Bath day for dogs who hate bath day

A lot of bath stress comes from slipping, loud water and taking too long. Fix those three and most dogs relax a lot.

Set up first

1. Put a non-slip mat in the tub. Feeling steady is half the battle.
2. Have everything ready: shampoo, towels, treats. No leaving the room mid-bath.
3. Warm water, not hot. Test it on your wrist.

During the bath

1. Give them something to lick. A lick mat with a smear of dog-safe food stuck to the wall works wonders.
2. Start at the back, finish at the head. Keep water and shampoo away from eyes and ears.
3. Rinse twice as long as you think. Leftover shampoo can itch.
4. Towel, then dry fully. Thick and double coats can stay damp underneath for hours.

Practise without water

A few times a week, pop your dog in the empty tub for a treat and hop out. Bath day stops being a surprise.

We're dog people, not vets. Check with your vet about your own dog.