Some love it, some fear it, and all must face it one day…
Bath time.
Whether your dog is part cat or part otter, you’ll probably visit these five stages of bath acceptance. Baths and the feelings associated with them are perfectly natural and a part of life.
We’ll be here for you in solidarity—through thick and thin, in tomato juice or creme rinse.
These 20 GIFs will walk you through some typical feelings and reactions you and your dog may experience due to an impending bath, from denial to acceptance.
Let’s share those feelings together. In this safe space.
On baths and bathing: The 5 stages of bathing your dog
1. Denial and isolation
“Human, I’m out.”
“Seriously Mom? I can keep this up all day.”
“No. No. A thousand times no.”
Your reaction:
“I got this!”
2. Anger
“My passive resistance. Let me show it to you.”
“This is for last time. This is for next time. This is for even putting the words ‘me’ and ‘bath’ in the same sentence.”
“I think you should know I’m feeling very upset.”
Your reaction:
[muffled screaming]
3. Bargaining
“They don’t call these puppy dog eyes for nothin’!”
“Don’t think about the water ju-u-ust keep paddling.”
Your reaction:
4. Depression
“I thought you said I was a good boy.”
“You got me into this, Dad, you get me out.”
“I don’t forgive you. Not now. Not never.”
Your reaction:
5. Acceptance (finally!)
“Is there a duck on my head? I love it!”
“Cats may have nine lives but I’m in seventh heaven right now.”