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Have you ever found yourself running after your dog only to try to wrestle them into the bathtub?
If so, you aren’t alone.
Not all dogs love baths; well, most dogs don’t like baths, but some dogs hate baths.
Both Calvin & Ginger used to be in the bath-hating club, but I am very thankful they are no longer members.
Calvin detests water.
He even avoids puddles when we are out walking and hates going out when it’s raining.
Ginger used to be afraid of the water regardless of if it was a lake, ocean, or the equally scary bathtub.
Over time I was able to change Ginger’s association towards the water so that she was no longer afraid.
And Calvin, we just figured out ways to make bathtime a bit less detestable, enough so that he doesn’t keep trying to escape the tub.
Why Does Your Dog Hate Baths?
Dog’s feelings towards water come in a variety of forms and levels.
“Did you say the word ‘bath’?”
Some dogs are like Calvin and don’t love water. They aren’t afraid of it, but it’s just not their thing.
Other dogs, like Ginger, are fearful of water.
Their fear can manifest in several different forms, from shaking in the corner to aggression[1].
So, for the first step on how to get your water-hating dog smelling better, we first need to figure out why your dog doesn’t love baths.
Now, you’re wondering how to figure that out. “My dog doesn’t talk,” you say.
And likely they don’t, but dogs do attempt to communicate with us.
We need to be patient enough to decipher what they are saying. It’s all about reading their body language.
The reason it is essential to know why your dog is reacting the way they do towards bath time will aid in deciding this solution would fit best.
For example, sometimes it’s as simple as adjusting the bathwater temperature, providing a non-slip mat so they feel more secure in the tub, or sometimes it’s all about making a bathtub all about the treats.
Short-Term Fixes
There are some great easy non-water oriented ways to get your dog smelling better.
It will not replace a full-on bath, but until you can safely get your dog into the tub, these solutions will work well.
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Unless, of course, your dog encountered a skunk or rolled in dead fish or something.
I have not had to experience either of those things, but my dogs, especially Calvin, love to roll in deer droppings and dead animals.
“Oh, boy! I just found something really stinky!”
Yep, dogs can be so gross!
Before using any of the products below, I suggest thoroughly brushing out your dog to help remove loose dead hair, dirt, and debris.
If your dog will allow it, lightly spray the brush with water to help decrease static, which can cause tangles.
It’s good for dogs who are nervous about car travel, too.
You have to spray it on an object 15 minutes before using it with your dog. Don’t spray it directly onto your puppy!
✔
Pros
Natural pheromone proved to aid in relieving anxiety and stress
Hypoallergenic
Do not have to worry about drug interactions
✘
Cons
Needs to be sprayed on a surface close enough to your dog during bathtime that they can reap the benefits (Recommendation: Spray on a towel that can sit near the bathtub)
Occasionally dogs will suffer from severe anxiety and may require prescription medication.
Sophie and Ginger are both on anti-anxiety medications, not because of baths, but for other anxiety problems.
At first, I was hesitant to use prescription medicine because I didn’t want a zombie dog, but Trazadone doesn’t knock them out, it just relaxes them.
✔
Pros
Can be effective for dogs with extreme anxiety
✘
Cons
Requires a prescription
The Do’s and Don’ts of Bathtime
I have been asked several times about how to make bathtime less traumatic for all parties involved.
Below are several simple adjustments that promote a more positive bath experience for everyone.
Do
Give lots of yummy treats!
Make bathtime a positive experience. At bathtime in our house, Ginger will now try and get into the bathtub because she knows there will be treats.
Yes, it would be fine if she crawled into the tub on her own if she hadn’t already had her bath.
Don't
The #1 “Don’t” of bathtime is to start it with a frustrating game of chase.
Because first, it’s not a game, and no one is having fun.
Plus, when you are chasing your dog around, you are adding to your level of frustration, and that’s never the right way to start any project.
Also, it is quite likely your dog was already afraid of bathtime and chasing them while projecting frustration has only reinforced their fear.
No judgment. We’ve all been there!
Do
Calmly call your dog to you, attach a leash, and confidently walk them into the bathroom or wherever the bathing is located.
Keyword: Calmly!
The best thing you can do is keep their energy level low.
Don't
Do not use a garden hose with only cold water.
I don’t know how many times people find it odd their dog doesn’t like baths when they are using freezing cold water.
I know I wouldn’t like it.
Do
Use warm, not hot, water to bathe your dog.
Often that is enough to make bathtime bearable.
Don't
Do not spray your dog in the face or dump water over their head without properly protecting their eyes, nose, and ears.
Again, would you like that?
Do
Gently tilt their head up and cover their eyes and ears then, starting at the crown of their head, slowly pour water over their head.
If your dog is particularly resistant to this, use a washcloth instead. Also, you can use a warm damp washcloth on their face to wipe down around their eyes and muzzle.
Don't
Do not get frustrated with your dog.
They are not resisting you because they want to irritate you. They are uncomfortable with the bath and getting frustrated with them will only add to their discomfort.
Extremely fearful dogs may require desensitization training. If so, seek a certified dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement tactics for help.
Sophie has horrible allergies and requires a bath every other week during flareups.
One day I was running short on time and wondered how she would do in the shower. So, I jumped in the shower with her.
It went by way faster and easier than bathing her.
I think Sophie prefers showers to baths since they are faster.
Not all dogs will be okay in a shower. Calvin and Ginger prefer the bathtub.
Create a Calm Environment
Try and choose a time that the household is a bit quieter.
Maybe after the kid’s bathtime when everyone is winding down.
Go for a Long Walk
Draining some of your dog’s excess energy will also help decrease bath time drama.
A tired dog can be more agreeable than one that has been sitting in their crate all day.
Bathmat
A major game-changer was putting a bathmat into the tub for Calvin; it gave him a sense of security.
Dogs have a hard time not slipping in porcelain bathtubs.
Do it Yourself Grooming
There are several facilities that you can bring your dog and bathe them at their facility.
The do-it-yourself grooming places are set up to make bathtime easier for both you and your dog. Sometimes, just having the right tools can make a big difference.
Also, there are usually staff members that are happy to assist you if you need an extra hand.
Conclusion
Bath time doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you and your pup.
An important thing to keep in mind is that bathtime for a dog means licking their fur, not jumping into a tub.
Bathing a dog is not a natural action for your dog so that it can be scary and uncomfortable, and even more so if your dog isn’t a fan of water.
Do your best to make bathtime a positive and calm experience.
Rufus & Coco Natural Dry Shampoo
Bluecare Labs Hemp Calming Chews
