Less Stressful Dog Bathing

This post is sponsored by Adams Flea and Tick. All opinions are my own.

Dog bathing is often a bit stressful around here. Two out of three dogs are not the biggest fans of bath time. With warmer weather finally dipping in, it’s time to ramp up our doggy bath schedule. To make it easier on everyone, let’s list some tips to make dog bathing easier.

We have one dog who will happily hop into the tub at any given time. The other two, it takes a lot more work. Over time I’ve figured out some things to make bath time less stressful for everyone involved.

Tips to Make Dog Bathing Easier

Exercise off Extra Energy

Burn off as much nervous energy as possible by exercising your dog before a bath. We let ours run in the yard for up to two hours sometimes before they look tired enough to cooperate.

Try to take your dogs for a long walk, play some serious fetch, or any other activity to wear them out a bit.

Since our area is apparently a flea and tick party zone, I have Mike spray the yard with Adams Yard & Garden Spray. It kills fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and ants in our yard and protects against fleas for four weeks. Adams is far more effective than natural treatments.

When it comes to flea and tick protection, you want a product that works well, and that is Adams.

Brush off Loose Fur

Brushing your dog before a bath is smart for several reasons. Brush off loose fur, dead skin, and dander outside before heading for the bathtub.

Our animals enjoy being brushed and it seems to relax them. So, once they wind down a little in the yard, we brush them as part of the pre-bath relaxation ritual.

Bribe with Treats

When in doubt, break out the dog treats. I don’t know about other pets, but our three are incredibly food-motivated. Whenever someone runs from the tub, a treat can usually lure them back in.

For Franklin, our most nervous pup, I break a treat into several pieces. I give him chunks of the treat before, during, and after his bath.

If you’re picturing a spa day with palm leaf fans and peeled grapes, that would be an accurate visual for Franklin’s bath time demands.

Separate Multiple Pets

If you have multiple dogs, I think it goes without saying to bathe one at a time. Never have I dared to put three dogs in one tub. However, sometimes it’s also necessary to get the other two out of the room.

Everyone goes a little nutty when one of the pack is in the bath. I don’t know if it’s moral support, jealousy, or confusion, but everything is more peaceful when it’s just one dog in the bathroom and me!

Positive and Reassuring Voice

Talk to your dog in a calm and reassuring voice throughout the dog bathing process. It’s easy to get frustrated when a wet dog is trying to escape the bath but remain calm.

Positive reinforcement helps make dog bathing fun. You want your dog to love bath time eventually; not fear it. So, resist the urge to scold them and keep it all light and happy.

I even sing to my dogs while they are in the bath. Thankfully, they can’t report back to any humans about my ridiculous lyrics and tone-deaf voice, but I like to think it helps get them through it!

Test the Water

Make sure the water is warm before placing your dog into the bath. It’s easy to turn on the faucet and get distracted for a moment. Dip your hand in immediately before your pet touches the water. If it’s too hot or too cold, they will be traumatized for life.

Test again before rinsing. Once you’ve lathered up your dog with Adams Flea & Tick Cleansing Shampoo, be sure to rinse your dog carefully with warm water. Avoid getting water in their ears and eyes.

Protect from Fleas and Ticks

Once everyone is all clean, you want to keep them that way as long as possible. That includes preventing the creepy critters hitching a ride from the outdoors!

Apply Adams Flea & Tick Collar Plus for dogs to prevent new flea infestations. The adjustable, one-size-fits-all collar is water resistant and kills fleas and ticks for up to 12 months. It also repels mosquitoes for up to 6 months.

Plus the tin is a two-pack which is a great value considering you only have to replace every 6 months. Adams is far more effective than natural treatments.

If a flea or tick does manage to creep into your home, be sure to spray your carpet, floors, pet beds, furniture, and drapes with Adams Flea & Tick Carpet & Home Spray. It kills fleas within 5 minutes and protects for seven months.

If you spot a flea or tick on your dog, you can use Adams Flea & Tick Spray along with the other products. Spray a light, even coverage across the fur to kill adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks.

Where to Buy Adams

Shop for Adams products online at Walmart.

{Shudder} Talking about all these bugs can give you the creepy-crawlies. But, don’t let it keep you indoors! Arm yourself with Adams and play in the yard as much as possible this season!

Daily Refresher without the Tub

Sometimes pets just need a little wipe down that doesn’t require a full tub-time. Get yourself some disposable mitts for quick and easy freshen up sessions!

Make baths a regular routine using the tips above and, hopefully, everyone eventually lines up for their turn each week. Paws crossed, at least. 😉