Bath time is not pleasant for many dogs. However, bathing your pet doesn’t have to be a difficult task. If you prepare it in advance, persevere and adopt a positive attitude, the bathroom can easily turn into a fun time for your dog. It also helps prevent many diseases and infections .
The key to getting your dog to enjoy the bath is to teach him that after he has done so, he will be able to get a number of things he likes, such as his favorite toy, a walk or a treat. In this way, he will behave better and associate bath time with what he likes best. Through repetition, she will likely decide that the bathroom doesn’t have to be a stressful or scary experience. When you bathe your dog, you might ask yourself a question: how often should you do it? Veterinarians say it is advisable to bathe the dog every three months and increase the frequency during the summer months . But it depends on the breed of the animal. And remember, for better hygiene, you need to use a shampoo for dogs approved by veterinarians, which is moisturizing and detangling.
How to wash your dog?
Before bathing your dog you must check that all the objects you will use are within reach . You will need a brush, cotton balls, shampoo, towels, and a bath leash if necessary (for the more reluctant bathers; you can find this in pet stores). When bathing your dog, place a rubber mat at the bottom of the tub to prevent your pet from slipping. Fill it with warm water. And don’t forget: put cotton balls in your dog’s ears to prevent soap and water from entering . Then place the dog in the water, supporting him gently but firmly. Use a plastic jug or cup and start bathing your dog from the head down. Keep water away from your ears and eyes . Apply dog shampoo (never use shampoo for humans) all over the body and massage from shoulders to tail, ending with the head. Rinse well with warm water. Get the dog out of the tub. Dry with a towel until it is damp. If it is hot and sunny, the dog can dry himself in the fresh air. If not, however, continue drying your pet with a dry cloth or use a pet hair dryer to complete the drying process.
Brush your pet’s teeth
Regarding the hygiene of pets, an important element that you cannot overlook is the cleaning of their teeth. While humans have no excuses, our pets need your help to maintain proper oral hygiene. Cleaning your teeth regularly will help keep your pet healthy , free from bad breath, and of course, save you trips to the vet.
The ideal would be to brush your dog’s teeth every day, but just brushing them once a week will do just fine .
To brush your pet’s teeth, you need a small, soft toothbrush (preferably one designed specifically for dogs) and pet toothpaste (never use products made for humans). If you want you can also make a homemade toothpaste. To prepare it, you need to mix the baking soda with a little water and salt .
Brushing your pet’s teeth won’t be an easy task, but you can gradually get your dog used to it so it doesn’t become a traumatic experience for him . The first thing you need to do is get it used to the idea of brushing your teeth. You can do this by placing your fingers on his gums and doing a light massage. Then put a small amount of toothpaste on your dog’s lips to get him used to the taste.
When your dog feels comfortable, he will be ready to get his teeth brushed. Finally, apply the toothpaste and brush gently with a toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger .
