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Bath time for your dog

Dogs need regular washes just the same as you or I. Yes it’s true that dogs can keep themselves relatively clean – most of the time…

But every so often, they either roll in something nasty that smells like it died three years ago or go for a swim in a pond full of dirty water while running across a golf-course.

So you need to give him a bath. How big your dog is makes a big difference in where you choose to give him his bath. Small dogs can be accommodated in sinks or in the bath, but big dogs present more of a problem.

Keeping yourself relatively dry is quite easy when you’ve only got a small pet. If you are a big dog fan, be prepared to take a soaking, no matter where you choose to do the washing. If they have to put up with the indignity of being washed, trust me, your dog is sure to share the water.

Washing you dog in the bath
A detachable shower nozzle with a lengthy hose is useful when bathing your dog indoors.

Have lots of towels ready for drying and keep your carefully selected shampoo ready. For dogs with sensitive skin, have your vet recommend a brand.

Once you’ve got your dog standing in the bath, what next? Take your shower nozzle and test the water temperature to make sure it is just warm, not hot. Rinse him down good, working your free hand under the fur to get it all good and wet.

Once he’s completely soaked, take a generous handful of shampoo and work it in around his neck, over the top of his head, avoiding his face, and down his back, tail and legs. Get a good lather up, and massage his skin well.

After he’s more or less covered with suds, take the hose again and rinse him off, starting from the neck again. Rinse him very carefully; take care not to get any shampoo in his ears or eyes. Any remaining soap will irritate his skin, so make sure he’s squeaky clean before you stop showering.

Special coat conditioner is optional, but is a nice touch. Again, take care not to get his eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly one more time, and if you are lucky, he’ll still be in the same spot he was before, allowing you to wrap him in a towel for a good pat down to absorb excess water.

Be sure to get as much water off as you can. If your dog has a short coat, a few hours of comfortable relaxation on your formerly dry, warm sofa will finish drying him off.

If he has a long, shaggy, or thick double coat, a blow-dry is in order. You need to brush out tangles from his coat, as you go along. Be gentle with him, having his fur brushed is as delicate for your dog as having your hair brushed is for you. Also – Human ordinary hair-dryers are too hot for dogs. Either buy a special dog hair-dryer (oh yes, they do exist) or keep your hair-dryer at least 10 inches away from his fur, to let the air cool-down.

Outdoor Baths
An outdoor bath is the same as above, but you need to choose a nice warm day to do it. If your dog hates very cold water, try to get him used to the water gradually.

Final Touches

Eyes
Take a warm, wet face cloth and carefully wipe around his eyes, removing any icky-sticky gloop that may have seeped into the corners. For some dogs, this is a constant task.

Ears
These need to be cleaned once a month, regardless of bath time. Take a cotton ball, or a soft cloth, dip it in an ear solution, or mineral oil, and gently wipe around the inside of his ears. Don’t go too deep; just the visible areas need cleaning. Ask your vet or pet-shop to suggest which solution or oil you need to use.

Finally – pet your dog and give him a treat, put your feet up and relax too. Well done – you’ve survived this bath time, maybe a bit wetter, but certainly cleaner.

Alternatively – Mallorca is full of dog groomers. Many pet-shops have one on-site or can recommend a local one. Prices are much cheaper than in Britain, and you can take your dog in, go shopping, have a cup of tea and a slice of cake, then go and pick your dog up. That’s good-living! Thank-you.