Hey there! If you‘re like most dog parents, keeping your pup clean can be a messy struggle. But have you considered showering with your pooch? Showering together can be an easier, quicker way to bathe your dog while strengthening your bond.
As a home improvement expert who‘s remodeled dozens of bathrooms, let me walk you through everything you need to know to make shower time with your dog a success.
Why Choose Showering Over a Bath or Hose? The Benefits Are Clear
I used to bathe my golden retriever, Cooper, by kneeling over the tub or getting soaked myself from the hose. It was a pain!
But showering with Cooper has been a game changer for these reasons:
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It‘s convenient. No more backaches from the awkward tub or muddy paw prints from the yard hose. The shower head gives easy access to wash your dog at a comfortable height.
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You control the temperature. It‘s much easier to maintain a mild, lukewarm temp in the shower than outside with a hose. This helps keep your pup calm and comfortable.
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It‘s efficient. Showering cuts Cooper‘s bath time in half! The confined space contains the mess, and rinsing shampoo out is quicker.
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You bond with your dog. Showering provides quality one-on-one time to strengthen your relationship through touches, treats, and praise.
According to a survey by Rover.com, 73% of dog owners found showering to be easier and less messy than other bathing methods. As long as you take the right precautions, showering offers clear benefits over a tub or hose.
Gathering the Right Supplies: Outfit Your Shower for Doggy Success
Before inviting your pooch into the shower, you‘ll want to outfit it with the right gear:
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A detachable showerhead gives you better control over the water stream. Adjust it to a gentle setting so you don‘t freak out your dog.
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Non-slip mat or towels provide secure footing and comfort on the hard shower surface. I prefer soft bathmats.
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Pet shampoo – Pick a soap-free, gentle formula made specifically for dogs. Human products can irritate their skin.
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Brush – Helps work the shampoo thoroughly into their coat and massage their skin. I use a soft boar bristle brush.
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Treats – For positive reinforcement and distraction from water on their face. Cooper loves small training treats.
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Towels – For drying and warmth after the bath. I use a big, fluffy beach towel for Cooper.
With the right supplies, you can transform your shower into a doggy washing station. Now let‘s go over how to get your pup comfortable with this new environment.
Easing Into It: Introducing Your Dog to the Shower
You definitely don‘t want to just shove your dog into the shower their first time. Some patience and prep makes the transition smooth. Here‘s my advice:
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Let your dog explore the (empty) bathroom first so they get comfortable with the space and smells. Reward them with treats for calm behavior.
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Place a familiar dog bed, mat, or towels in the shower so it feels secure. I put Cooper‘s favorite blanket in there.
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Work up from dry runs to brief rinses before attempting a full bath. Always keep sessions positive using praise and pets.
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Have a friend join at first if your dog seems nervous alone. The company can help them stay relaxed.
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Consider installing a shower filter for chemical-free water that‘s gentle on skin. This helped comfort Cooper.
The key is gradually acclimating your pup to the shower instead of overwhelming them. Go at their pace and make it a happy place!
Step-by-Step Washing Guide: How to Bathe Your Dog in the Shower
Once your dog seems cool with showering, follow these steps for a successful wash:
Step 1: Brush Out Their Coat
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Gently brush through your dog‘s fur before bathing to remove tangles, loose hair, and debris.
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Be thorough but careful around sensitive spots like their belly or behind the ears.
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Brushing before a bath helps the shampoo penetrate down to the skin.
Step 2: Wet Their Fur Completely
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Use your hand or a cup to wet down their entire coat until soaked.
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Avoid getting water in or near their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Tilting their head back can help.
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Test the temp on your wrist often. Lukewarm is best.
Step 3: Lather Shampoo into Their Coat
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Apply about a quarter-sized dollop of dog shampoo down to the skin.
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Gently but thoroughly massage the shampoo all over their body. Get down to the undercoat.
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Take care to avoid their eyes, ears, nose, and other sensitive spots.
Step 4: Let Shampoo Sit Briefly
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Letting shampoo penetrate for 2-3 minutes helps lift dirt while softening their skin and coat.
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Use this time to massage their coat and give scratches.
Step 5: Rinse Completely
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Rinse until the water runs clear and you don‘t see any more suds.
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Check hidden areas like their belly and behind the ears for remaining shampoo residue.
Step 6: Apply Conditioner (Optional)
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Conditioner helps detangle and soften fur. Work it through the coat and let sit briefly.
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Thoroughly rinse out the conditioner so it doesn‘t leave a residue.
Step 7: Dry Their Fur
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Gently pat dry with an absorbent towel.
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Finish drying their coat with a blow dryer on low/cool setting. This helps avoid matting.
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If air drying instead, thoroughly towel dry then keep them in a warm area free of drafts.
Don‘t forget to give treats, pets, and praise throughout for their patience! Now let‘s go over some pro tips for a calm, stress-free bath time.
Pro Tips: Keeping Bath Time Relaxed and Positive
Showering can be an unenjoyable experience for some dogs. Here are my tips to help keep your pup relaxed:
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Stay calm yourself. Dogs easily pick up on your energy. Anxiety is contagious!
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Work slowly and give breaks. Never force things. Pace yourself based on their comfort level.
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Provide distraction. Stuff a Kong with peanut butter or let them lick from a spoon to stay occupied.
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Use calming touches and praise. Speak in a soothing tone while massaging in shampoo. Reassure them often.
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Watch for signs of stress. If they seem scared or try to escape, end the bath pronto. Pick up later in shorter sessions.
Reading your dog‘s body language is crucial. Keep a close eye for any discomfort, and let your pooch set the pace. Now let‘s go over potential risks and how to avoid them.
Stay Vigilant: Avoiding Risks and Injury
While showering with your dog has benefits, here are some hazards to watch for:
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Slipping on wet surfaces – Place a non-slip rubber mat on the tub floor. Adjust your footing if using a shower attachment.
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Burns from hot water – Always test the temperature on your wrist first. Lukewarm is ideal. Keep adjusting as needed.
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Soap in eyes – Use tearless shampoo and avoid their face. Tilting their head back can help too. Immediately rinse if this happens.
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Ear infections – Thoroughly dry their ears after to remove excess water and prevent yeast infections.
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Stress and anxiety – Forcing a dog into an uncomfortable situation can cause lifelong fear. Let them learn at their own pace.
While scrubbing your pooch, be vigilant of their reactions. Stop right away if you notice signs of injury or distress. Their safety comes first!
Other Clever Ways to Bathe Your Dog
If showering together ends up being too tricky for your four-legged friend, try these other solid bathing options:
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Dry baths – Use dry shampoo, waterless foam, or cleansing wipes between full baths to freshen up. Great for senior or small dogs!
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Sink baths – For little dogs or puppies, bathing in a kitchen or bathroom sink provides a nice raised washing station.
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Mobile grooming – Pet groomers come right to your home offering a familiar environment for bath time. Costs about $30-75 per visit.
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DIY dog wash – Many pet stores now have self-service tubs, tools, and products for bathing your dog. Average cost is $10-15.
Don‘t force the shower if it causes your dog excessive stress. Try another method that works better for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Showering With Your Pooch
Still have some questions about bathing your dog in the shower? Here are answers to some common queries:
How often can I bathe my dog in the shower?
- Most dogs only need a full bath every 3-6 months. But you can shower healthy dogs once a month or so if needed. Use dry shampoo between baths. Always consult your vet on what works best.
What‘s the ideal water temperature to use?
- Lukewarm between 90-100°F is recommended. Test on your wrist like a baby bath. Avoid extremes that are too hot or cold. Keep adjusting the temp as needed.
How do I know if my dog likes showering?
Signs your dog is comfortable with bathing include:
- Relaxed body language with loose muscles
- Happily taking treats
- Leaning into the water stream
- Not attempting to escape
- Playful behavior after drying off
Is it better to bathe dogs indoors or outdoors?
- Indoor showers allow you to easily control water temperature and prevent dirt from blowing around. But outside bathing with a hose can work too in warm weather. Test what your dog prefers!
See? Showering with your pooch doesn‘t have to be so ruff! By following these tips and going at your dog‘s pace, bath time can be a fun bonding experience. Have more questions? Reach out anytime at [email protected]. Happy bathing!
