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It’s time for your dog’s bath. You’ve got your dog towels waiting, the doggy shampoo is ready to go, and everything you need is at your fingertips…except your dog, who’s hiding under the bed. If your dog hates the bath, you’re not alone. Your dog isn’t the first and won’t be the last canine to dislike bath time!
Some ways to make your dog like bathtime include creating a comfortable environment for them, using the right bath products, and bringing in a professional when necessary.
Why Do Dogs Hate Baths?
It may surprise you that not all dogs like water. Even among those who like to swim, bathtime is not usually met with the same enthusiasm. Why is this the case?
For starters, bathing is an unfamiliar experience for dogs. There are a lot of new sounds, smells, and sensations bombarding your dog, which can amplify their anxiety.
Beyond this fear of the unknown, bathing involves a loss of control for dogs. Whereas a playful dip in the lake is a voluntary (and fun) activity, bathtime is an activity they did not choose. Add to this the discomfort of being handled and covered in sudsy water, and it’s not such a mystery why dogs can find bathtime so distressing.
Finally, there’s the possibility that your pooch is battling with some negative memories. This could include being burned by scalding water, getting soap in their eyes, or even recalling the tub’s unsteady surface. Perhaps they’ve had a frightening experience during a critical “puppy fear period”—a temporary state (usually between 8-10 weeks of age) of heightened apprehension where puppies are extra sensitive to scary sounds, strangers, and events. To avoid creating long-term fears of bathtime, it may be better to hold off until this phase has passed.
If you have a puppy—and they’re not going through a fear period—it’s helpful to get them used to baths early on. Approach bathtime in a relaxed, calm state to reassure your pup that this is a safe, routine activity. As always, positive reinforcement goes a long way in easing fears and creating a calm state.
1. Don’t Bathe Your Dog Outside
There are two reasons that outdoor baths could be freaking your dog out. First off, that hose water is usually freezing cold. This is especially uncomfortable on a cold day, but even in the summertime, it can be too cold for your dog.
Second, unless you’ve got a magical bath-loving pup or a 90-degree day, you’re probably restraining your dog with a leash so they can’t escape. However, forcing a dog to stay put in a frightening situation just compounds the scariness.
Moving your bath indoors, into a bathtub, shower stall, or even a sink if you’ve got a little dog allows you to adjust the water temperature as needed while using the natural contours of the space to help your pet stay put.
2. Add Padding to Your Bath Floor
If your dog hates the bath, it might be because of the sensory experience. For most dogs, one of the worst things about bathing in a tub, shower stall, or sink is feeling unsteady on the slippery, wet floor. It’s the same for humans. If you’ve ever slipped in the shower, you know that sliding around can not only be painful but anxiety-inducing.
Before starting your bath, put a mat or even a dog towel down on the floor of the bathtub to prevent your pup from falling. Sure, the towel will get soaked, but your pup will feel much more secure.
3. Give Your Dog Something to Focus On
Make your dog think that bath time isn’t so bad by smearing peanut butter or baby food on the tub or shower door to lick as you get down to business. (If the idea of a peanut-buttery bathroom doesn’t appeal to you, pick up a Lickimat to smear food on instead).
If your pup is highly food-motivated, they may be able to focus on delicious training treats until bath time is over.
4. Skip the Showerhead or Faucet
The sound of water rushing through a shower head or faucet can be really noisy. Many dogs are scared of loud noise. If your dog hates the bath, it might not be the water but the sounds of bath time that scare them.
Instead of running the faucet while your pup is in the bath, try filling a bucket or two in advance and gently pouring the water over your pup as needed.
5. Use Gentle, Dog-Safe Shampoo
With noses 40 times stronger than our own, dogs may be overwhelmed by strongly scented soaps. Go for an unscented or lightly scented shampoo specifically formulated for canines. Never bathe your dog using human shampoo or body wash.
6. Test the Water Temperature
Just as the water outside is too cold, the water temperature inside may be too hot for your dog to be comfortable. For a successful bath, keep the water lukewarm or slightly over. You can test this in a couple of ways:
- Elbow test: Spray the nozzle directly onto your elbow. Does it feel too hot or too cold? If so, adjust the temperature.
- Hand test: Let the water fill the tub a little, then place your hand in the water. Again, if you’re met with discomfort, the temperature needs adjusting. Remember, your dog’s skin is more sensitive to temperature than your own.
- Thermometer test: If you have a water thermometer handy, this gives you the greatest precision. The ideal temperature for your dog’s comfort is between 90 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit (lukewarm).
Throughout the bath, monitor your dog for signs of discomfort like shivering, and make adjustments as necessary.
7. Use Professional Training Methods & Rewards
If your dog has already made up their mind about the horrors of bathtime, you’ll need to bring in the big training guns (or even a professional dog trainer) in order to overcome the problem.
A process of desensitization and counterconditioning can, over time, change a dog’s emotional response to baths from one of fear to one of tolerance.
- Begin by heavily rewarding your dog with super-amazing treats just for approaching the bathtub.
- Once they’re comfortable with this, you can move on to rewarding them for entering a dry bathtub.
- Later on, you can progress to turning the water on and off quickly or gently pouring a bit of water on them, followed by a tasty treat.
If you need help, check in with a certified positive reinforcement trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. The key to these techniques is to start small and slowly reintroduce your dog to the bathroom and bathtub.
Another option is learning how to groom your dog at home in the least distressing way possible. With patience and practice, you can make bathtime, dental care, and eye care a tolerable (maybe even enjoyable) part of your dog’s routine.
8. Hire a Professional Groomer
If giving your dog a bath is causing anxiety for you both, you might want to enlist the help of an experienced dog groomer. Even better, have a dog groomer come to your house to work one-on-one with your bath-hating pup.
Not only will your dog come out smelling fresh, but they’ll also get a nail trim and haircut out of it.
9. Involve the Whole Family
Bathtime need not fall under the duties of one family member. If your dog finds comfort with the whole family around for support, call in the troops for a joint effort. Not only can this make your dog feel more secure, but it also serves as a bonding experience for everyone. Plus, it leaves all family members better equipped to take charge during future baths.