Okay, so your dog hatesss bathtime. We know bathing can be the most stressful time for some dogs and their humans, and we're here to help. *Disclaimer* we know every dog is different and these tips may not work for some, but hopefully with the right setup, tools and a sprinkle of patience, bathing your dog might not be the biggest pain in your a**.
Let's first understand why your dog hates baths. It could be that they had a bad, stressful experience one time in the claustrophobic tub, it might be the deafening sound of running water, it might be they got stinging soap in their eyes once. Or maybe, they just hate being wet. Dogs are creatures of comfort, and anything that feels unpredictable or out of their control can trigger anxiety. When we understand why they hate it, we can try and rebuild trust and make bath time feel safe, comfortable and maybe even enjoyable.
🧘🏻 Create as calm of an environment as possible. Fill the tub beforehand and don't run water in front of your pup. Play some classical or jazz music - these music genres have been studied to have a relaxing effect on dogs. Give them time to settle in the bathroom if that's an unfamiliar space for them. Keep the water lukewarm and comfortable.
🧸 Positive positive reinforcement. Gentle parent the heck out of your pup. If your dog is food motivated, distract them with a lick mat with peanut butter or frozen kefir. High-value treats, praise and affection can help make baths a rewarding time for them.
🫧 So maybe your dog is still absolutely not down for a bath. Something else you can try is to "dry" clean them with minimal water or soaking. Dry / waterless shampoos exist, but most of them are chockfull of chemicals and things we can't pronounce.
✽ And that's why our tea baths work just as well without the need to bath or soak your dogs! You can brew the tea and keep it in a spray bottle to mist over their paws and bodies, or dampen a cloth in the tea and wipe where needed. The soothing herbs can be a naturally relaxing scent for dogs, and since our tea baths do not need any rinsing, you can just wipe your pup down without the chaotic hassle of giving them a full bath.
This sure isn't an exhaustive list of solutions, but baby steps and suggestions to help introduce your dog to a self-care routine. At the end of the day, it's not just about getting clean - it's about building trust, comfort and care in your relationship.
