Q&A for How to Wash a Dog

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  • Question
    Can I wash my dog after his meal?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It's best to avoid the 90 minutes or so immediately after eating. Although the risk is small, if the dog wriggled and jumped around during bathing, if his stomach is full there is a greater risk of causing the stomach to twist and inducing a serious condition called bloat.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of fleas?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Bathing is not a great strategy as the fleas only hop on the dog to feed, which means although some will drown during the washing, most live on in the dog's bedding or the soft furnishings. You are best advised to use one of the many excellent prescription products that kill fleas, and if the infestation is severe, use a product to kill flea larvae in the environment.
  • Question
    It's difficult to wash my Maltese dog's beard and snout. How can I approach this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can use a toothbrush with some dog shampoo on it. Make sure to stay clear of the dog's eyes, mouth, and nostrils.
  • Question
    I just got a dog and she really needs to be bathed, but the trust isn't there yet. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Play with her while giving a bath, put waterproof toys in with her and give her some of her favorite treats.
  • Question
    We are about to get a dog. Should we get the cleaning products before or after the dog? Should we get them now or wait until the bath is over?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can get them anytime you want, but it's always good to be prepared ahead of time if you can. Obviously you can't wait until the bath is over since you will need to use them in the bath.
  • Question
    My dog keeps on jumping out of the tub every time I try to give her a bath - what should I do to prevent this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Every time she gets out, get a treat and put it a little bit over the tub, so she'll come and eat the treat.
  • Question
    Must I insert cotton balls into my dog's ears when bathing him? I'm a little nervous about putting them in.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, don't worry about doing that -- indeed, if they get lost in the ear, you'll have big problems. Instead, just try to avoid splashing water in his ears, or spraying them with the shower.
  • Question
    Can I put toys in a tub or sink when bathing my dog?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but use waterproof toys.
  • Question
    Can I wash my dog daily?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. You would be removing oils on your dogs fur and skin that are essential to keeping him/her healthy. It is recommended to bathe your dog when it stinks or every couple to few months. If you have a hairless dog, baths will need to be more frequent but not every day.
  • Question
    How should I go about cleaning out fecal matter from under the tail?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should take a cloth and wet it with hot water, and use that to clean the dog's fecal matter with.
  • Question
    Do you have to put cotton balls in the dog's ears?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This is optional, to avoid getting water in their ears. If you choose to avoid this step, be careful around the dog's face and neck.
  • Question
    How do I keep my dog from swallowing harmful shampoos?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In general, shampoo made for dogs should be non-toxic for them, just in case they ingest it. If you're worried about your dog getting into your shampoos or soaps, try placing them out of reach or muzzling your dog during bathing.
  • Question
    My dog makes too much noise while bathing. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you're referring to a yelp or a whimper, that may be a sign of fright. Continue to give him treats throughout the washing.
  • Question
    Is it okay to bathe my dog at night or noon?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can bathe your dog at any time of the day. Time of day does not matter.
  • Question
    My dog gets a little aggressive when I bathe it. Why is this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Your dog might be a little afraid of water. Just give them lots of treats or praise while you bathe him/her.
  • Question
    Is there a shampoo that will get the black off a dog's stomach and legs?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Shampoo is made for removing dirt off the dog and cleaning him. If you use dog shampoo it will remove black only if the black is not the coat color.
  • Question
    How do I get my dog to not react badly after a bath?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Give your dog lots of love and affection, and give them a treat. If they like water, they should not react badly after a bath. If they don't, then speak to them in a reassuring voice and (this is optional) wrap them in blankets to make them feel safe and secure.
  • Question
    Our long-haired German shepherd won't allow us to clean his rear. What can we do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Either use his favorite toys and treats to distract him, or ask for help keeping him secure and steady while someone clean him.
  • Question
    How do I keep cotton balls in my dog's ears during a bath?
    CockerSpanielsAndKingCharlesSpaniels
    CockerSpanielsAndKingCharlesSpaniels
    Community Answer
    When using cotton, just push them in a little bit. If they get too deep inside the dog's ear, it is a serious problem.
  • Question
    How do I clean my dog if they are afraid of water?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use treats to entice your dog to get into the bath. Whenever he or she shows a willingness to come to the bathroom, climb into the tub, etc., reward them with a treat. If they're still afraid, try starting out with wet towels and washcloths so they can get used to the feeling of being wet. Over time they may become more comfortable with the idea of being in the water.
  • Question
    How often should I bathe a golden retriever puppy?
    CockerSpanielsAndKingCharlesSpaniels
    CockerSpanielsAndKingCharlesSpaniels
    Community Answer
    Wait until the puppy is at least 4-5 weeks old to give her a proper bath. Put her in a sink, if she fits and bathe her as the shampoo bottle says. Once a month is enough, unless she gets wet and muddy.
  • Question
    How do I know if I got all the soap out of my dog's fur?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The water should run clear with no soapy bubbles. Make sure to rub your hands in your dog's fur to make sure there's no soap there either.
  • Question
    How do I keep my white dog white?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The simple answer here is to just keep washing; bathing your dog regularly or whenever (s)he is dirty would be the best way. Try to avoid letting your dog play in muddles or other dirty areas to help as well.
  • Question
    Is it okay to get in the tub naked while bathing your dog?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's okay, but definitely not necessary. Put on an old pair of shorts and an old t-shirt if you're worried about messing up your clothes.
  • Question
    How do I untangle my dog's hair when washing it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Brush your dog’s fur thoroughly before giving him a bath. This is especially important if your dog has a thick, shaggy, or double coat. Make sure to remove any tangles or matted areas before the bath.
  • Question
    Can you recommend some dog shampoos that I can buy?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The best soap to use is one that hydrates the skin and fur, but make sure that there are no ingredients that your dog is allergic too.
  • Question
    I am 82 and have physical time limits for washing my dog. Consequently, I wash part of the dog at a time. How sensible is this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If that's the only way you can get it done, there's no harm in it. Perhaps it would be easier to ask a neighbor, friend, grandchild, etc. to wash your dog for you? Or take your dog to a groomer?
  • Question
    Can I use a loofah or cup for rinsing when washing a dog?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The loofah isn’t the best option while lathering your dog. Hands are better, even if it gets dirty in there. You can use a cup to rinse, but it’ll be a tiring process. Make sure you wash out all of the soap.
  • Question
    How do I wash my dog's head and outer ears if they have sticky residue from medication on them?
    BRIANNA STEIN
    BRIANNA STEIN
    Community Answer
    Use a toothbrush/cotton ball. But be careful you don't get any water inside the ear; also, be careful not to get any soap in your dog's mouth, eyes, etc.
  • Question
    What is the correct method for washing my dog's ears and toes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You don't need to wash your dog's ears. If you do, it can lead to infection. For the toes just put a little water and soap in between them, and then wash it out.
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