Giving Your Dog a Bath Without Clogging the Drain

How to Give a Dog a Bath in the Bathtub

You can give your dog a bath in the bathtub, but it's more challenging than washing yourself. You must deal with water temperature, shampoo, and a wiggling dog that doesn't like being dunked in water. The good news is that dogs are much easier to bathe than cats. You just need some supplies and tips on washing your dog properly.

Bathing your dog is an important part of keeping your pup healthy. However, doing this in the tub or shower can be tricky. If you don't have a bathtub, you'll need to find other ways to bathe your dog.

Supplies

The supplies needed for bathing your dog are simple: pet shampoo, towels, and a brush or comb. You may also want rubber gloves and a plastic tub to place under the faucet while washing your pet.

Brushing

It's important to brush your dog before bathing him because it will get the fur out of his coat and make it easier to rinse the soap later. It's also good for his coat because it helps distribute oil throughout his skin, so he doesn't dry out when you shower him off at the end of his bath.

Shampoo Properly

Remember to shampoo! Make sure to lather up thoroughly with shampoo before rinsing off. Shampooing is important in keeping your dog's coat clean and healthy. Be mindful of your dog’s ears by not getting water in them. If you do, be sure to dry their ears thoroughly.

Prepare for the Inevitable Wet Dog Shake

Your dog will shake off as much water as possible after getting out of the tub or shower. This is why it's important to have towels or rags handy so that you can dry him off quickly after getting out of the bathtub or shower, so he doesn't drip-dry on your floor! Try laying a towel over your dog’s back while they shake once or twice. If you are lucky enough to have a dog blow dryer, this bath could become the perfect spa day for your beloved pet.

What Temperature Should the Water Be?

Depending on the size of your dog and how dirty he is, consider using warm water for his bath rather than hot water. Hot water can cause irritation or burns if it gets into your dog's eyes or ears. Also, using cold water will cause him to shiver and shake, which could make him more agitated during his bath time. Essentially, if the water is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet.

What To Use to Wash Your Dog

You should only use products specifically designed for pet use when washing your pet because they are made with ingredients that won't harm them if they get in their eyes or mouths. You should also avoid using products labeled "for human use only" because they contain chemicals that can harm pets' sensitive skin.

How Often To Wash Your Dog

This depends on how dirty he is and how much time you have available for bathing him. Additionally, some dogs should be bathed less than others so you are sure you are not harming their natural oils. It's always best to wash him once every week or two, depending on how often he gets dirty (i.e., after running around outside).

How To Prevent Dog Hair From Clogging the Drain

When you bathe your dog, it's not only important that the tub is clean and dry but also that the drain is clear of hair. A clogged drain can be a major headache for homeowners, especially if it happens inconveniently. Here are some tips to help prevent your dog's long fur from clogging up your shower drain.

Drain Cover

If you have a bathtub with a drain cover, then you're in luck! You can trap any loose hair before it enters the pipe below. You simply need to lift the cover slightly and push it back into place when you're done bathing your dog. This will keep any stray hairs from escaping into the pipes below.

Pop-Up Drain Cover

If you don't have a bathtub with a drain cover, then you should consider installing one. They're typically easy to install and come in many different colors and styles to match any bathroom decor. These covers aren't permanent fixtures in your shower; instead, they pop up whenever there's water in the tub so that you can clean them thoroughly without causing any damage to your walls or flooring during installation.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing For Help

Dog bathing can be a messy business. And when you're done, and everything has dried up, you'll likely find some hair wafting upwards from the drain. Unlike other bathing accessories, there are relatively affordable ways to prevent dog hair from clogging the drain while you bathe your dog. Proper drain cleaning is a priority if you bathe your dog in your bathtub.