dog shampoo for white coats, for puppies, moisturizing shampoo, or shampoo to relieve itching during coat change.

The skin of dogs constantly secretes oil through small sebaceous glands. This has a protective effect and ensures that moisture and dirt are repelled. This natural protective function can easily be damaged by the wrong shampoo. Special and particularly gentle dog shampoos support your faithful friend's skin and coat with valuable, nourishing ingredients and give your dog a pleasant, neutral, and gentle scent. The coat remains healthy and strong.

At what temperature can I bathe my dog?

The temperature of the water jet should be comfortable, roughly the same as you would like it to be. It is better to be a little colder than too warm. If you want to be sure, you can also use a bath thermometer. In this case, set the water jet to around 28-30 degrees Celsius and check whether your dog is comfortable with it.

What is the best way to bathe my dog?

Your four-legged friend will need to get used to the new routine first. You should therefore gently introduce them to bathing. To make the first bath as pleasant as possible for everyone involved, we have prepared step-by-step instructions for bathing your dog.

Bathing dogs correctly: Step by step to a clean dog

First of all, you should lay out all the items you need for bathing your dog:

• Non-slip shower mat, e.g., made of rubber
• Dog shampoo (suitable for your four-legged friend's age, skin, and coat)
• If necessary, a grooming brush with shampoo function
• If necessary, a bath thermometer
• Bath mat
• Towels
• Hair dryer
• Treats as a reward

Step 1: Prepare

Get everything ready: Place dog shampoo and, if necessary, a grooming brush with shampoo function within easy reach, lay out enough towels, and ideally place an absorbent mat in front of the bathtub/shower. To prevent your dog from slipping and injuring itself, it is essential to ensure that the surface is non-slip. A non-slip mat will also prevent scratches in the tub.

Step 2: Adjust the water temperature

Set the water temperature to a comfortable level for both you and your dog. Then start wetting your dog with a gentle stream of water, working your way up from the paws. Observe your dog as you do this and you will quickly determine which temperature is most comfortable for them. Please avoid the head and ears at first.

Step 3: Washing

Now carefully wash the coat with your hands or with the practical grooming brush with shampoo function. Please make sure that no shampoo or water can run into the ears and eyes. This is very unpleasant for dogs and, in the worst case, can cause inflammation. Hold your hand over their eyes and ears to protect them and clean their head with your hands only.

Step 4: Rinse out the shampoo

Gently rinse all of the shampoo out of your dog's coat. Only when there is no shampoo residue left in the coat can you start drying them.

Step 5: Drying

It is best to pat the coat dry with an absorbent towel while still in the bathtub or shower: Do not rub too hard, otherwise there is a risk of the hair becoming severely tangled or damaged. Then continue drying the dog outside the bathtub with a towel.

Step 6: Drying the coat

Now your dog's coat can dry: In summer, this is best done in the sun; in winter, a warm spot near the heater will suffice. You can also use a hair dryer that is not too hot, but only if your dog is familiar with the noise and finds the drying pleasant.

Depending on the coat structure and season, the skin and coat will only be completely dry the next day and should only be brushed and combed then. Otherwise, you risk damaging your dog's sensitive skin and coat. If a bath cannot be avoided during the cooler months, you should be especially careful, because the situation is similar to that of humans: your pet should only be allowed outside again once its coat is completely dry to prevent it from getting sick due to hypothermia.