Showering the dog: If possible, wash dirty fur without shampoo

Created: 01/16/2023, 11:00 am

By: Anna Katharina Kuesters

Sometimes, when the weather is cold and wet, the only thing that helps is a shower to get the dog's fur clean again.

However, caution is called for.

A long mud bath in one of the puddles at the edge of a field or wild play with other dogs on the wet forest floor is enough to cover your beloved pet with dirt from head to toe.

That's not bad, most of the mud can be gently rubbed off and combed out with a towel and a comb.

But sometimes the fur is so dirty that a shower can no longer be avoided.

Owners should then proceed with extra caution.

Shower the dog: Wash dirty fur without shampoo if possible

The water temperature in the dog shower must not be too hot.

(Iconic image) © Alberto Menendez/Imago

It doesn't always have to be that the dog has rolled in a cow dung for a long time.

Sometimes dingy winter weather is enough to really dirty the animal's fur.

Sometimes the dirt can no longer be easily combed out once it has dried.

So a shower is needed.

For a safe bath of the dog, owners should make the following preparations:

• If available, clean the dog in a bathtub, not a shower.

  There is more space in the bathtub and the dog cannot jump out as quickly.

• Spread a non-slip mat on the floor of the bathtub.

  So there is no risk of injury, because your four-legged friend can no longer slip away on the wet floor.

• Set the water temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius.

  Many dogs quickly find hot water unpleasant.

• Have a large towel ready to wrap the dog in after the shower.

• Of course, treats should never be missing!

Get a mild dog shampoo for very heavily soiled coats.

Dog's skin has a natural barrier that protects it from dirt, bacteria and other things from the outside.

Too much shampoo destroys this protective barrier and makes the dog's skin more sensitive.

Puppies should therefore not be bathed or showered at all.

Their protective barrier is not yet fully formed.

Shower your dog: how to proceed step by step

First, gently lift your dog into the tub or shower.

Start by hosing off your feet with a gentle, warm jet of water and carefully rubbing them clean with your hands.

Then you move up piece by piece, the head and ears come last.

Make your pet as comfortable as possible by scratching his favorite spots extensively while cleaning.

This turns bathing into a crawl unit – your dog will certainly not object to that either.

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Once you get to the head and ears, you need to be extra careful.

No water should get into the dog's nose, ears or eyes.

It's best to just wet your hands and scratch your head so gently.

You should never aim the water jet from the shower head directly at the animal's head.

When you have finished showering, rub the animal vigorously with the large towel, lift it out of the tub or shower and give it a treat as a reward.