Giving your furry best friend a bath doesn’t have to be an ordeal, especially with the right set up at home.
A DIRTY DOG IS A HAPPY DOG
What’s the point of having a yard if you aren’t free to roll in the grass, whenever you like – especially after a good rain. After all, grass is a great back scratcher. Imagine the freedom to romp through every mud puddle. Every single mud puddle. Is #NoPuddleLeftBehind trending on a doggie social media site somewhere in the universe?
Then there’s the trifecta – open range with no gates in sight in this field of mud puddles. #Jackpot
A dog’s idea of romping freely includes all these things and then some. And while you enjoy your pet’s carefree lifestyle, you have to live with them, so a bath is necessary. For the pet’s health and to eliminate that ‘smell of happiness.’
The size of your dog isn’t necessarily an indication of how much an ordeal this task is. My 105 pound blue tick hound loved a bath. That’s an overstatement. Ole Blue loved a bath once a year exactly on summer solstice. That was the only time he’d entertain the idea – in the warmer month. Considering he weighed a solid 105 pounds, the decision to bathe him had to have his support. Or it wasn’t happening.
My little dogs, Louie and Bosley, both of the Bichon Frise breed, were an altogether different story. These little dogs, about 15 pounds each, really enjoy a bi-monthly bath. When I announced it was bath time, Louie use to meet me at the tub. My regular tub. It’s easier to get smaller dogs to comply.
WHEN TO BATHE
Routine pet care should include a monthly bath at the bare minimum. But it really depends on the breed of dog. Long haired dogs require more bathing to keep the dog’s coat conditioned. Smaller dogs are the same. Both most likely require a professional groom every 6-8 weeks. If you have a dog with allergies, your veterinarian will probably suggest a bath every couple of weeks to get rid of pet dander.
Dogs may not initially enjoy bath time. Try to make it fun. Here’s a resource from a veterinarian on all the ins and outs of canine baths.
WHERE TO BATHE
With my 105 pound blue tick hound, the choice on where to bathe him was easy. OUTSIDE. I used a kiddie pool to entice him but a washtub works too. If you’re bathing your dog outside you are limited to the weather. You absolutely cannot give a bath outside in the colder months. But an outside bath is great in spring and summer months.
CREATING AN INDOOR DOG SPA
Converting an area into a dog spa is not inexpensive, but the good things at home never are. This storage space in Kelsey Lewis’ basement was getting utilized, but for storage. There was a utility sink already in place, meaning water was piped there already.
BLANK SLATE
Clearing the space out shows the potential.
COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION
A clever design – installing a raised tub in the existing room could have looked odd but on the side of the tub, these homeowners placed sliding barn doors for more storage.
SPA WORTHY DOG BATH
When your dog is still a puppy, it’s common to use the kitchen sink for a bath. It’s so much easier to give a good scrub when you’re comfortable. What I love about this dog spa is the raised level. Subway tiles deflect the ‘shake-off’ water. Notice there’s storage underneath as well, concealed by another barndoor.
DOG SPA AND WORK STATION
Photos courtesy Kelsey Lewis
No wasted space in this dog spa. The opposite side of the room is set up as a work station. The overall room makeover is a huge improvement with style and functionality. Plus there’s just enough storage for those things you really need.
Want to give your bath a dog? Click here for the link to PetFinder and meet your new best friend.