As dogs often get dirty quickly, being prepared for doggy bath time is a must – particularly during wetter times of the year like spring and autumn when your dog walks are inevitably that little bit muddier. While most dog owners don’t relish the thought (or reality) of the post-walk bath, it’s part and parcel of ownership, and we’re here to help you get prepped and ready for the challenge.
In today’s post, the bathroom experts at Jaquar will be offering their top tips on prepping your bathroom for doggy bath time, so you’ll never fear the ‘big shake’ again. From minimizing mucky marks around the room to having exactly what you need at the ready, we’ll make sure bathtime is more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
Minimize Extra Effort with the Right Bathtub
If you’re serious about streamlining your dog’s bathtime, it’s worthwhile investing in the right type of tub to minimize the effort it takes to get your furry friend spruced up. One design consideration could be to install an elevated dog bath. This will make it easier for your pet to get in and out of (particularly for smaller breeds) and be beneficial for your back and knees, too – meaning you won’t need to stretch to get to those hard-to-reach areas.
An efficient place to install this helpful appliance is in a utility room if you have one, or you can put it in your bathroom if you have enough space to accommodate it. Alternatively, use this handy piece of kit to design a bespoke mudroom that’s primed for dog washing – meaning those dreaded muddy paw prints will never reach the cream carpets in your living room.
When it comes to installation for elevated tubs or an enclosed shower cubicle for your dog bathing area, ensure you go for a larger drain size – we’d recommend at least 3-inches. The bigger width will be better equipped for coping with pet hair and the clumps of dirt that come with it – and with the addition of a hair filter over the drain, you’ll prevent pipes from getting blocked with dog fur and grime.
To up the safety of your bathtub for your pooch, we’d also suggest installing some non-slip grip on the bottom of your tub to give those wet paws some added grip. As we all know, it’s scary losing your footing in the tub, and the fear is the same for dogs. If you don’t like the idea of anti-slip pads or mats in the bath, then a thick towel is a perfect substitute for your dog to stand on – making sure safety is a priority for minimum effort.
When it comes to pup cleaning systems, there are plenty of professional cleaning systems available on the market, which include the basics for your pet-washing requirements. Some are even complete with ladders or steps, which could be particularly helpful for older pets who aren’t as agile as they once were.
Whatever solution you plump for, just remember that minimizing the effort not only minimizes stress but also saves on time – keeping you and your furry friend happy.
Have What You Need on Hand
There’s no better way to minimize the muddy after-effects of doggy bath time than to have everything you need in the right place and close to hand. This way, you’ll be prepared for every eventuality, giving you a better chance at protecting your bathroom from splashes and dirt.
First of all, ensure you have key items like towels, shampoo, dog brush, and some handy treats laid out before you begin. This will help you avoid the mad dash of a wet dog running loose throughout the house and mean the dog washing process can be quick and swift without frantically searching for things while the water’s running. If you have space, create a dedicated storage spot for your dog bath essentials, so you’re never caught unaware or without the right items within reach.
While some dogs relish the chance to get wet, not all dogs do, and the mere sound of the faucet or showerhead can cause them to get nervous or stressed. To quell the potential fear, use a cup or a jug to rinse off any excess shampoo instead. This will be less imposing, and you have total control of where the water is going and the speed of the flow – making sure it doesn’t get in their eyes and ears. This technique will allow you to be as gentle as possible when washing your dog’s face and keep any sensitive areas protected. If your dog’s particularly sensitive, then favoring a washcloth to give you better control and prevent any unintended splashes of water getting into their eyes.
On that note, if your dog isn’t a fan of being washed, one way to make the experience a little less stressful is to use toys or treats to distract and reward them. Toys that combine the two by hiding the treat inside are perfect for this use, as they’ll keep your dog well entertained while you’re making their coat sparkle.
Anyone who’s witnessed a dog coming out of water will know they love nothing more than a full-body shake to remove excess water. While outside, this isn’t an issue; inside this, it does tend to soak the room and the person washing them, so be prepared. Have your towel and brush to hand as soon as the water’s turned off. Give them a gentle brush before they leave the tub for a towel dry to rid of any excess water – making things easier and more comfortable for you and your dog. You may still get a bit of a spray when the inevitable ‘big shake’ does happen, but hopefully, you won’t get quite as soaked as usual.
Hone the Drying Routine
The best way to avoid being soaked by your furry friend is to wrap your wet dog up in a towel with as much coverage as possible and give them a gentle rubdown. This way, most of the water will be removed from their coat, and your dog will feel a lot more comfortable after bath time – especially if you’re letting their fur air dry. While toweling them down, ensure that you don’t forget the ears and around the eyes, as these are sensitive areas that require a little more care and attention and always put a towel down on the floor!
If your bathroom has space to allow, you could even create a doggy area for the bathtub and all things doggy bath time – from toiletries to towels. Using this space to dry your pup will not only limit mess but will also make sure everything you need is easier to find after a messy walk.
When it comes to quick-drying your pooch during the winter months, it may be tempting to use a hairdryer to prevent them from catching a chill and speed up their drying time, but remember this could be distressing for them. For dogs who don’t seem to mind the noise or sensation, use a low, warm setting and ensure that you hold it at a safe distance from their coat to prevent burning the skin – they’re likely to be much more sensitive to it than you are.
If you love to pamper your pets, you can even give them extra spruce up with some doggy cologne for an added touch of indulgence to keep them smelling fresher for longer – well, until their next muddy walk at least.
We hope that with our guidance, you and your furry friend will no longer need to dread bathtime. With some careful preparation and thoughtful a bathroom design, you should be fully equipped with a plan to minimize the mess before it occurs – making doggy bathing a pleasure rather than a chore.